Candy Cane Park hill has entertained us for decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are you doing?

A group of people, including citizens from the community and some who grew up in New Glarus but no longer live here, have created a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to crowdfund enough money to purchase the land and keep it as greenspace, as well as buy new playground equipment. Working with Only in Wisconsin Giving Foundation, we will purchase the property from Shepherd of the Hills Church and donate it to the Village of New Glarus with the condition that it remain undeveloped and as it is now, made an extension of Candy Cane Park, and enjoyed for many generations to come. The New Glarus Village Board has approved this approach so now we are moving forward with raising funds.

What is your next step?

We are asking everyone in the neighborhood and community, past and present, who has great memories from this place or wants to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to make great memories here, to PLEASE DONATE what you can to this worthwhile effort so that we can maintain this greenspace in our village.

Didn't New Glarus Brewing Company already purchase the land from Shepherd of the Hills Church?

No. Only in Wisconsin Giving Foundation, which is the charitable arm of New Glarus Brewing Company, submitted an offer to purchase the property to protect it from being sold to someone outside of the community who might develop it. This acquisition was made assuming the Village of New Glarus would receive it as a donation and maintain it going forward. The community must still raise funds if it wants to preserve this greenspace, so it can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Where do the funds to purchase the greenspace and replace the playground equipment come from?

Only in Wisconsin Giving Foundation has agreed to match every dollar New Glarus Cares raises. So, in a sense, our goal is to raise half of the cost of the project from individuals and businesses in the New Glarus community, along with several fundraising activities undertaken by New Glarus Cares. Only in Wisconsin Giving Foundation will fund the other half.

How will the money be used?

The approximate cost to purchase the land is $149,900. The estimated cost to replace the playground equipment at Candy Cane Park is another $85,000. So, our goal is to raise a total of $235,000 ($117,500 from the community and $117,500 from Only in Wisconsin Giving Foundation). All the money raised will be used to fund the purchase of the land, buy new playground equipment, and make the park handicap accessible.

How will you raise the funds necessary to reach your goals?

Any way we can. Prior to collecting donations, more than $20,000 was already pledged by members of the community to fund the purchase of the greenspace at Candy Cane Park. We are now working to collect those donations and raise funds in other ways. We will have a series of fundraisers planned throughout the community until our goals are met. We are also reaching out to individuals, businesses, and other community organizations and asking them for their financial support. We are also pursuing potential grant opportunities.

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes. New Glarus Cares Community Foundation received approval for its application from the IRS for 501(c)(3) status. Yes. All donations are tax-deductible for donors who are U.S. taxpayers. The New Glarus Cares Community Foundation's tax-exempt ID number is 92-1125874. We issue you a tax receipt immediately after making a donation. Donations made to New Glarus Cares since its formation in October 2022 are also retroactively deductible.

How can I donate?

You can donate with a check or with a credit/debit card. We prefer checks because then we do not need to pay costly and unnecessary transaction fees. If you wish to pay by check, please make your check payable to "New Glarus Cares" and mail it to: Bank of New Glarus, c/o New Glarus Cares, 1101 Highway 69, Suite 11, New Glarus, WI 53574. If you wish to pay with a credit or debit card you can pay online by going to WWW.NEWGLARUSCARES.COM.

Who is New Glarus Cares?

New Glarus Cares Community Foundation, Inc. is a new community organization that was formed to preserve the greenspace adjacent to Candy Cane Park. While this land has acted as an extension of the park for the last 50+ years, the land is currently owned by Shepherd of the Hills Church, which has recently listed it for sale. It is a formal nonprofit organization whose board of directors include Matthew Belknap, Karen Condouris, Dorene Disch, Shelly Johnson, Todd Klassy, Katy Lounsbury, and Michael Marty.

Who is Only in Wisconsin Giving Foundation?

Only in Wisconsin Giving Foundation is the charitable arm of New Glarus Brewing Company. They partner with organizations in the local community and high impact nonprofits throughout the state of Wisconsin.

How else can I give?

Almost as much as money, we need volunteers. We need volunteers to help raise funds, knock on doors, write letters, call people, attend meetings, talk to businesses, help at fundraising events, and much more. If you have a little bit of time to donate to this worthwhile cause, please email us at info@newglaruscares.com.

Helpful links…

Zillow Listing:
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/10th-Ave-1-New-Glarus-WI-53574/2061150285_zpid/

Google Maps View:
https://goo.gl/maps/LuQYjDN8LQXF1W1GA