Making a positive difference in our communities. - Whyte ...

WHYTELIGHTS 

2012 

Making a positive difference in our communities.

FOREWORD 

According to the great American writer Edith Wharton, “There are two 

ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” 

Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek S.C. made $100 available to every 

member of our firm with only one requirement: Be a “Whyte Light” 

by supporting a struggling friend, giving to a nonprofit, or assisting 

a complete stranger in need of a little help. Exactly how to use each 

$100 was a personal, not firm, decision, but every participant was to 

report back on the experience. This booklet is the mirror that attempts 

to reflect the light of those stories. 

Our Whyte Lights assisted the homeless, helped ease the suffering of people with illnesses 

and other hardships, and supported many organizations and individuals who provide basic 

necessities, care for animals, and do other good works to improve our communities. 

Our Whyte Lights fed the hungry, put toys and warm clothing in children’s hands, 

purchased wigs for cancer survivors and suits for the jobless seeking employment. They 

supported art therapy, music and cultural programs. They paid off layaway accounts. 

Oftentimes, they pooled their funds and made personal contributions add up for an 

even greater impact. 

Most importantly, they put smiles on the faces of many people who may have been 

longing for something to smile about during difficult times. I am moved and humbled 

by the stories I’ve read. I expect you will be moved, too. Each story shines a light and 

reminds us that we can help those around us, we can lighten the burden carried by 

another, we can make the world better. 

Participating in this effort has been an honor and privilege. I am proud to work with everyone 

at Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek who participated in Whyte Lights and shared their story. 

We hope that Whyte Lights inspires others to more random acts of kindness and payit-forward 

generosity. Together we can continue to spread light and make a positive 

difference in our communities. 

Paul J. Eberle 

Chief Executive 

Please note: To protect the identities of individuals supported by Whyte Lights, we have 

only included first names. Opinions included in this booklet may not necessarily reflect 

those of WHD.

BENEFICIARY: 

ACTS Housing 

WHYTE LIGHTS: 

Michael Gosman, Associate, Finance Practice 

Group, Milwaukee; Charles Gibbs, Legal 

Secretary, Finance Practice Group, Milwaukee 

BENEFICIARY: 

Nakia 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Patricia Turner, Legal Secretary and 

Receptionist, Administration, Milwaukee 

Nakia is one of many young women 

whom Patricia Turner mentors. The two 

also attend church together. Mother 

to two boys, aged 2 and 5, Nakia is 

going through divorce proceedings and 

fighting for custody of her sons. “She 

has a personality larger than life,” says 

Pat, “but seems to be in a depressed 

state right now. I thought it would be a 

wonderful gesture to offer her the $100. 

I felt that she needed to do something 

special for herself and am glad that WHD 

was able to assist in that regard.” 

Michael Gosman and Charles Gibbs each 

contributed $100 to ACTS Housing, which 

will use the money to make small low-interest 

rehabilitation loans to clients who purchased 

previously vacant and foreclosed homes in 

Milwaukee’s central city. ACTS promotes 

affordable homeownership that fosters a lowincome 

family’s ability to be self-empowered, 

thereby reducing community blight, 

neighborhood deterioration, and poverty. 

ACTS generates homeownership opportunities 

for inner-city residents within a targeted 

neighborhood so that an entire community can 

be transformed and sustained. “They do such 

amazing work,” says Michael. Adds Charles, 

“Improving housing situations is one of the 

best ways to foster independent growth in 

struggling families.” 

BENEFICIARY: 

St. Monica School 

Annual Fund 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Jennifer Lee, Legal Secretary, Real Estate 

Practice Group, Milwaukee 

St. Monica School (SMS) is a Catholic grade 

school in Whitefish Bay, Wis. The SMS 

Annual Fund provides dollars for the school’s 

operating budget, teacher salaries and the 

reduction of tuition expense. Dollars in excess 

of campaign goals help fund equipment 

purchases and renovations. Jennifer Lee 

contributed $100 to the fund. “Reducing 

tuition expense allows an exemplary private 

education to be more affordable for all current 

students, and more accessible to future 

school families,” says Jennifer. 

6 WHYTE LIGHTS 2012

BENEFICIARY: 

Paul 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Renee Wagner, Legal Secretary, Corporate 


Paul, a Milwaukee resident and friend of a 

friend whom Renee Wagner has never met, is 

master to Ronan, a Rottweiler diagnosed with 

osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer. Paul 

learned that if his dog was treated quickly, 

underwent amputation of one of its legs, and 

was given a few rounds of chemotherapy, the 

dog would have an 85% chance of survival. 

The veterinary bills, however, would total more 

than $5,000, which Paul was not equipped 

to pay. Paul took to Facebook to try to raise 

the necessary funds, and Renee responded 

with $100. He was “a random person I could 

help,” she says. 

BENEFICIARY: 

Liz 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Jennifer Jin, Associate, Corporate Practice 

Group, Milwaukee 

Liz, a friend of Jennifer Jin’s who worked for a 

large bank, was the victim of a hit-and-run. 

Her car was hit from behind and was 

forced into the car in front of her. Both cars, 

surprisingly, then fled the scene. During 

this difficult time, Liz’s branch office closed 

following a consolidation and she had to 

relocate to a different location days after the 

accident. “I gave her $100 because she was 

in a rough spot,” says Jennifer. “We were with 

some colleagues at the time, so I enjoyed 

explaining the program to them.” 

BENEFICIARY: 

Hallie 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Tamara Hayes O’Brien, Shareholder, 

Litigation Practice Group, Milwaukee 

Hallie’s family has been struggling to make 

ends meet since her husband lost his job 

more than a year ago. She has been working 

hard to expand her residential and commercial 

cleaning business. Tamara O’Brien realized 

just how tight things were when Hallie made 

a special 45-minute trip to pick up the 

cleaning fee for the previous week because 

she needed it to be able to make her rent 

payment that day. Tami gave her the $100 

Whyte Lights money, too, explaining that the 

program is intended to spread good fortune. 

This gesture was very much appreciated by 

Hallie, and she commented that this is “an 

incredible corporate program.” 

BENEFICIARY: 

Washington County 

Humane Society 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Janet Anderson, Accounts Receivable, 

Accounting, Milwaukee 

Janet Anderson adopted a dog in March 2012 

from the Washington County Humane Society 

and was very impressed with the employees 

and volunteers she encountered, as well as the 

care they gave the animals. She knew that the 

shelter relied on donations to cover expenses 

for the animals as the facility does not receive 

government funding or funding from any state 

or national humane organizations. As the 

shelter does not euthanize or put a time limit 

on adoptable animals, costs add up quickly. 

Additionally, “there has been construction on 

Highway 60 since April, which I believe has 

hindered people from visiting the shelter,” says 

Janet, who contributed $100 to help pay for the 

animals’ care. “I told the people at the shelter 

about WHD’s Whyte Lights program. They were 

so appreciative and could not believe WHD 

would do such a wonderful thing. They thanked 

me numerous times,” she says. “It felt good to 

leave knowing that the money would help them.” 

WHYTE HIRSCHBOECK DUDEK S.C. 7

BENEFICIARY: 

Tracy’s Family 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Joslyn Poquette, Legal Secretary, Litigation 

Practice Group, Madison 

Tracy’s family has had a particularly rough time 

during the last three years. Tracy is a single 

mother who works two jobs and receives no 

support from her ex-husband. She has been 

struggling to pay her bills, feed her children and 

keep her family’s home, which recently went 

into foreclosure. Her two children, teenage 

boys, go to high school and also work to 

provide income for the family. The youngest 

son recently told a friend that he only has 

one pair of pants and two shirts—and other 

kids at school have started to notice. Joslyn 

Poquette donated $100 to the family to be 

used however they see fit. “I hope they use 

it for entertainment to boost their morale and 

escape all of their hardships, if just for a day,” 

says Joslyn. 

BENEFICIARY: 

Liz 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Jennifer Lindskoog, Madison Office 

Administrator, Administration, Madison 

Liz is a recovering alcoholic who recently 

reached six months of sobriety. She has two 

children, aged 18 months and 3 years. Her 

husband is in jail and Liz is filing for divorce. 

She has worked very hard to turn her life 

around, but is dependent on state assistance 

and is living with her parents. Jennifer 

Lindskoog offered Liz $100, which Jennifer 

hopes she will use to treat herself and/or her 

children to something fun or needed. “She is 

working toward being an independent woman 

with dignity,” says Jennifer, “and is putting 

great effort into making her and her children’s 

lives better.” 

BENEFICIARY: 

Sarah 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Trisha Ciochon, Legal Secretary, Litigation 


Trisha Ciochon donated $100 to Sarah, 

a waitress who serves her at her favorite 

restaurant. Sarah is a single mother who is 

battling breast cancer. “She is unable to work 

during cancer treatments and does not have 

insurance,” says Trisha. 

BENEFICIARY: 

Michael’s Family 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Carrie Olson, Legal Secretary, Corporate Practice 

Group, Madison 

Michael and his wife are neighbors of Carrie 

Olson. Michael had emergency surgery in 

October and the family has no insurance. 

“Winter is coming and their two kids need 

winter coats, but they have to redirect funds to 

pay medical bills associated with the surgery,” 

says Carrie, who donated her $100 plus added 

$100 of her own funds to pay for the coats. 

“They’re a hard-working and loving family and 

appreciated the gift,” she says. 

BENEFICIARY: 

Tracy 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Julie Hughes, Legal Secretary, Intellectual 

Property Practice Group, Madison 

Julie Hughes used to live across the street 

from Tracy, mother to two children who has 

been struggling for a few years and whose 

home is soon to be in foreclosure, which she 

is trying to avoid. Julie offered Tracy $100, 

which Tracy used to purchase groceries for 

her family. Says Julie, “She works two jobs 

and still cannot keep up.” 

8 WHYTE LIGHTS 2012

BENEFICIARY: 

Blessings in a Bag 

WHYTE LIGHTS: 

Vikki Schaal, Legal Secretary, Human Resources 

Law Practice Group, Madison; Amy Sanheim, 

Legal Secretary, Corporate and Real Estate 

Practice Groups, Milwaukee 

After a tragic car accident claimed the lives of her 

brother, sister and sister-in-law last winter, Nancilyn 

decided to quit her high-stress job to focus on 

other priorities, namely her family, friends and 

those in need. Shortly thereafter, her family started 

“Blessings in a Bag.” Nancilyn, her husband and 

two children made 25 bagged lunches and drove 

to a less fortunate area of town. Within 30 minutes, 

all 25 meals were gone. With assistance from 

friends and neighbors, the family has increased its 

weekly production to 100 lunches. Recently, the 

family celebrated passing out its 1,000 th Blessing 

in a Bag. Vikki Schaal and Amy Sanheim each 

sent $100 to the family to help defer some of the 

costs of this program. Says Vikki, “I love what they 

are doing, so I was very happy to contribute.” 

BENEFICIARY: 

Dane County Legal 

Community Tree Planting 

BENEFICIARY: 

Oregon Youth Center 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Jaret DeKelver, Photocopy Clerk, 

ASC, Madison 

Jaret DeKelver utilized his $100 

to assist the Oregon Youth Center 

(OYC), which is associated with the 

YMCA of Dane County. The OYC 

serves as a safe place for children to 

fill the time gap between after school 

and the end of their parents’ work 

day. It keeps them off the street, away 

from danger, and offers resources 

needed for students to do their 

homework. “As is the case with most 

facilities that are similar in nature, 

the OYC is always dealing with 

more need than means,” says Jaret, 

noting that the center serves 35 to 

40 children per day. “Their staff only 

has one full-time employee who runs 

the facility,” he says. “Any support to 

that position is provided by volunteers 

from the AmeriCorps program.” The 

funds provided by WHD purchased 

groceries for the cooking club, as well 

as healthy snacks. 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Erin Keesecker, Associate, Litigation Practice 

Group, Madison 

Erin Keesecker donated her $100 for a fall tree 

planting at Swan Creek Park in Fitchburg, Wis. 

The donation funded the purchase of a 12-foot 

Celebration Freeman maple, one of 17 trees 

planted on Nov. 3, 2012. As the trees grow, they 

will reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide, provide 

local wildlife habitat, and improve the community 

for generations to come. “I felt that this was a way 

I could make a contribution to the ongoing battle 

against climate change, which often seems too 

large and overwhelming to takle on an individual 

basis,” says Erin. Trees planted during this event 

counted toward the American Bar Association’s 

One Million Trees Project, which calls on attorneys 

nationwide to contribute to the goal of planting 1 

million trees across the United States by 2014. 


BENEFICIARY: 

Linden Grove-New Berlin 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Sharon Zalewski, Director of Marketing, 

Marketing, Milwaukee 

BENEFICIARY: 

Taco 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Romero McCants, Administrative 

Services Assistant, ASC, Milwaukee 

Romero McCants’ wife’s coworker, 

Taco, selflessly works with at-risk 

youth on and off the clock. “He 

volunteers his time and whatever 

resources he has,” says Romero. “He 

doesn’t always have enough to make 

ends meet, but stretches what he 

does have to make himself available.” 

Taco’s activities include coaching 

basketball and taking the children on 

camping trips. After arriving at work 

one day, Taco’s car caught fire in the 

parking lot. Since then, he has been 

taking the bus, but still makes himself 

available for the youth. Romero gave 

Taco his $100. “We felt this gift could 

help him as he gets his transportation 

situation settled. He was overwhelmed 

by the generosity.” 

Sharon Zalewski gave her $100 to Linden 

Grove-New Berlin, a 135-bed, short-term 

rehabilitation and long-term skilled nursing 

care facility, to purchase Boy Scout wreaths 

from one of her nephews. The money paid 

for five wreaths to decorate the courtyard 

area behind the building. With the sale, her 

nephew received a $40 kickback, which 

offset costs associated with Scouting. Her 

brother and sister-in-law matched the $40 and 

Sharon and her husband matched the $100 

to purchase craft supplies for Linden Grove 

residents: beads, glue sticks, construction 

paper, and wooden birdhouses and trees to 

paint. The residents usually give these to their 

grandchildren or donate their projects to those 

in need. Finally, Sharon’s nephews donated 

dozens of their own Beanie Babies as Bingo 

prizes as the activities therapist indicated 

residents liked these. “My husband and I feel it 

is very important that we teach our nephews, 

who are also our godsons, to be charitable, 

giving people,” says Sharon. “Linden Grove 

has a few facilities in the area, and a number of 

my relatives have stayed at these places over 

the years. This was a way for my brother and 

me, especially, to give back.” 

BENEFICIARY: 

Michael 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Robert Sanders, Senior Attorney, Human 

Resources Law Practice Group, Milwaukee 

Michael, a father of three with two stepchildren 

(five children total), recently lost his job and his 

home. Robert Sanders used the $100, plus 

some of his own funds, to purchase Michael 

a new suit, as his old one did not fit. “He has 

been interviewing for jobs with no luck,” says 

Robert. “Hopefully, if he looks the part, it will 

increase his chances of getting hired.” 

10 WHYTE LIGHTS 2012

BENEFICIARY: 

A Fund for Women 

WHYTE LIGHTS: 

Tiffany Hutchens, Associate, Human Resources Law 

Practice Group, Madison; Gina Carter, Shareholder, 

Intellectual Property Practice Group, Madison 

A Fund for Women funds organizations that help 

women, young and old, become self-sufficient 

and the leaders they are meant to be. An area 

of need is identified every two years and funds 

raised are applied as grants to organizations that 

submit grant requests. Tiffany Hutchens attended 

the organization’s annual fundraising event and 

donated her $100 toward its “Greatest Need.” “I 

didn’t attend planning to donate the $100, but 

the stories of success shared, the fund’s effort 

to raise their endowment to $2.1 million, and an 

offer by one of the donors to match gifts made 

in the area of greatest need convinced me this 

was where I should apply the funds,” says Tiffany. 

“My $100 was actually a $200 donation because 

of the generosity of the matching donor.” Gina 

Carter also contributed $100 to the organization. 

She has been involved with A Fund for Women 

for about 15 years. Gina currently serves on 

its Executive Committee, and is Chair of its 

endowment fundraising initiative that is trying to 

raise $600,000 to bring the endowment to $2 

million, thereby assuring $100,000 can be given 

to worthy projects each year. 

BENEFICIARY: 

Tomorrow’s Children 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Frank Gumina, Shareholder, Human Resources 

Law Practice Group, Milwaukee 

BENEFICIARY: 

First United Methodist 

Church of West Allis – 

Thanksgiving Basket 

Program 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Donna Simon, Legal Secretary, Corporate Practice 


Donna Simon gave her $100 to her church’s 

Thanksgiving Basket Ministry, which has a 

40-year history of giving to families in the area 

who are experiencing financial difficulties a 

turkey and other foods necessary to prepare 

a Thanksgiving meal. The cost of each basket 

is approximately $40. “As a kid, Thanksgiving 

was my most favorite holiday,” says Donna. 

“I remember waking up to the smell of coffee 

brewing and salt and sage as my mother 

prepared the turkey and stuffing. We always 

had plenty of food and we never quite knew 

how many people would come over. After a 

light breakfast I would help my mother prepare 

the rest of the meal, which always included 

potatoes, corn, fresh fruit salad with whipped 

cream, and pies—many pies. All morning 

long we would baste the turkey and monitor 

its browning. You couldn’t help but be happy. 

Now, imagine families who don’t have enough 

to eat—families who need to visit food pantries 

or who need to send their kids to school to eat 

breakfast and lunch because they can’t afford 

to feed them. Just imagine if you could bring 

a basket of food for one of our most beloved 

holidays to them. My $100 donation on 

behalf of WHD provides that wonderful feeling 

of thankfulness and fullness to three more 

families.” This year, dinners were provided to 

204 households that fed 1,001 people. 

Tomorrow’s Children is a residential treatment 

facility for emotionally challenged children. Its 

mission is to provide children/adolescents with 

a safe, positive, caring, learning environment 

while teaching them to be successful in a 

community setting. Frank Gumina’s $100 

donation will be used to purchase products 

for the children. “I have visited Tomorrow’s 

Children on multiple occasions,” says Frank. 

“They are special people doing special work.” 


BENEFICIARY: 

Lutheran Special School & 

Education Services 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Sandra Chapman, Paralegal, Real Estate 


Sandra Chapman gave her $100 to Lutheran 

Special School & Education Services (LSSES), 

which provides quality education for children 

with learning difficulties in a Lutheran school 

environment. “I am blessed with two healthy 

grandsons who are in mainstream education,” 

says Sandra. “LSSES is a wonderful program 

that helps children with special needs.” 

BENEFICIARIES: 

Renee; Nakea 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Yvette Dantzler, Legal Secretary, Human 


Yvette Dantzler was able to help two individuals 

with immediate needs—Renee and Nakea. 

Yvette found Renee and her son crying in a 

parking lot. When Yvette approached them 

to see if they were okay, they told Yvette that 

Renee’s son’s shoes were stolen from school. 

“I went on to ask if my firm could help by 

purchasing her son a new pair of shoes,” says 

Yvette. “She hugged me and we met at Kohl’s 

Department Store and did so,” adding that the 

shoes cost approximately $50. Yvette gave the 

remaining $50 to Nakea, who used the money 

to purchase food. 

BENEFICIARY: 

6:8 – Making 

Service Personal 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Kristina Lemanski, Associate, Litigation 


In 2012, Kristina Lemanski’s college friends, 

Sarah and John, founded a nonprofit 

organization in Sauk Prairie, Wis., called 

6:8 – Making Service Personal. Its mission 

is to serve the needs of the community by 

volunteering and inspiring others to volunteer 

their time, talent and money to help friends, 

family and fellow community members who 

live in poverty. To achieve this, Sarah and 

John organize service projects and trips, 

fundraising events, educational programs, and 

service recognition programs. Last year, 6:8 

partnered with Sauk Prairie Food Pantry to 

purchase and package food to feed families 

with children during school breaks who would 

not otherwise have had enough food during 

those breaks. 6:8 provided help to more 

than 70 families. Now, 6:8 seeks to provide 

75 families with food and local grocery store 

certificates for school breaks. Kristina donated 

her $100 to this program, which fed four 

families during the Thanksgiving break. “Sarah 

and John built 6:8 from the ground up after 

they were inspired with ideas for serving their 

community by making service personal to 

those who are more fortunate than others,” 

says Kristina. “They both left paying jobs 

and the security those jobs provided to 

dedicate themselves to fulfilling their mission. 

Their courage and passion in creating an 

organization that fills urgent community 

needs and motivates others to do the same 

continually inspires me.” 


BENEFICIARY: 

Patricia 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Kathy Brier, Project Support, 

Resource Center, Milwaukee 

Patricia has been a friend of Kathy Brier’s family 

for 15 years. She has many health problems, 

including multiple sclerosis, and is living on a 

fi xed income. When Patricia could not afford 

the new eyeglasses she needed, Kathy’s $100 

came in handy. Says Kathy, “This gift was very 

much appreciated.” 

BENEFICIARY: 

Kate 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Jamie Schlieckau, Legal Secretary, 

Corporate Practice Group, Milwaukee 

Jamie Schlieckau used her $100 to purchase 

a grocery store gift card for Kate, so she could 

buy food for her three children. “Kate is going 

through a terrible divorce and is barely scraping 

by,” says Jamie. “She is having a very tough 

time supporting her children.” 

BENEFICIARY: 

Amber 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Leslie Rector, Legal Secretary, Intellectual 

Property Practice Group, Madison 

Leslie Rector asked her pastor if she knew of 

anyone in need who could use $100. The pastor 

recommended Amber, a single mother with 

four children aged 2, 3, 8 and 9, who recently 

had moved into the parsonage next to Leslie’s 

church. (The pastor and her husband have their 

own house.) Amber’s colon was removed in the 

summer and only recently was she getting back 

on her feet as a daycare provider. “Amber was 

very grateful to receive the $100,” says Leslie. 

BENEFICIARY: 

Liana 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Amy Salinas, Legal Secretary, Finance 


Amy Salinas gave her $100 to her coworker, 

Liana, after the sudden death of Liana’s 

husband. “I gave the $100 to Liana because 

I knew her husband had no insurance policy 

and Liana would need all the fi nancial help she 

could get,” says Amy. 


Amber and James 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Jackie Wells, Legal Secretary, Litigation 


Jackie Wells used her $100 to purchase 

athletic apparel, sports bags, and 

registration fees for two children. “In 

addition to fundraising, the $100 gift 

helps to offset the cost of playing high 

school and Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) 

basketball,” says Jackie. 


BENEFICIARY: 

Second Hand Purrs 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Andrea Frkovich, Paralegal, Intellectual 

Property Practice Group, Milwaukee 

Second Hand Purrs is a local no-kill 

cat shelter established in 2004 that is 

run completely by volunteers. Andrea 

Frkovich’s $100 donation will be used 

for veterinary care and medication for 

animals in need. “The shelter often 

takes in special needs animals that 

would be at high risk of euthanasia at 

other facilities,” says Andrea. 

BENEFICIARY: 

Jeanne 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Linda Green, Legal Secretary, Litigation Practice 


Jeanne is a 55-year-old secretary of Linda 

Green’s church. When Jeanne’s hours were 

reduced to part-time, Linda donated her $100 

to assist with Jeanne’s expenses. “She is the 

breadwinner for her family and desperately 

needs financial assistance,” says Linda. 

BENEFICIARY: 

Nehemiah Project Inc. 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Michael Bohn, Associate, Corporate Practice 


BENEFICIARY: 

Wand Children 

Benefit Fund 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Gretchen Cleveland, Associate, Corporate 


Gretchen Cleveland donated her $100 to 

the Wand Children Benefit Fund, which was 

established to benefit the victims of a fire in 

Argyle, Wis.—particularly to help with care 

for the mother and support for the surviving 

daughter. The father and uncle of the three 

young children who died allegedly set the 

fire so the father could collect life insurance 

on his wife, who was badly injured in the fire. 

“My husband’s boss is a friend of the Wand 

family and explained their hardships to him,” 

says Gretchen. “He was moved so we wanted 

to help. We made a personal contribution in 

addition to the $100 from Whyte Lights.” 

Nehemiah Project serves to promote healing in 

the greater Milwaukee area through programs 

that support youth, forgiveness, and interracial 

dialogue. Michael Bohn donated his Whyte 

Lights money to this organization where he 

serves as a board member. 


BENEFICIARY: 

Elizabeth – for Children’s 

Hospital of Wisconsin 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Billie Fatheree, Legal Secretary, Real Estate 


Billie Fatheree donated her $100 to Treatment 

Foster Care Case Manager (social worker) 

Elizabeth to purchase Christmas presents 

for five children on her case load. Each year, 

Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin (one of the 

providers for both ongoing case managers and 

treatment foster care case managers partnered 

with the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare) 

asks for donations to provide children currently 

in foster care with gifts. “I started my career in 

social work as an ongoing case manager with 

Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and the Bureau 

of Milwaukee Child Welfare,” says Billie. “I actually 

started on the same day as Elizabeth many years 

ago, and while our careers took us down different 

paths, I continue to care deeply for children’s 

welfare and support my former coworkers in 

their dedication.” According to Billie, many of 

the children in foster care in Milwaukee County 

would not receive gifts without the support of toy 

drives and donations. “There is nothing better 

than trying to give a child whose life is in upheaval 

a sense of normalcy during the holidays,” she 

adds. “The $100 was used to buy presents for 

five special children: Shekari, Jamonte, Heaven, 

Neveah and Shania.” 

BENEFICIARY: 

16-Year-Old Girl 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Trina Strigenz, Legal Secretary, Litigation 


Trina Strigenz purchased a $100 Wal-Mart gift 

card for a 16-year-old who is on her own and 

living in a shelter. She is a student of Trina’s 

sister’s at Assata High School. “My sister told 

me that she tries to come to school every day 

because she knows the only way out of her 

situation is to educate herself,” says Trina. 

BENEFICIARY: 

Wisconsin Right to Life 

Education Fund 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Cecelia Campbell, Paralegal, Litigation Practice 


For more than 40 years, Wisconsin Right to 

Life has been committed to saving lives by 

touching hearts and minds to create a society 

in which every person’s right to life is secure. 

“Wisconsin Right to Life Education Fund, also 

known as Veritas Society, is responsible for 

commercials that use medical technology to 

educate the public to the beating heart that 

is observable early on after conception,” says 

Cecelia Campbell, who contributed her $100 

to the fund. The fund also educates women 

in crisis regarding adoption alternatives and 

widely available support groups. 


Bill and Jennifer 

WHYTE LIGHTS: 

Kathy Gust, Accounts Payable, Accounting, 

Milwaukee; Ilona Hackbarth, Accounts Payable, 


Kathy Gust, who plans to retire in a small 

central Wisconsin town, learned that on 

Sept. 10, 2012, Bill and Jennifer and their 

children, residents of this town, woke up at 

4:00 a.m. to their house on fire. “They lost 

everything, but thankfully all survived,” says 

Kathy. Kathy donated her $100 to help them 

get back on their feet. Ilona Hackbarth also 

contributed $100 to Bill and Jennifer. “When 

Kathy told me the tragic story, I asked her if 

they were still taking donations,” she says. “I 

was happy to help them out.” 



Ben’s Family; 

Jessie’s Family 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Phillip Bower, Shareholder, Real Estate 


Phillip Bower sent a $25 gift card for groceries 

to Ben’s family in Phil’s hometown of Manheim, 

Pa. Ben unexpectedly lost his long-time job as 

an architect due to the economy and has not 

been able to find new work. He and his wife 

have several young children. The remaining 

$75 was sent to Jessie, a friend who lives with 

her husband and young daughter in Johnson 

Creek, Wis. Jessie’s mother, who lived in 

California, recently passed away from liver 

failure. Jessie spent as much time as possible 

in California with her mother during the hospice 

care phase, but in doing so, used up her leave 

from her job and savings to pay for travel and 

other expenses. She is now attempting to 

balance her own grieving and the long-distance 

handling of her mother’s affairs with her work 

and her own family. “My family discussed 

how to use the $100,” says Phil. “We already 

donate to many official charities, and we did 

not want this $100 to ‘replace’ money we 

would have donated anyway. We decided to 

do something different with this money and 

selected our recipients for several reasons. We 

believe that: they are currently experiencing 

a rough spot in their lives and maybe this gift 

can help relieve some of the burden; they are 

not the type of people to ask for help; they are 

resilient and will almost certainly land back on 

their feet as soon as they can; and they are the 

type of people who will pay it forward.” 

BENEFICIARY: 

YMCA World Service 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Ted Barthel, Shareholder, Intellectual Property 


YMCA World Service changes lives by 

funding programs focused on helping people 

reach their full potential through six key 

areas: strengthening Y movements; health 

education; youth leadership and servicelearning; 

employment and vocational training; 

recreation, camping and the arts; and youth 

and technology. Each year, the World Service 

Campaign raises and distributes more than 

$1 million to Y’s around the world to help 

strengthen their ability to develop and deliver 

programs and services that are changing lives. 

“I chose to donate my $100 to YMCA World 

Service because their commitment to children 

of the world is inspirational,” says Ted. “I know 

the money will be used to help kids in need.” 

BENEFICIARY: 

ALS Association – 

Wisconsin Chapter 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Peter Sewell, Paralegal, Litigation 


The ALS Association – Wisconsin Chapter’s 

mission is to create a world without ALS, and 

vision is to care for and support all people living 

with Lou Gehrig’s disease as they leave no 

stone unturned in their relentless search for a 

cure. The organization’s goals include providing 

education, guidance, services and support to 

ALS patients, their families and their caregivers; 

promoting public awareness; and raising funds 

for ALS research. “My stepfather passed away 

in 2008 as a result of ALS,” says Peter, “and 

a relative of a friend of mine was also recently 

diagnosed with ALS at the age of 31.” Peter 

used his $100 to sponsor his friend, Rachel, as 

a participant of a recent ALS Run/Walk event. 


BENEFICIARY: 

Advocates of Ozaukee 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Rhonda Fritz, Financial Analyst, 


With a commitment to safety, respect, and 

compassion for individuals and families, 

Advocates of Ozaukee works to end domestic 

and sexual violence through education, 

prevention, and intervention services. In 2011, 

Advocates staff answered 544 hotline calls, 

provided 5,566 hours of support groups for 

adults and children, and provided services for 

643 individuals and families including counseling, 

support groups, shelter and other much needed 

assistance. “I donated to this organization 

because I’ve known victims in the past, and 

because of the recent shootings at Azana 

Salon & Spa and in Waukesha,” says Rhonda. 

BENEFICIARY: 

Rape Crisis Center 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Molly Thuot, Hospitality Coordinator, 

ASC, Madison 

Rape Crisis Center (RCC) provides services to 

the survivors (and their family and friends) of 

all forms of sexual violence, including recent 

sexual assault, past sexual assault, incest, 

sexual harassment, and sexual exploitation. 

These services are provided free of charge and 

include crisis intervention and support, shortterm 

counseling, support groups, medical/legal 

advocacy and accompaniment, community 

education, and Chimera self-defense designed 

for women. RCC serves women, children, and 

men. “Rape Crisis Center can use the cash 

the most effectively, as there are no fees to 

deduct,” says Molly. “The center always needs 

donations to cover their main expense for the 

dedicated staff, as well as rent, insurance and 

more. They count on the support of people 

who care about survivors of sexual violence. 

Rape Crisis Center helped me several years 

ago, and now I have a chance to help them.” 


Second Hand Purrs; 

Bay View Community 

Center 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Beverly Schneck, Receptionist/Project 

Support, Milwaukee 

Beverly Schneck divided up her $100 

and gave $50 to Second Hand Purrs 

Cat Shelter and $50 to Bay View 

Community Center. The money given 

to the cat shelter is earmarked for 

the care of the cats that are up for 

adoption. “This is a no-kill shelter that 

obviously believes that pets—cats in 

particular—are not ‘throw-away items’ 

and is dedicated to that cause,” says 

Bev. The money given to Bay View 

Community Center will be used toward 

one of the center’s many children’s 

programs. “I have had the pleasure 

of getting to know Linda Nieft, who is 

the President and CEO of Bay View 

Community Center,” says Bev. “She is 

one of those people who touches your 

heart from the get-go and her passion 

for people is so obvious. She has 

dedicated 29 years of her life (and more 

than $20,000 personally) to the center. 

Her dedication is certainly admirable.” 


WHYTE LIGHTS 

BENEFICIARY: 

Rabbi Mitchell 

Cohen Family 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Nathaniel Hoffman, Shareholder, Real Estate 


Rabbi Mitchell Cohen’s home was destroyed 

by a fire and he also lost his job as chaplain at 

the Jewish Home. The Cohen family moved to 

the Sherman Park area in Milwaukee, has little 

or no money for food and other necessities, 

and has a daughter engaged to be married 

with no funds for the wedding. Nathaniel 

Hoffman gave his $100 to the family. “I believe 

it is my obligation to assist in support of needy 

families of the community,” says Nathaniel. 

I gave my BENEFICIARIES: $100 to Adriana and Nickolis Doucette. Their mother was a friend and 

ighbor of mine when I was growing up. I haven’t seen her in years, but she is a friend of mine 

Adriana and Nickolis 

Facebook, so we do keep in touch. 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

She works as a waitress at a VFW post and her husband was recently diagnosed with MS, 

Melinda Giftos, Associate, Intellectual 

he is unableProperty to work Practice moreGroup, than Madison a few hours each week. BENEFICIARY: Needless to say, they struggle to make 

ds meet. This week, she posted on Facebook that she was looking into Girl Scouts and Boy 

Melinda Giftos’ childhood friend works Pathfinders 

outs for their two children. There was much discussion about the benefits of these programs, 

as a waitress at a VFW post and her 

t she mentioned husband shewas wasrecently concerned diagnosed about with costs. So I offered to give her the $100 to get her 

WHYTE LIGHTS: 

ds started in multiple scouts sclerosis, (the registration so he unable fees and to dues are Jack minimal, Laffey, Shareholder, but the Litigation events do Practice have charges). 

work more than a few hours each 

Group, Milwaukee; James Lowe, Shareholder, 

I did this week. because Thus, the I think couple the struggle Scouts have great Corporate programs. Practice They Group, provide Milwaukee fun, selfnfidence 

and leadership skills. I would hate for these children to miss this opportunity because 

to make ends meet. Mindi’s friend 

recently posted on Facebook that she Pathfinders has helped those served to 

eir parents couldn’t was looking afford into Girl it. Scouts and Boy take charge of their lives, connect to others, 

Scouts for her two children, Adriana and contribute to the community. Programs 

She was and thrilled Nickolis. and “There more was than much thankful to have are designed the help. to protect youth, strengthen 

discussion about the benefits of these individuals and families, and improve the 

Thank you 

programs, 

WHD! 

but she mentioned she was emotional and mental health of neighbors 

concerned about costs,” says Mindi, struggling with difficult challenges. Jack 

who offered to give her the $100 to Laffey’s and Jim Lowe’s combined $200 

get her kids started in Scouts. “I did purchased Milwaukee Transit System bus 

this because I think the Scouts have tickets so that the homeless youth who need 

great programs. They provide fun, 

the services of Pathfinders can safely get 

self-confidence and leadership skills. I there. “My family and I found the facility a 

would hate for these children to miss year ago and we learned of the large number 

this opportunity because their parents of homeless teens in need, says Jack. “We 

couldn’t afford it.” 

were able to purchase 60 bus tickets with our 

$100 donation. I spoke with the development 

director before doing this to find out what the 

greatest need was. We have also taken them 

food, clothing and toiletries over the past year.” 

HD/9070732.1 


BENEFICIARY: 

Pipkorn Family Relief Fund 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Patrick Harvey, Associate, Litigation 


In late October 2012, a fire in Mequon, Wis., 

completely destroyed the house of a Mequon 

fire department member, Mr. Pipkorn. At the 

time of the fire, Mr. Pipkorn had served on the 

Mequon department as a firefighter, EMT and 

paramedic for more than 25 years, but in one 

of life’s cruel ironies, he was actually on duty at 

Port Washington’s fire department at the time 

of the fire. His wife and her parents were home, 

and his wife ended up in the hospital due to 

injuries sustained from jumping out of a secondstory 

window to escape the flames. Patrick 

Harvey donated his $100 to the fund, which will 

be used to help restore the Pipkorns’ home. 

BENEFICIARY: 

Muskego Food Pantry 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Tracy Jochims, Human Resources Coordinator, 

Human Resources, Milwaukee 

Tracy Jochims put the allocation of her $100 

to a family vote. “The kids thought local 

families, many with children, would appreciate 

food for the holidays,” she says, so Tracy 

and her family purchased groceries for the 

local food pantry. “I took my children to the 

supermarket and we did lots of unit pricing 

to get the most for our money,” says Tracy. 

“The kids targeted items they thought other 

kids would also like. It was a great teaching 

opportunity for my children. It’s so important 

to teach them about helping others.” 

BENEFICIARY: 

Children’s Hospital 

of Wisconsin 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Keith Lowry, Records Secretary, 

Records, Milwaukee 

Children’s Hospital has a donation wish list, 

which drew the interest of Keith Lowry and 

his family. They used the $100 plus personal 

funds to purchase an iPod, portable DVD 

player, DVDs, games, and craft kits. “I have 

personally known many people who had 

children who experienced extended stays at 

a Children’s Hospital and just wanted to make 

sure these visits were as good as they could 

be,” says Keith. 

BENEFICIARY: 

Porchlight, Inc. 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Denise Boudreau, Administrative Office 

Coordinator, Administration, Madison 

Denise Boudreau’s $100 was used to start a 

fledgling art therapy program for Porchlight, 

an organization that helps provide solutions 

for homelessness. The program is designed to 

assist clients who have struggled with drug or 

alcohol addiction as they recover. “My friend 

Rachael designed this program and was just in 

the process of starting it up when Whyte Lights 

came around,” says Denise. “Rachael is a very 

gifted and giving person, and the art therapy 

program seems like it will be a bright spot for 

many of Porchlight’s clients.” 


BENEFICIARY: 

Salvation Army of Oak 

Creek Food Pantry 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Lynn Gompper, Paralegal, Litigation 


Lynn Gompper used her $100 to purchase 

food for the Salvation Army of Oak Creek Food 

Pantry. Her daughter Hannah’s preschool was 

holding a food drive to benefit the pantry and 

Hannah’s class was learning about giving to 

and helping the less fortunate. “Hannah and 

I purchased groceries at Woodman’s for the 

food drive,” says Lynn. At the register they 

learned that they hadn’t selected enough 

items to spend the entire $100, even with the 

cart full, so they purchased two pre-packaged 

food bags for the store food drive and put 

the remaining change in the Salvation Army 

kettle at the door. “My daughter really enjoyed 

picking out food for kids who don’t have any 

and learned a valuable lesson about giving and 

helping others,” says Lynn. 

BENEFICIARY: 

Student Welfare 

Initiative Fund 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Eric Meier, Shareholder, Litigation Practice Group, 

Milwaukee; Steven Stanaszak, Shareholder, 


Student Welfare Initiative Fund was started 

several years ago by Wauwatosa Rotary Club, 

of which Eric Meier is president. The fund 

provides money to social workers to be used at 

their discretion to help kids who have barriers 

to learning. “This might be basic needs like 

buying a coat so a child can play outside at 

recess, providing breakfast so kids can get 

their day off to a good start, or paying the fees 

for an art class or driver’s education class for 

example,” says Eric, who contributed his $100 

to the fund and adds that the social workers 

match the money with the kids’ needs. “I know 

from the reports from social workers how much 

impact this program is having,” he says. Steven 

Stanaszak also contributed his $100 to the fund. 

BENEFICIARY: 

Michelle 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Jan Zantow, Director of Human Resources, 


Jan Zantow gave her $100 to Michelle, the 

mother of a 13-month-old who has been 

struggling with a serious illness: The young boy 

suffers seizures that cause episodes of cardiac 

arrest. In addition, Michelle’s husband recently 

lost his job and they are struggling to keep their 

home. “I learned about this family through my 

husband, who works with Michelle’s mother, 

Mary,” says Jan. “We presented the money to 

Mary for her daughter. She just looked at us 

and wept. A couple days later, we heard from 

Michelle. To receive a gift of money from people 

whom she had never met, but who reached out 

because they felt her pain was so overwhelming, 

gave her a whole new sense of hope.” 


Two Single Mothers and 

Their Families; U.S. Troops 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Doug Mueller, Director of Finance, 


Doug Mueller divided his $100 to benefit 

two struggling families. He used $50 to 

purchase all the items necessary to make a 

nice Thanksgiving dinner for a single mother 

and her family in Grafton, Wis. She is trying to 

go to school while raising two kids. He also 

used $50 to buy Christmas gifts for a family in 

Port Washington, Wis. where the mother has 

been out of work for a while and is just getting 

by. Finally, he spent $50 of his own money 

to purchase candy and gifts for troops in 

Afghanistan. “The two families go to my church 

and need help,” says Doug. “I also wanted 

to do something for the troops since they are 

away from their families during the holidays.” 


BENEFICIARY: 

Racine County Food Bank 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Michael Maddocks, Human Resources Business 

Partner, Human Resources, Milwaukee 

According to Michael Maddocks, the Racine 

County Food Bank serves as the county’s 

“United Way of Food” and distributes 

food, free of charge, to food pantries, 

emergency shelters, community meal sites 

and social service agencies. “Because of 

great community involvement and efficient 

staff, the food bank supplies the emergency 

food network in Racine County with more 

than 60,000 pounds of food each month!” 

says Mike, who contributed his $100 to the 

cause. “It is important that we look after our 

hometown communities once we have moved 

on,” he says. “A city like Racine has many 

families in need and many programs in place, 

but without donations and volunteers these 

programs will quickly fade and these families 

will be back where they started.” 

BENEFICIARY: 

Health Heelers, Inc. 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Pamela Schmidt, Senior Attorney, 


Pamela Schmidt donated her 

$100 to Health Heelers, a unique 

animal-assisted therapy service. Her 

contribution will be used toward the 

purchase of an instant photo printer, 

which would be especially meaningful 

to the hospice program as it will allow 

patients to instantly have a photo of 

themselves with the therapy animal. 

“Time is, sadly, a factor for these 

patients and even ordering prints 

through Walgreens has not been fast 

enough,” says Pam, adding that the 

printer could also be used with other 

groups within the organization. 

BENEFICIARY: 

Milwaukee Rescue 

Mission’s Joy House 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Suzanne Plagemann, Paralegal, Intellectual 

Property Practice Group, Milwaukee 

Suzanne Plagemann used her $100 to 

purchase and donate three pajama sets for 

holiday gifts to Milwaukee Rescue Mission’s 

Joy House, which is the organization’s place of 

safety and support for homeless mothers with 

children. “It is an excellent ministry and I have 

donated to them on and off for years,” says 

Suzanne. When men or mothers with children 

need a hot meal, a warm bed, or a place to 

put their lives back together, the Milwaukee 

Rescue Mission provides care and support. 


BENEFICIARY: 

Alliance Française 

de Milwaukee 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Steven Allen, Shareholder, Corporate 


Steve Allen, who has been affiliated with Alliance 

Française de Milwaukee for more than 20 years, 

donated his $100 to the organization’s operating 

expense. “The organization operates on a 

shoestring budget and there may be a shortfall 

this fiscal year,” says Steve. “Every extra dollar 

helps to keep the organization afloat. Alliance 

Française de Milwaukee is a terrific cultural and 

educational organization that benefits young 

children, adults and seniors who are interested 

in sharing the French language and culture.” 

BENEFICIARY: 

Wal-Mart’s Good 

Samaritan Program 

BENEFICIARY: 

Lisa 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Lydia Dahl, Litigation Support, 


After Lisa was diagnosed with multiple 

myeloma, her husband—Lisa’s primary 

caregiver—fell off a roof and broke a leg 

and both wrists. “The family has been 

through a lot this year,” says Lydia Dahl, 

who used her $100 to help purchase 

a nice wig for Lisa, who lost her hair 

during a bone marrow transplant 

process. “Insurance does not cover 

wigs and, given their expense, this 

was a welcome gift. Lisa was filled with 

emotion and wanted to tell everyone 

‘thank you’ for the generosity!” 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Benjamin Brunette, Associate, 

Corporate Practice Group, Madison 

Benjamin Brunette put $100 toward Wal-Mart’s 

Good Samaritan Program, asking to apply it 

to the layaway accounts of families who could 

use a helping hand purchasing holiday gifts. 

“It was a good way to give an anonymous 

boost to people trying to provide holiday gifts 

for their families,” says Ben. “If the recipients 

had no problem affording gifts, then hopefully it 

spreads some holiday cheer and spurs a pay it 

forward-type situation.” 


BENEFICIARY: 

Dane County 

Humane Society 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Brianna Showers, Auxiliary Legal 

Secretary, Madison 

Brianna Showers donated her $100 to the Dane 

County Humane Society’s Adoption Guarantee 

Fund, which helps spread the safety net for 

homeless animals with an eye toward creating a 

more humane world. “I am an avid animal lover 

and the Dane County Humane Society is forever 

in need of donations,” says Brianna. 

BENEFICIARY: 

Erin 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Sharon Stollenwerk, Legal Secretary, 

Of Counsel, Milwaukee 

Erin is an only child who lost her father at an 

early age and whose mother was addicted 

to drugs during most of Erin’s childhood. At 

16, Erin emancipated herself, has been on 

her own since, finished high school, and is 

now a 33-year-old single mother of a teenage 

son. She is also Sharon Stollenwerk’s niece 

and goddaughter. Erin lost her job in late 

2011, then shortly thereafter learned she had 

near stage 4 breast cancer and has been 

unable to work since. She has been through 

massive chemotherapy treatments, a double 

mastectomy, several expansions, and will have 

reconstructive surgery soon, followed by six 

weeks of radiation treatments (five days per 

week). In addition to all that, she will have to 

undergo a hysterectomy once she is rendered 

cancer free. Sharon’s $100 donation will assist in 

payment of rent, utilities, food and/or any critical 

expenses. “Erin is one of the kindest individuals 

I know and has been unbelievably strong 

throughout all of her adversity,” says Sharon. 

“While my sister and I have been trying our best 

to support her emotionally and aid her financially 

as much as we can, we know that Erin will more 

than appreciate this financial assistance.” 

BENEFICIARY: 

YWCA Madison 

WHYTE LIGHTS: 

Cynthia Buchko, Shareholder, Litigation 

Practice Group, Madison; Sverre Roang, 

Shareholder, Corporate Practice Group, Madison; 

Thomas Springer, Shareholder, Corporate 


YWCA Madison, a member of the national 

YWCA, is dedicated to eliminating racism, 

empowering women, and promoting peace, 

justice, freedom and dignity for all. To fulfill 

this mission, YWCA Madison provides safe, 

affordable housing for low-income women; 

emergency shelter for homeless women 

and families; racial and restorative justice 

programming to create a more just and 

inclusive community; education and training to 

ensure economic security; safe transportation 

solutions; and enrichment programs for girls 

to grow healthy, strong and confident. Cindy 

Buchko, Sverre Roang and Tom Springer each 

contributed their $100 to purchase gift cards 

for families living in the YWCA shelter. 

BENEFICIARY: 

Single Mother of Two 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Edward Kenrick, Paralegal, Intellectual Property 


Edward Kenrick used his $100 to help a 

single mother who recently lost her husband 

to suicide. “She has a 12-year-old daughter 

and 4-year-old son who is in my daughter’s 

daycare,” says Ed, adding that the single 

mother has been trying to help her children 

deal with the sudden loss and create some 

normalcy in their lives. “She has been 

struggling financially, and I wanted to help with 

her daycare costs so her son could remain in a 

structured environment,” says Ed. “My family is 

going to continue to help her.” 



G.V.; B.B. 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

DawnMarie Suchorski, Records Assistant and 

Interaction Administrator, Records, Milwaukee 

DawnMarie Suchorski was able to help out 

two friends in need with her $100. For as 

long as she has known her friend “G.V.,” 

G.V. has given of herself unconditionally, but 

unfortunately hasn’t always reaped the benefits 

of her kindness—and she has always struggled 

financially. “I wanted to give her something to 

show that she was appreciated while not making 

it seem like a handout, which would make 

her feel uncomfortable,” explains DawnMarie. 

DawnMarie created an “honorary participation 

award” at her Halloween party, which she 

awarded to G.V. and which included a $25 

gift card to Pick ‘n Save. DawnMarie’s friend 

“B.B.” is a single father who was unemployed 

for a long time. When he finally landed a new 

job and life was looking up for him, he got into 

a car accident. He became depressed for not 

only was he unable to do things with his son, he 

could not pay a bill due to the time lost at work. 

DawnMarie gave B.B. money to put toward 

his bill. “It felt good to help my friends,” says 

DawnMarie. “I know they appreciated these acts 

of kindness and will try to pay it forward.” 

BENEFICIARY: 

Rogers Hospital 

Foundation 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Barbara Zabawa, Associate, Corporate 


Barbara Zabawa contributed her $100 to 

Rogers Memorial Hospital’s Patient Care 

Continuation Grants program, which provides 

grants to families with children who are being 

treated at Rogers and who have exhausted all 

resources and can no longer afford to continue 

the treatment but for the grant. “I believe in the 

services provided by Rogers to kids suffering 

from mental illness,” says Barbara. 

BENEFICIARY: 

River Revitalization 

Foundation’s C.R.A.F.T. 

Adventures 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Donald Daugherty, Shareholder, Litigation 


Donald Daugherty’s $100, plus an additional 

personal donation of $100, went to the 

River Revitalization Foundation’s (RRF) 

C.R.A.F.T. (Conservation, Recreation, and 

Apprenticeships for Teens) Adventures, an 

innovative math/conservation education 

project to benefit Milwaukee’s urban youth. 

The project provides a unique integration of 

conservation education and math education 

through traditional wooden boat building 

and river restoration activities. “C.R.A.F.T. 

engages Milwaukee kids in designing and 

building rowing boats that they can take out 

on the Milwaukee River,” says Don. “The 

program is intended to enhance learning and 

understanding of our local watershed. A pilot 

project last summer with Bayview Community 

Learning Center was successful, and RRF has 

since begun new C.R.A.F.T. projects.” 

BENEFICIARY: 

JDRF – Pick’s Pedalers 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Douglas Pessefall, Shareholder, 


Douglas Pessefall matched his $100 and 

made a $200 donation to JDRF through fellow 

WHD shareholder Joseph Pickart to support 

diabetes research. “Supporting JDRF was an 

easy decision because juvenile onset diabetes 

has impacted the lives of so many people,” 

says Doug. “For example, Joe has two 

children (aged 8 and 15) who are diabetic, 

and my wife, Elizabeth, has lived with juvenile 

onset diabetes for 36 years. We’re hopeful 

that with continued financial support, a cure is 

just around the corner.” 



Karen; Waitress 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Peter Smith, Practice 

Development Manager, 

Marketing, Milwaukee 

Peter Smith took his Whyte 

Lights money to Pick ‘n Save 

and came across a woman 

with a cart full of groceries 

that appeared to be all of 

the items for a Thanksgiving 

turkey dinner. He stood 

behind her in line, and as 

the cashier told her the total 

he approached her, offered 

to pay for her groceries and 

explained the Whyte Lights 

program. She wondered 

what the “catch” was, but 

he assured her that there 

wasn’t one. The woman, 

Karen, was purchasing her 

Thanksgiving dinner groceries 

early so that she and her 

three children (aged 17, 14 

and 11) would have time to 

do some volunteer work on 

Thanksgiving Day. Karen 

would also be feeding her 

sister’s family that day. The 

groceries totaled about $80, 

so the remaining $20 he left 

as a lunch tip for a waitress at 

Flannery’s, a local downtown 

restaurant, with “Enjoy! Pay 

it Forward!” written on the 

receipt. “I really appreciate 

the firm including everyone in 

such a great program,” says 

Peter. “It was nice to be able 

to brighten someone’s day 

and hopefully plant the seed 

for them to do the same.” 


BENEFICIARY: 

PEARLS for Teen Girls, Inc. 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Wendy McGuire, Assistant Librarian, 

Library, Milwaukee 

PEARLS for Teen Girls is a dynamic and 

innovative nonprofit leadership development 

organization serving at-risk, primarily African 

American and Latina girls, aged 10 to 19 in 

Milwaukee. PEARLS helps girls achieve in 

school, avoid teen pregnancy, and use their 

personal power to achieve their goals and 

dreams. “A friend of mine recommended the 

group to me because some girls representing 

PEARLS impressed her,” says Wendy. “It was 

a timely coincidence that this happened just as 

the Whyte Lights program was announced.” 

Wendy donated her $100 and added $25 of 

her own funds. 

BENEFICIARY: 

Nicholas 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Debbie Karns, Legal Secretary, 


Following a mysterious illness that 

confounded doctors, Nicholas, a 

young child from the Madison area, 

underwent a cord blood transplant 

in 2010, a risky treatment that had 

its roots in one of the first-ever uses 

of DNA sequencing to diagnose 

a patient. The transplant probably 

saved his life. Now 7, Nicholas is 

doing better, “but his family has 

been struggling financially since his 

diagnosis and failing health,” says 

Debbie Karns, who gave her $100 to 

Nicholas and whose grandson is a 

friend of his. 

BENEFICIARY: 

Kindred Hearts Memory 

Care Nursing Home 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Cheryl Louis, Paralegal, Litigation 


Cheryl Louis learned that Kindred Hearts 

Memory Care Nursing Home needed new 

games and activities for its residents, as 

some of the games, including Bingo, had 

missing parts. In response, she used her 

$100 to purchase Bingo items, giant face 

playing cards, books and other items. “I feel 

elderly people in nursing homes tend to get 

overlooked—especially those with Alzheimer’s 

issues,” says Cheryl. “My husband’s 

grandmother had Alzheimer’s and was in a 

nursing home, and I saw how they needed 

things to do to encourage socialization and 

keep their minds active.” 


BENEFICIARY: 

Mitchell Elementary 

Christmas Giving Program 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Timothy Posnanski, Associate, Litigation 


Timothy Posnanski’s $100 assisted the Mitchell 

Elementary Christmas Giving Program, which 

benefits families in need. “My wife teaches at 

Mitchell Elementary and I wanted to help make 

someone’s Christmas a little brighter,” says Tim. 

BENEFICIARY: 

Kaitlyn 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Tami Michalek, Legal Secretary, Corporate 


Tami Michalek used her $100 to help give 

Kaitlyn an opportunity to go on a school trip to 

Costa Rica. “It is a great opportunity to expose 

her to a different culture,” says Tami. “The kids 

are responsible for doing their own fundraising 

for the trip. Her parents are not able to afford 

the trip on their own.” 

BENEFICIARY: 

Jayne 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Denise Genthe, Library Assistant, 

Library, Milwaukee 

When Denise Genthe asked her pastor if he 

knew of anyone in the church who needed 

assistance, he mentioned Jayne, a thoughtful, 

loving, single mother of two sons: One is an 

adult who lives on his own and the other is 13 

years old. “Jayne has health issues and while 

she manages her funds well, she is having some 

problems making ends meet,” says Denise. 


Salvation Army; 

Milwaukee Rescue Mission; 

Habitat for Humanity 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Wendy Miller, Accounts Receivable, 


Wendy Miller contributed $100 plus $50 of her 

own money to contribute to three charities: 

the Salvation Army Thanksgiving Meal Ticket 

(provides 20 meals), Milwaukee Rescue 

Mission (provides 25 meals), and Habitat for 

Humanity (helps buy a window). “They all do 

good deeds and most of the funds collected 

make it to those who need it,” says Wendy. 

BENEFICIARY: 

Italian Community Center 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Susie Christiansen, Legal Secretary, 


Susie Christiansen donated her $100 to the 

Italian Community Center (ICC). “Part of what 

makes America unusual is the celebration of 

so many different ethnic cultures—each with 

different music, different foods, flavors and 

spices, different languages—all of those pieces 

making each culture beautifully unique and 

rich,” says Susie. “The ICC is a place where 

Italian is taught and spoken, memories and 

customs are passed down, the Italian culture 

is shared, and friends gather. At the ICC, one 

can attend Italian language courses, celebrate 

Carnevale, try many different Italian dishes at 

Taste of Italy, play bocce, and enjoy watching 

(or joining) exceptional Italian folk dancing 

groups. The ICC is also host to Festa Italiana, 

the largest Italian festival in the United States. 

The number of volunteers needed to run the 

festival and the ICC is huge, and the work is, 

at times, overwhelming, but there is a sense of 

satisfaction that comes from contributing to the 

success of our community center, to our Italian 

festival and, most of all, to our Italian heritage.” 


BENEFICIARY: 

Individuals in Line at 

Waukesha Food Pantry 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Kristine Bickett, Human Resources Business 

Partner, Human Resources, Milwaukee 

Kristine Bickett matched her $100 to purchase 

eight $25 Target gift cards. She then stood in 

line at the Waukesha Food Pantry and made 

casual conversation with a number of people. 

“I explained a little about our Whyte Lights 

initiative and asked each recipient to pay some 

act of kindness forward in a non-monetary way,” 

says Kris. “I wanted to make a direct impact on 

someone who I knew needed some assistance.” 

BENEFICIARY: 

Tosa Red Raiders 

Baseball Team 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Kelly Dodd, Senior Attorney, Litigation 


Kelly Dodd donated her $100 to the Tosa 

Red Raiders, a community-based little-league 

baseball team in Wauwatosa, Wis., which will 

use the money for equipment or to rent fields. 

“This is my community team, which benefits 

my son, my stepson, and their friends,” says 

Kelly. “It receives no community funding and 

survives on donations.” 

BENEFICIARY: 

World Orphan Fund 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Rebecca Bradley, Contract Attorney, 


Rebecca Bradley donated her $100 to the World 

Orphan Fund. “One hundred percent of World 

Orphan Fund donations go directly toward 

the shelter, clothing, medical care, education 

and other needs of orphaned children,” says 

Rebecca, adding that every orphanage is fully 

reviewed before receiving grants or supplies. 

BENEFICIARY: 

South Milwaukee 

Human Concerns 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Kimberly Kirkpatrick, Assistant – Technology 

Law, Corporate Practice Group, Milwaukee 

South Milwaukee Human Concerns is a place 

where people who qualify under income 

guidelines and who are residents of the City 

of South Milwaukee can obtain food, clothing 

and household items, all of which are made 

available as a result of donations. “I chose 

South Milwaukee Human Concerns because I 

wanted to donate within my community to help 

those in need,” says Kim Kirkpatrick, who gave 

her $100 to the organization. 


BENEFICIARY: 

Amanda (via Kids Matter) 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Edward Heiser, Shareholder, Finance Practice Group, Milwaukee 

Ed Heiser and his wife, Doris, were driving to exercise one morning in mid-October 

and heard on WUWM radio a report about a foster child named Amanda who had a 

horrendous upbringing living in many different homes, most of which were very difficult 

environments and some abusive. The radio report was upbeat, indicating that Amanda 

is now a senior in high school, working at a job, doing well in school and planning to 

go to college this spring when she graduates from high school. In the report, Amanda 

was interviewed and Ed and his wife were impressed as to how upbeat she was given 

her childhood background, and how she is clearly a survivor who has just kept going in 

face of tremendous hardships throughout her whole life. “She indicated she was looking 

forward to starting college soon,” says Ed. “The organization that has been helpful to 

Amanda and others like her is called Kids Matter. We called Kids Matter and spoke to 

the executive director. She was thrilled to hear our idea, which was to provide $100 

for Amanda to use toward clothes for college or right now (whichever would be most 

helpful). She reiterated that Amanda has had so many challenges in her life, but is a 

wonderful young woman who would greatly appreciate our support.” 


BENEFICIARY: 

American Red Cross of Southeastern Wisconsin 

WHYTE LIGHTS: 

Casey Flowers, Auxiliary Legal Secretary, Milwaukee; Stacey James, Executive Assistant, 

Administration, Milwaukee; Richard Lewandowski, Shareholder, Corporate Practice Group, 

Milwaukee; Jesse Shefchik, Legal Secretary, Real Estate Practice Group, Milwaukee; Michael Taibleson, 

Shareholder, Human Resources Law Practice Group, Milwaukee; Christopher Taylor, Systems Analyst, 

Information Technology, Milwaukee 

The American Red Cross relies on the power of volunteers to provide shelter, food, comfort and 

hope to people affected by a disaster, and donations to support these efforts to reach as many 

people as possible who need help. With recent natural disasters such as hurricane Sandy, the 

American Red Cross is especially needed to continue to support relief efforts. Getting supplies and 

meals and water into affected areas is the top priority. Six members of the WHD family donated 

their $100 to help those affected by the hurricane. “This is a great way to pool and multiply 

resources for such a good cause,” says Michael Taibleson. Since the beginning of the Sandy relief 

effort, nearly 9,000 Red Cross workers have been deployed from all 50 states to operations from 

North Carolina to Rhode Island, with the majority still in Greater New York and throughout New 

Jersey. More than 6 million meals and snacks have been served, and the American Red Cross has 

distributed more than 2 million relief items such as clean-up and hygiene kits. “We decided to give 

our $100 to the Red Cross for relief efforts on the East Coast,” says Chris Taylor. “Many people are 

in need in the aftermath of Sandy. My wife is a 911 supervisor for Waukesha County and said that 

the Red Cross is an amazing organization helping people in need. With the tornado in East Troy, 

homes that burn down to the ground, floods, and much more, the Red Cross is always there with 

supplies and to support in any way they can.” “This is a small effort to help with the devastation,” 

says Richard Lewandowski. Adds Casey Flowers, “My mom is the president of the American Red 

Cross so it is close to my heart.” 


BENEFICIARY: 

Milwaukee Rescue Mission 

WHYTE LIGHTS: 

Laurie Thompson, Legal Secretary, Litigation 

Practice Group, Milwaukee; Brooke Lada, 

Paralegal, Corporate Practice Group, Milwaukee 

The Milwaukee Rescue Mission serves nearly 

700 meals each day, provides education 

and job training, and offers warm shelter 

to more than 300 people every night. 

Laurie Thompson’s $102 gift provided 50 

Thanksgiving dinners to Milwaukee’s homeless. 

“Everyone deserves a holiday meal to be 

thankful for,” says Laurie. Brooke Lada not only 

contributed $102 to the Milwaukee Rescue 

Mission to purchase 50 Thanksgiving meals, 

she also volunteered at the rescue mission on 

the holiday. “I thought they deserved the funds 

to continue their mission of helping people,” 

says Brooke. “I enjoyed seeing the gift in action 

on Thanksgiving.” 

BENEFICIARY: 

LaFollette 

Elementary – 

Third Grade 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Barbara Janaszek, Of Counsel, 

Milwaukee 

Barbara Janaszek used her $100 

toward the purchase of a language 

skills set from Lakeshore Learning 

for small-group use in the third-grade 

classroom at LaFollette Elementary in 

Milwaukee’s central city. “The teacher is 

my daughter,” explains Barbara. “She 

spent more than $100 on basic school 

supplies for her class in September, 

needs learning tools like this, but lacks 

the money to buy them.” 

BENEFICIARY: 

House of Peace 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Frederick Muth Jr., Senior Counsel, 


Frederick Muth contributed his $100 to the 

House of Peace’s Thanksgiving and Christmas 

Food Drive. Based on Gospel values, the 

House of Peace serves the community by 

assisting families and individuals in meeting 

their spiritual, material, and emotional needs, 

thereby helping families remain together and 

promoting self-sufficiency. He also makes 

personal contributions to the organization and 

has served on its board of directors. 


BENEFICIARY: 

Alzheimer’s Association of 

Southeastern Wisconsin 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Margarita Travieso, Legal Secretary, Finance 


The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading, 

global voluntary health organization in 

Alzheimer’s care and support, and the largest 

private, nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s 

research. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s 

disease through the advancement of research; 

to provide and enhance care and support for 

all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia 

through the promotion of brain health. “My 

mother suffers from this illness,” says Maggie, 

who contributed her $100 to the organization. 

BENEFICIARY: 

March of Dimes 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Melissa Selinger, Contract Attorney, 


March of Dimes helps mothers have full-term 

pregnancies and researches the problems 

that threaten the health of babies. Melissa 

Selinger, along with clients of the firm, 

attended the organization’s Signature Chefs 

Auction in Madison, a fundraising dinner 

that was held to fund research and raise 

awareness about prematurity, the No. 1 

cause of newborn death in Wisconsin. “My 

husband and I contributed $100 and included 

the Whyte Lights $100 with our contribution,” 

Melissa says, adding that families who 

are close to them have been affected by 

prematurity and its complications. 

BENEFICIARY: 

Hunger Task Force 

WHYTE LIGHTS: 

Rebecca Mitich, Associate, Real Estate 

Practice Group, Milwaukee; Nelson Still, 

Director of Operations and IT, Milwaukee 

Rebecca Mitich and her 3-year-old son 

bought a cart full of groceries with her 

$100, which they dropped off at a Hunger 

Task Force donation bin. “This was a great 

opportunity to teach my oldest son about 

hunger, especially at a time when we give 

thanks for what we have and so many have 

so little,” says Rebecca. Nelson Still also 

made an online donation to the organization. 


Toys for Tots; the Homeless 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

James Joyce, Associate, Intellectual Property 


James Joyce divided his $100 to assist 

multiple parties. He gave a total of $40 to 

Toys for Tots (sponsored by Toys R Us), $10 

to a man at an intersection holding a “Help” 

sign, and bought $50 worth of sandwiches 

and snacks for numerous homeless people 

living around the Square in Madison. 

“I wanted to help feed the homeless and I 

hoped to make their day just a little brighter,” 

explains James. “I also wanted to support the 

Toys for Tots program, which has provided 

Christmas gifts to underprivileged children for 

more than 50 years, including myself many 

decades ago.” 



Waitress; Grocery Shopper; 

Wisconsin Humane Society 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Jennifer Piller, Graphic Designer, Marketing, Milwaukee 

Jennifer Piller used her $100 to “pay it forward” three separate times. First, she and her 

husband rewarded a waitress at Water Street Brewery who provided excellent service 

with $50 above the tip. “When leaving the restaurant, we overheard the waitress talking 

to the hostess about the large tip,” recalls Jennifer. “She was wondering if we knew 

that we had ‘paid twice.’ The hostess suggested it was a pay-it-forward opportunity 

and that it was up to the waitress to do something nice for someone else.” Jennifer 

also purchased a $25 grocery gift card and gave it to the shopper behind her in line. “I 

checked out in line and purchased the gift card, then bagged up all my groceries,” says 

Jennifer. “By the time I was done with that, the person in line behind me, a mother with a 

toddler, was almost ready to pay. I explained to her what Whyte Lights was and why we 

were doing it, then handed her the gift card. She smiled, accepted the card and thanked 

me. The card ended up paying for all of her grocery items.” Jennifer used her final $25 to 

purchase some of the supplies the Wisconsin Humane Society desperately needed and 

dropped them off at the Milwaukee location. 


BENEFICIARY: 

Wisconsin Humane 

Society 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Kanoe Fish, Marketing Events & Projects 

Coordinator, Marketing, Milwaukee 

Kanoe Fish donated her $100 to the 

Wisconsin Humane Society’s (WHS) 

Foster Program, where it will be used 

to provide veterinary care, food, toys 

and supplies for foster animals. These 

items are used to care for the animals 

before they are released to their foster 

families, and the supplies are also 

provided to foster parents in order to 

help them take the best care of the 

animals they are fostering. “I have been 

a foster parent with WHS for more than 

two years and its Foster Program is 

very close to my heart,” says Kanoe. 

“Foster animals at WHS are in need of 

special care before they are adopted: 

They are too young or underweight, 

need behavior training, have special 

medical needs, have suffered domestic 

abuse, or simply need somewhere else 

to stay due to overpopulation at WHS. 

I have had the pleasure of providing 

foster care for a number of dogs who 

have had broken legs, broken spirits, or 

who just needed some extra love and 

attention before they were ready to be 

adopted. It has been one of the most 

rewarding things I’ve ever done.” 

BENEFICIARY: 

Leukemia & 

Lymphoma Society 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

John Tuffnell, Shareholder, Litigation 


John Tuffnell donated his $100 to Leukemia 

& Lymphoma Society, the charitable arm for 

researching cures for lymphoma, leukemia 

and other blood disorders. “My wife’s cousin’s 

young child was recently diagnosed with 

lymphoma and endured chemotherapy and 

treatments, but is in remission and hopes are 

strong,” says John, adding that he contributed 

the money to a collection taken by fellow WHD 

attorney Sarah Thomas Pagels. 

BENEFICIARY: 

Domestic Abuse 

Intervention Services 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Mallory Warren, Legal Secretary, Corporate and 

Litigation Practice Groups, Madison 

Mallory Warren contributed $100 to Domestic 

Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS). According 

to Mallory, there are multiple ways in which 

domestic violence victims are able to receive 

help: (1) by calling the 24-hour crisis line; 

(2) by getting face-to-face help through an 

anonymous meeting with a volunteer; or 

(3) by seeking respite in the DAIS shelter, 

which is staffed year round. DAIS also works 

diligently within the community to develop and 

produce prevention and advocacy programs. 

“As a former volunteer/legal intern, I not 

only witnessed firsthand the need within the 

organization, but also the amazing effect and 

difference this organization can make on local 

families,” she says. 


BENEFICIARY: 

Dryhootch – Milwaukee 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Marci VanAdestine, Associate, Finance 


With November as a reminder of Veterans’ 

Day, Marci VanAdestine gave her $100 to 

Dryhootch – Milwaukee, a nonprofit organization 

supportive of veterans, for its discretionary 

use. “They help local veterans by providing 

support in a variety of ways—addiction, housing 

assistance, legal help—and also serve as a local 

gathering spot for veterans to meet in a healthy 

environment,” says Marci. 


Gilbert and Amanda 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Marie Satterfield, Legal Secretary, Human 


Gilbert and Amanda, friends of Marie 

Satterfield’s son, have both been out of work 

for months. Marie used the $100 to purchase 

much needed groceries for them at Pick ‘n 

Save. “They are two of the nicest people you 

could ever meet,” says Marie. 

BENEFICIARY: 

Goodman Community Center 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Michael Cronin, Associate, Intellectual Property 


Michael Cronin’s $100 was used to purchase 

Thanksgiving baskets for children and families 

through the Goodman Community Center. The 

baskets included a frozen turkey, gravy, stuffing, 

fruit, vegetables, cranberry sauce, Jell-O, and 

ingredients to make pumpkin pie. “We like 

helping to provide warm holiday meals to families 

in need in our community,” says Michael. 

BENEFICIARY: 

American Family 

Children’s Hospital 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Nicole Vant Hoff, Compensation & 

Benefits Manager, Human Resources, 

Milwaukee 

Nicole Vant Hoff, while accompanied by 

her 3-year-old goddaughter, purchased 

$100 worth of infant and toddler toys for 

patients at American Family Children’s 

Hospital in Madison, Wis. “As a new 

parent, I am so thankful that my son 

has been healthy and I can only imagine 

how difficult it must be for children and 

their families who are dealing with a 

serious injury or illness,” says Nicole. 

She selected American Family Children’s 

Hospital in Madison because that is 

where her earliest memory of charitable 

giving took place. “I remember it really 

putting life into perspective for me—I 

have to believe that was my mother’s 

intention when she brought us there,” 

she says. “It is also for that reason I 

wanted to involve my goddaughter. She 

is at an age where the ‘all about me’ 

attitude can sometimes take over, and 

my hope is that she will understand that 

there are people whose circumstances 

are far less fortunate than her own, and 

that she should not only be thankful for 

what she has, but that we should also 

do what we can to help others.” 


BENEFICIARY: 

Sara’s Family 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Anonymous 

Sara is a third grader who is undergoing 

a lengthy course of chemotherapy for a 

recurrence of cancer. Because of her frequent 

treatments as well as unplanned admissions 

for infections and other complications, Sara 

and her family spend a great deal of time at 

the hospital, often eating their meals in the 

cafeteria. So, Whyte Lights purchased for her 

family a $100 meal card to use at the hospital. 

We hope this will help alleviate at least that 

one relatively small concern for this brave little 

girl and her family. 

BENEFICIARY: 

Kiva International 

Micro-Loan Fund 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Dennis Purtell, Senior Counsel, 


Dennis Purtell matched his $100 and donated 

it to Kiva’s International Micro-Loan Fund, 

which is used to help finance small businesses 

worldwide. Kiva’s mission is to connect people 

through lending to alleviate poverty. Leveraging 

the Internet and a worldwide network of 

microfinance institutions, Kiva lets individuals 

lend as little as $25 to help create opportunity 

around the world. Says Dennis, “Stable 

economies help the world’s poorest and aid 

world peace.” 

BENEFICIARY: 

Alverno College 

Research Center for 

Women and Girls 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Christopher Walker, Associate, Finance 


Christopher Walker donated his $100 to the 

Alverno College Research Center for Women 

and Girls. The center generates and applies 

scholarly research, develops curricula, and 

conducts program evaluation and outreach 

for the purpose of supporting, transforming 

and inspiring initiatives to improve the lives of 

women and girls in the state of Wisconsin and 

beyond. “I believe it is important to support 

young women,” says Christopher. 

BENEFICIARY: 

Sophie 

WHYTE LIGHTS: 

Lisa Rave, Paralegal, Litigation Practice 

Group, Milwaukee; Jean Anderson, Legal 

Secretary, Finance Practice Group, Milwaukee; 

Rachel Halverson, Paralegal, Litigation 


Lisa Rave’s friend, Sophie, has been out of 

work for nearly two years. When she told 

Lisa that she had received a $95 bill for her 

car registration and wasn’t sure how she 

was going to pay for it, Lisa knew a good 

use for her $100. Jean Anderson and Rachel 

Halverson soon joined in the cause. “Sophie’s 

situation hits very close to home,” says Jean. 

“In the current economy, people in all walks 

of life are facing financial problems. Anyone 

could be affected, including a hard-working 

legal secretary. I’m grateful to WHD for this 

opportunity to help Sophie financially and to 

offer her our encouragement. At the same 

time, this program gives us a chance to pause 

and think about our own blessings.” 


BENEFICIARY: 

Guest House of Milwaukee 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Paul Eberle, Chief Executive, Milwaukee 

Paul Eberle gave his $100 to the executive 

director of Guest House of Milwaukee and 

asked her to use it when she saw a need. She 

gave it to two men who recently completed 

a program to stay sober and get jobs. These 

men are moving into an apartment and 

the money will help with their first month’s 

rent. “Guest House is successfully helping 

men end homelessness and the underlying 

behavior that causes it,” says Paul. Guest 

House of Milwaukee provides shelter, housing, 

education and services to Milwaukee’s 

homeless who seek to transform their lives 

with dignity and purpose. 

BENEFICIARY: 

Jenni 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Tammy Klein, Paralegal, Litigation 


Jenni is a 41-year-old mother of three and 

a second grade teacher who was honored 

in January 2012 by Gov. Scott Walker for 

her work throughout Wisconsin to promote 

financial literacy. She was involved in her 

church and volunteered her time with older 

adults and at local nursing homes. Jenni 

was diagnosed with thyroid cancer nearly 

two years ago and was declared cancer-free 

in November 2011. She thought the battle 

was over, but new problems started after 

radiation that have ultimately left her with little 

muscle and in excruciating pain. Jenni has 

been out of work since January 2012 and her 

husband has been laid off since November, 

which has caused tremendous hardship for 

the family. Tammy Klein donated her $100 to 

Jenni. “This story touched my heart,” says 

Tammy. “Chronic illness and unemployment 

simultaneously is unimaginable.” 

BENEFICIARY: 

Specialty Purebred 

Cat Rescue 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Susan Marine, Legal Secretary, 


Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue is 

a nonprofit organization that finds 

quality homes for abandoned and 

surrendered purebred cats. It is the 

largest rescue organization of its kind 

in the Midwest and takes in more 

than 60 cats per month. About three 

years ago the organization fostered 

three of Susie’s mother’s exotic 

shorthairs after her mother passed 

away. “I had always intended to send 

Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue a 

donation for taking care of Fantome, 

Chante and GiGi, but never quite got 

around to it until now,” says Susie. 

The $100, combined with $200 of her 

own funds, will help care for kittens 

and cats needing new homes. 


BENEFICIARY: 

Wisconsin Humane 

Society 

WHYTE LIGHTS: 

Emily Constantine, Associate, Human 

Resources Law Practice Group, Milwaukee; 

John Halpin, Associate, Litigation 

Practice Group, Milwaukee; Eric Smith, 

Technical Services Specialist, Information 

Technology, Milwaukee 

The mission of Wisconsin Human 

Society (WHS) is to build a community 

where people value animals and treat 

them with respect and kindness. WHS 

has been saving the lives of animals 

in need for more than 130 years. The 

organizations receive no government 

funding and is not part of a national 

umbrella organization. Emily Constantine 

used her $100 to purchase cat food, 

dog food, kitty litter, dog treats, and 

Pedialyte (for wild animals) for the 

WHS’s Furry Friends Food Bank, 

which helps individuals and families 

experiencing temporary financial 

difficulty care for their pets and keep 

the pets in their homes. “I love animals 

and WHS is a terrific organization,” says 

Emily, who unexpectedly received a gift 

of her own before leaving the building. 

“I also ended up adopting a cat when I 

dropped off the donations!” John Halpin 

used his funds to purchase pet supplies 

from WHS’s Wish List. “I truly admire 

the efforts WHS has made to shut down 

puppy mills and other unscrupulous 

breeders across Wisconsin,” says John. 

“We have adopted three great pets from 

WHS and wanted to give back.” Eric 

Smith also contributed his $100 to the 

organization. “Although many donations 

are in the form of supplies, a monetary 

donation enables WHS to use it for what 

is needed most,” says Eric. “I feel their 

mission is of utmost importance.” 


BENEFICIARY: 

Golda Meir School – 

Room 23 Denmark Program 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Kathryn West, Senior Attorney, Real Estate 


Golda Meir is an award-winning Milwaukee 

Public School (MPS) for the Gifted and 

Talented. In fourth grade, students have the 

opportunity to participate in the Denmark 

Program, which offers a once-in-a-lifetime 

opportunity for an immersed two-week learning 

experience in Copenhagen, Denmark. While 

there, students live with host families, attend 

their neighborhood school, and tour historical 

sites and museums. On the trip home, the 

class also spends a few days in Amsterdam 

to tour the Anne Frank House and the Vincent 

Van Gogh Museum. Before their journey the 

students learn about Danish culture and history 

in their MPS classroom. Their curriculum 

throughout the year includes learning the 

Danish language, the metric system, Danish 

literature, and European history—and the 

students travel on four occasions to an ethnic 

restaurant in the city for lunch. Katie West’s two 

older children have participated in the Denmark 

Program, and her youngest is in the midst of 

it. “I have seen how they and their classmates 

have grown educationally and socially through 

this experience. I have also helped out during 

the years in a variety of ways,” Katie says. “I 

recall finding out that my oldest son’s best 

friend was not able to participate in the lunches 

because his family could not afford the extra 

cost, and wondered how many other children 

were in the same position.” Katie contributed 

her $100 to assist in this manner. “It is helping 

all the students of Room 23 make the most of 

their fourth grade experience in the Denmark 

Program,” she says. 

BENEFICIARY: 

Second Harvest Foodbank 

of Southern Wisconsin 

WHYTE LIGHTS: 

Jaculin Kittel, Administrative Services Support, 

ASC, Madison; Terri Hart, Legal Secretary, 

Corporate and Finance Practice Groups, Madison 

Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern 

Wisconsin is a nonprofit organization dedicated 

to ending hunger in southwestern Wisconsin 

through community partnerships, serving 

nearly 141,000 people annually, including 

43% who are children. Jaculin Kittel walked 

into Second Harvest and asked if she could 

make a $100 donation. “I explained how the 

firm was donating the funds—the person at 

the front desk was very thankful that I chose 

the organization,” says Jaculin. “I don’t believe 

anyone in this country should go hungry. 

During the holidays, the need is even higher.” 

Terri Hart donated her $100 to Second Harvest 

via the Madison office’s United Way Penny 

Wars. The attorney Terri supports was on the 

opposing team. Putting the $100 bill in the 

attorney’s jar caused him to write a check for 

$100 and put it in Terri’s team’s jar. “There are 

so many homeless individuals and families 

in the downtown area that all need to have 

a good meal,” says Terri. “I hope that this 

contribution helps those in need receive a 

healthy meal during this holiday season.” 

BENEFICIARY: 

Madison Music Makers 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Davis Matos, Technical Service Specialist, 

Information Technology, Madison 

Madison Music Makers teaches children of 

different ethnicities about one of life’s great 

pleasures—music. “The organization is 

struggling to operate due to lack of financial 

support, says Davis Matos, who contributed 

his $100 to Madison Music Makers. “The 

money will be used to waive class fees for one 

or more of the students.” 


BENEFICIARY: 

Debbie 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Debra Prim, Paralegal, Litigation 


Two members of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church 

have been taking care of another member, 

Debbie, for several years while she has dealt 

with several life-threatening ailments. During 

this time, Debbie has been living in a oneroom 

efficiency apartment. For months, the 

two caretakers worked on getting her into an 

assisted living residence and finally found an 

opportunity. However, Debbie needed a bed 

and a small dresser. Debra Prim offered her 

$100 to help with these needs. 

BENEFICIARY: 

St. Eugene School 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

John Pienkos, Shareholder, Intellectual Property 


St. Eugene School is a Catholic school in Fox 

Point, Wis., enrolling about 200 students from 

preschool (K3) through eighth grade. The 

school’s mission is to help children grow in 

faith, character, and service; build a foundation 

of academic excellence; and promote the 

development of the whole child. John Pienkos 

donated his $100 to the St. Eugene School 

Annual Fund, stating that “St. Eugene’s relies 

largely upon donations in its ongoing efforts to 

provide an excellent educational environment 

for its students,” he says. 

BENEFICIARY: 

St. Joseph Hospital 

Neonatal Intensive 

Care Unit 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Michael McFarlane, Senior Attorney, Human 


St. Joseph Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care 

Unit (NICU) was a natural beneficiary choice for 

Michael McFarlane as his son Ryan was born 

at 32 weeks and spent 26 days there. With 

his $100, he purchased one swing, two travel 

swings, and a Fisher Price glider to be used 

by babies during their NICU stay. “Thank you 

for the opportunity to help the babies!” says 

Michael. “Ryan, who is 4, was very excited to 

deliver the gifts.” 

BENEFICIARY: 

Food Pantry of 

Waukesha County 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Laura Grebe, Associate, Intellectual Property 


The Food Pantry of Waukesha County is 

dedicated to providing food to the many 

Waukesha County residents who go hungry 

every day and eventually eliminating hunger 

from the county. Laura Grebe donates food 

or money for meat certificates every year. 

This year her church conducted a “generosity 

challenge” to match all donations. “The money 

will be used to provide meat for more than 

1,500 families,” says Laura. “There are many 

families in my local area struggling to provide 

healthy food for their children.” 


BENEFICIARY: 

St. John Cathedral Open Door Café 

WHYTE LIGHTS: 

Evie Amundson, Training & Applications Support Manager, Information Technology, 

Milwaukee; Bruce Arnold, Shareholder, Corporate Practice Group, Milwaukee; 

Pamela Bishop, Legal Secretary, Intellectual Property Practice Group, Milwaukee; 

Linda Bukowski, Legal Secretary, Real Estate Practice Group, Milwaukee; Lydia 

Chartre, Contract Attorney, Real Estate Practice Group, Milwaukee; Brad Dallet, 

Shareholder, Real Estate Practice Group, Milwaukee; Erik Eisenmann, Associate, 

Human Resources Law Practice Group, Milwaukee; Sue Ell, Auxiliary Legal 

Secretary, Milwaukee; Philip Halley, Shareholder, Corporate Practice Group, 

Milwaukee; Dana Hart, Legal Secretary, Litigation Practice Group, Milwaukee; 

Gerry Heidenreich, Lead Business Analyst, Information Technology, Milwaukee; 

Jeannine Hirschmann, Legal Secretary, Corporate Practice Group, Milwaukee; 

William Hughes, Shareholder, Human Resources Law Practice Group, Milwaukee; 

Sharon Johnson, Legal Secretary, Intellectual Property Practice Group, Milwaukee; 

Andrew Jones, Shareholder, Litigation Practice Group, Milwaukee; Michael 

Klinker, Shareholder, Corporate Practice Group, Milwaukee; Janet Kosmatka, 

Legal Secretary, Human Resources Law Practice Group, Milwaukee; James Lowe, 

Shareholder, Corporate Practice Group, Milwaukee; Ann Maher, Shareholder, 

Litigation Practice Group, Milwaukee; Jill Mitten, Legal Secretary, Litigation 

Practice Group, Milwaukee; Wendy Moeller, Paralegal, Corporate Practice Group, 

Milwaukee; Barbara Mueller, Paralegal, Finance Practice Group, Milwaukee; Thomas 

Niemiec, Senior Attorney, Human Resources Law Practice Group, Milwaukee; 

Pamela Price, Paralegal, Litigation Practice Group, Milwaukee; Cheryl Sheahan, 

Legal Secretary, Corporate Practice Group, Milwaukee; Jay Starrett, Shareholder, 

Litigation Practice Group, Milwaukee; Justin Szalanski, Associate, Finance 

Practice Group, Milwaukee; Karen Tidwall, Shareholder, Litigation Practice 

Group, Milwaukee; Michelle Wichman, Legal Secretary, Litigation Practice Group, 

Milwaukee; Elizabeth Wieselman, Legal Secretary, Real Estate Practice Group, 

Milwaukee; Diantha Zadra, Paralegal, Corporate Practice Group, Milwaukee 

Thirty-two individual donations of $100 became the power of $3,200 when a 

combination of money and goods was donated to the Cathedral of St. John 

the Evangelist for its Open Door Café and holiday party for the homeless. (This 

is in addition to the general collection of money and goods the firm collects and 

delivers to the Open Door Café in time for the annual holiday party.) The money 

donated will be used to buy hats, gloves, T-shirts, underwear, socks, food gift 

cards and other items for those in need. St. John’s was selected because, since 

2002, at least 20 of WHD’s family serve at the Open Door Café each month. 

Lydia Chartre conducted a special, separate shopping trip with her two 

daughters, which also supported St. John’s. “They are 3 and 6,” says Lydia. 

“My 6-year-old especially enjoyed handing the $100 bill to the cashier! While 

we shopped, we talked about finding the ‘warmest’ items we could (socks, 

T-shirts, underwear, hats, scarves and gloves) and why what we were doing 

was important. It was a wonderful experience.” 


BENEFICIARY: 

St. Jude the Apostle 

Parish School — 

K4 Classrooms 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Mary Beth Hughes, Senior Attorney, 

Human Resources Law Practice Group, 

Milwaukee 

Mary Beth Hughes and her husband 

matched the $100 and gave $200 

to St. Jude’s 4K teachers (there are 

three of them) to purchase new items 

for their classrooms. They purchased 

ABC games, puzzles for developing 

fine motor skills, a water pouring game 

and new classroom art chairs. “We 

send our son Patrick to school there,” 

says Mary Beth. “We believe strongly 

in Catholic education and Catholic 

schools do not have the resources of 

public schools. The teachers were so 

excited and so appreciative!” 


BENEFICIARY: 

Douglas F. McKey 

Christmas Club 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Susan Mischler, Paralegal, Corporate 


Every year, just before Christmas, a diverse 

group of people from the Milwaukee business 

community gathers to distribute food, clothing, 

blankets and gifts to needy families and seniors 

in the Milwaukee area. The group delivered 

gifts to more than 250 households, continuing 

a tradition that began in 1917. In addition 

to her $100 (which matched her club dues), 

Susan Mischler paired up with WHD attorney 

Steven Allen to deliver food and gifts. 


Two Families in Need 

Through Tosa Cares 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Lisa Lawless, Senior Attorney, Litigation 


Lisa Lawless’ daughter’s Girl Scout troop at 

McKinley Elementary School in Wauwatosa, 

Wis., raised money to purchase and donate 

food and other items to two families in need 

through Tosa Cares for the Christmas holiday. 

Lisa used her $100 to buy two $50 gift 

cards from Pick ‘n Save, each of which were 

donated to the families with their package. 

BENEFICIARY: 

Early Music Now 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Philip Koutnik, Associate, Corporate 


Early Music Now is dedicated to the creation 

of lively connections with the past through 

historically informed presentations of music 

composed before 1800. Philip Koutnik, who 

serves on the organization’s board, donated 

his $100 to Early Music Now’s permanent 

endowment fund. 

BENEFICIARY: 

Josiah 

BENEFICIARY: 

St. Ann’s Center for 

Intergenerational Care 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Annette Kordus, Compensation Specialist, 


Annette Kordus used her $100 to purchase 

items that were requested in St. Ann’s Center’s 

recent newsletter. The mission of St. Ann’s 

Center is to provide community-based health 

and educational services for children and frail 

adults and to serve as a resource and support 

for caregivers. It is an intergenerational daycare 

center providing programs and services to 

children, the frail elderly, and adults with 

disabilities. “I support the successful approach 

St. Ann’s provides for intergenerational care,” 

says Annette. “The interplay between the 

adults and children benefit everyone involved.” 

WHYTE LIGHT: 

Linda Sklenar, Paralegal, Real Estate 


Five-year-old Josiah, the grandson of Linda 

Sklenar’s assistant, was recently diagnosed 

with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Linda’s 

$100 is being used for medical expenses. “I 

know they have some that are not covered by 

insurance and wanted to help,” she says. 


MILWAUKEE OFFICE 

555 East Wells Street, Suite 1900 

Milwaukee, WI 53202-3819 

414.273.2100 

MADISON OFFICE 

33 East Main Street, Suite 300 

P.O. Box 1379 

Madison, WI 53701-1379 

608.255.4440 

www.whdlaw.com 

© 2012 Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek S.C. All rights reserved.

Making a positive difference in our communities. - Whyte ...

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