MEDIA CONTACTS:
Danielle Johnson, Wisconsin Department of Tourism
Phone: 608-266-0458
Email: djohnson@TravelWisconsin.com
Lisa Marshall, Wisconsin Department of Tourism
Phone: 608-267-3773
Email: lmarshall@TravelWisconsin.com
Over 50 tourism partners participated; More than 50 charities receive mittens
MADISON, Wis. (Feb. 6, 2012) — Wisconsin residents are a little warmer this winter thanks to the generous donations of Wisconsin residents and travelers. Over 3,100 pairs of mittens and other warm winter items were donated in Wisconsin to more than 50 charities as part of the Great Lakes Mitten Campaign, a joint initiative from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism and Pure Michigan.
The campaign invited the public to donate new or gently used mittens to Travel Wisconsin Welcome Centers and participating chambers of commerce or convention and visitors bureaus. Tourism partners donated items to local and community charitable organizations and shelters. Pure Michigan encouraged its residents and travelers to donate items directly to the organization of their choice.
“We are proud of the enthusiastic response and generosity from Wisconsin residents and travelers. This was a great way for two Midwest states to team up and do something positive to help those in need,” Governor Scott Walker said. “We heard countless heartwarming stories about generous people donating their time and resources to this initiative.”
In some cases, mittens were handmade by local individuals and groups. Eighth grade students from LB Clark Middle School in Two Rivers made mittens and hats for the campaign. A 5th grade class at Southport Elementary School in Kenosha created paper mittens to display at the Visitor Information Center. A former Waukesha resident who owns the “The Dairy Godmother” ice cream shop in Alexandria, Va. knitted over 50 mittens and sent them to Travel Wisconsin Welcome Centers in Superior and Platteville. Over 100 mittens were collected at Lambeau Field before the Green Bay Packers playoff game against the New York Giants.
Wisconsin businesses and organizations ran specials and donated funds towards the campaign. The Wisconsin Dells Lions Club generously donated $200. Wizard Quest in the Wisconsin Dells offered a special that donated a portion of the ticket price toward the campaign. The Community Outreach committee at Marinette Marine bought $500 worth of mittens and other winter items to be donated. Gonzo Research in Milwaukee collected 113 mittens that were donated to a local homeless shelter.
The mission of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism is to market the state as the Midwest’s premier travel destination by executing industry-leading marketing programs and establishing strategic partnerships. The Department plays a significant role in generating greater economic impact and jobs for Wisconsin. The portal for traveler information can be found at http://www.TravelWisconsin.com.
