Madison Reporter

Partners in Giving has announced that employees and retirees from the State of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin–Madison, and UW Health have raised nearly $2 million for various charities during the 2024-25 workplace giving campaign. The announcement was made at a volunteer awards and recognition ceremony held at Union South on March 11.

Eric Wilcots, dean of the College of Letters & Science, delivered welcome remarks at the event. Tamara C. Kuhn Martin, Co-Chair of the Partners in Giving Administrative Board and assistant dean for research administration in the College of Engineering, stated: “As demonstrated through the impact of the thousands of university, UW Health and state employees and retirees who participate as volunteers, donors or both in the Partners in Giving campaign, we do more together.” She expressed pride in those participating to support causes beyond themselves.

The ceremony celebrated the collective impact of this year's campaign under the theme "Together We Do More" and honored volunteers for their contributions. Kathy Blumenfeld, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Administration, also spoke at the event alongside Wilcots.

As reported by March 3, over 3,500 employees pledged a total amounting to $1,924,379.45. Contributions will continue to be accepted until May 15, 2025. Since its inception in 1973, Partners in Giving has facilitated donations totaling nearly $89 million to various charities. This year saw participation from Milwaukee and Waukesha County employees for the first time.

The event also recognized individual volunteers with awards such as:

- Doug Palm Community Service Award: Bob Paolino (Wisconsin Legislature) and Katelynn Updike (Capitol Police).

- Excellence Award: Audra Cohen-Plata (Department of Safety & Professional Services), Nathaniel Liedl (UW–Madison International Division), Katie McMullen (UW–Madison Office of Strategic Communication), Kristi Rickey (Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority).

- Innovation Events Award: Melissa M. Graf (DOJ Division of Forensic Science), Abigail McMerrill (Department of Administration), Molly Moen (UW–Madison Department of Psychology), Diana Trendt (UW–Madison Finance & Administration).

- Robert A. Alesch Award: Julie Goldsmith (Department of Transportation) and Cheryl Quinn (Division of Milwaukee Child Protective Services).

For further details about Partners in Giving and its supported charities, visit www.giving.wi.gov.