For nearly 25 years, Oak Bank has transformed October into a month of giving, community connection and fall tradition through their annual Pumpkin Give Away. What began in October 2000 as a simple gesture of appreciation has blossomed into a beloved Dane County event, with Oak Bank distributing an estimated 30,000 pumpkins and raising nearly $50,000 for local nonprofits along the way.
This year’s event promises all the excitement families have come to expect: tractor-pulled wagon rides, a bounce house, face painting, balloon twisters, spin-the-wheel prizes and more. Special guests Bucky Badger and Maynard the Mallard will be on hand to delight children, while the first 600 attendees receive special treat bags. Most importantly, families will be able to select from pumpkins of all varieties – from traditional carving pumpkins to pie pumpkins and specialty ones in bumpy greens and whites.
But the Pumpkin Give Away represents something deeper than seasonal fun. Each year, Oak Bank selects a local nonprofit to benefit from donations collected during the event, creating meaningful impact beyond the festivities. This year’s beneficiary, Meadowood Health Partnership (MHP), offers vital mental health services including counseling, support groups and educational workshops, addressing disparities experienced by Meadowood community residents. MHP’s mission is to strengthen families, promote literacy and provide neighborhood-based healthcare, aligning perfectly with Oak Bank’s community-first values.
Previous beneficiaries have included a diverse range of local organizations: Underdog Pet Rescue, Heartland Farm Sanctuary, Madison Reading Project, Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center, Access Community Health Centers, Dane County Humane Society and many others. Beyond monetary donations, these organizations consistently report increased awareness and new volunteers due to their association with the event.
The Pumpkin Give Away also demonstrates Oak Bank’s remarkable associate engagement. Most of the team participate in some capacity: from organizing treat bags and unloading pumpkins at 6 AM to staffing activity stations throughout the day. This “all-hands-on-deck” approach demonstrates the genuine commitment behind Oak Bank’s community involvement.
“The Pumpkin Give Away has become more than just a fall tradition – it’s a reflection of who we are as a bank and as members of this community,” says Bob Gorsuch, Executive Chairman & Founder. “Since 2000, this event has been about giving back to the people who have supported Oak Bank from day one. We’re rooted in Dane County, and this is one way we continue to grow alongside it – by lifting up local nonprofits like Meadowood Health Partnership, who provide vital services that strengthen our community every day. Supporting these organizations is one of the most meaningful ways we can contribute — because when they thrive, our entire community benefits. It reminds me why we built Oak Bank in the first place: to be part of something bigger than banking.”
Terry Taylor, President & CEO, emphasizes the event’s broader significance: “What makes the Pumpkin Give Away special isn’t just the pumpkins or the wagon rides – it’s the community spirit behind it. Our team goes all in every year because this event reflects our core values: service, connection and compassion. We’re proud to support organizations like Meadowood Health Partnership, and proud to be a part of an event that has become a fall tradition for so many Dane County families. Personally, it’s one of my favorite days of the year. Seeing our associates, their families, our clients and neighbors all working and celebrating side by side – it’s energizing and humbling. It’s a day that reminds me how powerful simple acts of kindness and togetherness can be.”
Those sentiments mirror Oak Bank’s lasting community commitment, which extends year-round. Associates are given time off to do volunteer work, and also participate in Red Cross blood drives, Badger Prairie Needs Network and Share Your Holidays Second Harvest food drives, Aldo Leopold school supply drives, and support dozens of local organizations spanning education, healthcare, animal welfare and youth programs.
For many families, the Pumpkin Give Away has become a cherished fall tradition, with children who once selected pumpkins now returning with their own families. This generational continuity speaks to the event’s authentic place in the community fabric and Oak Bank’s enduring commitment to Dane County.
Oak Bank’s Pumpkin Give Away takes place Saturday, October 4th, 9 am – noon. For event
details, visit oak.bank/about-us/pumpkin-giveaway.
