The New Glarus Brewing Company is proud to support charitable organizations in the New Glarus area and throughout Wisconsin. In 2021, the Brewery formed Only in Wisconsin Giving Inc., a 501 (c) (3) charitable Foundation. All of the Brewery's charitable activity is managed and supported by the Foundation.

Conni Bigler, Captain of "Trevor's Team" and long-time NAMI Green County board member, holds up a sponsorship sign with New Glarus Brewery employees. A $2,500 sponsorship for this year's NAMIWalks event was received earlier. SSM Health - Monroe, WI, also granted a sponsorship in the amount of $250. All sponsorship money is awarded solely to Green County.

"Trevor's Team" - NAMI Green County was formed by Conni Bigler, mother of Trevor Moen, who died by suicide in October of 2007 at the age of 29. Trevor had been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in his late teens. Relatives and friends of Trevor joined the team and this year will be their 14th walk. The team varies a little from year to year, but the support is always there. Some of the original members are now married and bring their children to the event, which will be held at Olin-Turville Park on October 8th, 2022. This year's event coincides with the 15th anniversary of the loss of Trevor.

As of 2021, "Trevor's Team" has brought in over $75,000. For the first few years, the revenue was divided equally between NAMI Dane County and NAMI Green County. In the last three years, NAMI Green County has been able to retain 70% of the revenue. We welcome the opportunity to walk around beautiful Lake Monona in Madison and NAMI Dane County has always done a fantastic job of organizing the Walk. "Bonk's Brigade", led by NAMI Green County member Carrie Drews of Browntown, will be on board again this year for Green County as well after joining last year.

NAMI Green County's mission is to educate, support and advocate for those they know and care about who live with a mental illness. There are also programs available for family and friends. NAMI is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by mental illness. Conni has served almost 14 years on the Board of Directors, and feels that, "working with NAMI Green County helped me heal after the death of my son. Having a purpose and the ability to see that these donations are used to help others kept Trevor's memory in a good place. Another mother's son is most likely alive today with support from NAMI, counseling and proper medication." Mental Illness is a disease just like any other disease, only this one affects the brain, one of the most intricate organs in our bodies. There is still so much ignorance and stigma involved with mental illnesses.

This past year NAMI Green County hosted their Open House in May at their Monroe, WI, location downstairs at the Monroe Chamber of Commerce building. Although the first official meeting was held there in early March of 2020, it was soon closed due to the pandemic. NAMI GC is back on track now and has provided stipends and support for the "Raise Your Voice" Club at the New Glarus High School. They hosted a table at the Monroe Theatre Guild during the presentations of "Right Before You Go", and recently sponsored and attended the "Light Up The Darkness" event held in Belleville, WI. An eight-week Family-To-Family training session for family and friends of those with a mental illness is being held now. Board Member Jane Sybers, along with NAMI GC Member Julie Saether, facilitate this session. Kristy Schindler and Kevin Pratt, NAMI GC Members, facilitate a Peer Support Group held the 2nd Monday of the month. Board Member Bridget Mouchon was responsible for initiating a Mental Health First Aid Training here in New Glarus. NAMI GC also recently awarded Corrine Hendrickson of New Glarus a grant to help her with her Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Capstone Master's program.

Mental Illness Awareness Week is the first full week in October. Donations may be sent to NAMI Green County, PO Box 343, New Glarus, WI 53574. If you have questions or would like to donate online, please contact Conni Bigler at clbigler@gmail.com. You can also find us on Facebook and our website at https://namigreencounty.org.