Supporting Old World Wisconsin with Stewardship and Integrity Since 1984.
262-594-2922
friends@friendsoww.org
P.O. Box 347
Elkhorn, Wisconsin 53121
Sunset Soiree 2024
Thank you to everyone who donated to our Chair's Challenge/Sunset Soiree to fund enhancements to the Pleasant Ridge area of Old World Wisconsin AND fund increased programming to share the stories of Black families who settled in rural Wisconsin. It's not too late to donate to help Old World Wisconsin fund a new vision for Black history on site.
Sunset Soiree is a celebration of thanks for those who have donated to our annual Chair's Challenge. It is our primary annual fundraiser. Each year, the Chair of our Board of Trustees issues a challenge to our Friends and supporters to raise a certain amount of money for a chosen project or program.
Thank you to those who donated and made this annual fundraiser a success. More than $43,000 was raised last year for the conservation of heritage breeds at OWW.
Old World Wisconsin opened in 1976 as a living history museum that shared stories of settlers who came to Wisconsin. There are many culturally diverse stories to be told. Old World Wisconsin is now revisiting an initial vision by historian Zachary Cooper to share experiences of Black settlers who lived in Wisconsin, including the Pleasant Ridge community in Grant County’s Beetown Township. This rural community is well-documented, thanks to Olive Greene Lewis, who preserved their history.
A reproduction of the United Brethren Church along with a cemetery chapel from Pleasant Ridge are located at Old World Wisconsin. With financial support, OWW will enhance this experience into a dynamic attraction and celebrate the many stories of the rural Black families whose bounty, labor, and livelihood made this place home.
Our 2024 Chair’s Challenge
The Chair of our Board of Trustees has determined the 2024 challenge: To raise $40,000 by August 2, 2024 to enhance the story of Pleasant Ridge and Black History at Old World Wisconsin. A donation of any amount is gratefully appreciated, but a donation of $250 or more will secure your invitation to an exclusive evening at Old World Wisconsin on August 10th.
- 4:15 - 5:15pm: Arrive at Old World Wisconsin (per your confirmation letter) Check in, have your picture taken, enjoy a drink and board the tram for your ride to the Norwegian Picnic Pavilion where the evening festivities will take place.
- 5:30 - 7:30pm: With your donation of $250 or more, enjoy: Food & desserts from 4 different food trucks, Tram Rides to the United Brethren Church / Pleasant Ridge (for a short presentation), Wine, Beer, Mocktails and Specialty Sodas, Live Music & an Exciting Raffle
- Download your Sunset Soiree Invite and Donor Response as a pdf file.
Raffle: Try your luck at winning an exciting RAFFLE PRIZE. TICKETS: 1 for $20 or 6 for $100 (cash or check).
View Our Sponsors, Raffle Donors and Food Trucks
Live Music: Mingle with Old World Foundation Trustees, Old World Wisconsin Staff and other guests, sit or dance to live music by Van Wailin (‘50s-70’s hits) while savoring a variety of food and beverage options.
July Newsletter:: For more information, take a look at our July Newsletter.
You Can Double Your Impact!
THANKS TO THE GENEROSITY OF OUR SUPPORTERS, ALL DONATIONS UP TO $5500 WILL BE MATCHED!
All donations are appreciated, but a donation of $250 or more will secure your invitation to this exclusive evening at Old World Wisconsin.
- $250 Donation = Invitation for 2 to enjoy beverages, food trucks, live music and an exciting raffle at Old World Wisconsin.
- $500 Donation = All the evening festivities plus a copy of I Have Walked One Mile After Dark in a Hard Rain by Sara Jo-Saebo for the Midwest History Project. This book explores a collection of letters from the Shepard family who lived in the community of Pleasant Ridge.
- $1,000 Donation = An opportunity to bring up to 3 of your friends to Old World Wisconsin (4 total) on August 10.
- $2,500 Donation = In addition to the benefits listed above, an invitation for 2 people to join us at Old World Wisconsin on September 14 for a special donor reception.
OWF Board Chair announcing her Chair's Challenge
SS Chair, Ron Buchholz, discussing the event and our raffle sponsors
Musical Duo, Van Wailin’
DeYounte Ramsey discussing his artwork
Sunset Soiree 2024
Sunset Soiree... an enchanted evening celebrating a new vision for Black history at Old World Wisconsin.
Download your Sunset Soiree Invite and Donor Response as a pdf file. Help us raise the funds needed to enhance the story of Pleasant Ridge and Black History at Old World Wisconsin. All donations up to $5,500 will be matched!
- View Our Sponsors, Raffle Donors and Food Trucks
Our thanks to DeYounte Ramsey who designed the artwork for this year’s fundraiser.
