MADISON — As part of the 4th Annual Local Spark Award, WEA Trust awarded Aiming for Acceptance, a non-profit organization in Fennimore, a $3,000 grant for a building renovation which will provide a safe and sensory friendly space to all special needs individuals.
Aiming for Acceptance (A4A) has been fundraising and enhancing the lives within the Fennimore community since it was born in 2012. A4A’s mission is to raise awareness and acceptance, provide tools and support for local families, schools and other organizations in order to assist the Autism community.
“Those benefiting from these services could by your family, friends or neighbor,” wrote Linda Parrish in her Local Spark submission.
“Each year the number of submissions to the Local Spark Award increases and this year has had some of the best yet,” said Jon Klett, the Trust’s Vice President of Sales. “It’s so inspiring to see the vision and dedicated that our 2017 winners have,” said Klett.
In partnership with League of Wisconsin Municipalities, WEA Trust created the Local Spark Award to recognize and reward innovation in Wisconsin’s cities and villages. This summer, WEA Trust received over 70 project proposals from around Wisconsin, which were reviewed by a panel of four judges:
- Jerry Deschane – Executive Director of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities
- Dan Hill – Local Government Specialist at the UW-Extension
- Terry Estness – Executive Director, Wauwatosa Chamber of Commerce
- Shawn Reilly – Mayor, City of Waukesha and former Local Spark Award Winner
Aiming for Acceptance was one of three Local Spark Award winners chosen by the selection committee. Other winners include the City of West Allis for a sidewalk poetry initiative and the City of Marinette for their Menekaunee Harbor mural memorial.