MONROE - More than a week after the fatal crash that claimed the lives of three Monroe teenagers and hospitalized a Monroe woman, fundraising efforts for the victims' families continue.
Monroe residents and businesses are working to raise money for the families of the victims and are finding overwhelming community support.
Heartland Graphics T-Shirts
Black T-shirts adorned with the initials of the three Monroe High School students who died continue to sell as orders from nearby communities pour in.
The T-shirt features AT for Anya Teasdale, GN for Gage Noble and JW for Joseph Wyss designed in a heart surrounding the Monroe "M" on the front with "#cheesemakerSTRONG" on the back.
The shirts, printed by Heartland Graphics in Monroe, are being made at cost as a fundraiser for family members affected by the loss of their loved ones. Owner Tracy Hamilton said the last week has been the busiest he has seen in 20 years. The business began selling shirts Wednesday.
"The response has been overwhelming," Hamilton said. "As sad as everything is, the outpouring has been fantastic. Everyone wants to help these families as much as we do. It's just been amazing."
On Monday, Hamilton printed 600 shirts. On Friday, 700 were made. Students from as far away as Milton High School wanted to show support for the fundraiser with a purchase of 81 T-shirts. Online ordering ended Monday, but Hamilton said buyers are welcome to contact him to continue the fundraiser. He is unsure when the campaign will end given the continuing demand.
After the accident, Hamilton said Monroe school district Activities Director Jeff Newcomer contacted the store with the design Feb. 13, three days after the car crash. Newcomer designed the shirt with feedback from high school Principal Chris Medenwaldt and sent the sketch to Hamilton.
In total, Heartland Graphics has taken orders for 2,000 shirts for the public as of Monday afternoon in addition to the 800 purchased by the district for students and staff members. A number of area businesses have contacted the district and may end up contributing money for the cost of the T-shirts, Newcomer said.
Living Expense Fund
Jenny Lancaster, a broker at Century 21 in Monroe, is working with the South Central Wisconsin Multiple Listing Service to raise money for the families of the four victims.
Lancaster said she graduated high school with the parents of one of the deceased victims and had been raising funds for those parents with the help of her graduating class.
"I thought, "why limit our help to Anya's family?'" Lancaster said.
The families of the victims, Lancaster said, shouldn't have to worry about their bills while also dealing with the death of a loved one. Lancaster added that Jennifer Hopkins, the woman who was hospitalized after the crash, needs all the support she can get to care for her six children while she recovers.
Donors can give money to the families through an account at Wisconsin Bank and Trust. Lancaster said donors can visit any Wisconsin Bank and Trust branch to make a deposit into the Hopkins, Noble, Wyss and Teasdale Living Expense account. Lancaster said she hopes to raise three months of living expenses for all four families - an amount she estimates to be $15,000.
"I'm hoping to get more, but I'll be more than happy if we can get three months," Lancaster said.
When the fund eventually starts to run out - when it can no longer sustain all four families - Lancaster said the remainder of the fund will be put into a scholarship fund for three Monroe High School sophomores who pursue medical, emergency response or law enforcement careers.
"Even when we can't help them all, we're still helping the community," Lancaster said.
Pizza Hut Buffet
The Pizza Hut in Monroe, in partnership with the First Baptist Church, will hold a buffet today to raise money for the four families of the victims.
Pizza Hut manager Brad Casper said 100 percent of all buffet sales will go to the families of the victims.
"It's an effort to help our community," Casper said.
The buffet will cost $10 for adults - which will include the buffet and a beverage - with special pricing for children based on age and will run from 4 to 8 p.m.
Casper said there has been "quite a bit" of community support for the buffet.
"We're expecting a huge turnout," Casper said.
Several other area restaurants have held fundraisers since the accident.
Monroe residents and businesses are working to raise money for the families of the victims and are finding overwhelming community support.
Heartland Graphics T-Shirts
Black T-shirts adorned with the initials of the three Monroe High School students who died continue to sell as orders from nearby communities pour in.
The T-shirt features AT for Anya Teasdale, GN for Gage Noble and JW for Joseph Wyss designed in a heart surrounding the Monroe "M" on the front with "#cheesemakerSTRONG" on the back.
The shirts, printed by Heartland Graphics in Monroe, are being made at cost as a fundraiser for family members affected by the loss of their loved ones. Owner Tracy Hamilton said the last week has been the busiest he has seen in 20 years. The business began selling shirts Wednesday.
"The response has been overwhelming," Hamilton said. "As sad as everything is, the outpouring has been fantastic. Everyone wants to help these families as much as we do. It's just been amazing."
On Monday, Hamilton printed 600 shirts. On Friday, 700 were made. Students from as far away as Milton High School wanted to show support for the fundraiser with a purchase of 81 T-shirts. Online ordering ended Monday, but Hamilton said buyers are welcome to contact him to continue the fundraiser. He is unsure when the campaign will end given the continuing demand.
After the accident, Hamilton said Monroe school district Activities Director Jeff Newcomer contacted the store with the design Feb. 13, three days after the car crash. Newcomer designed the shirt with feedback from high school Principal Chris Medenwaldt and sent the sketch to Hamilton.
In total, Heartland Graphics has taken orders for 2,000 shirts for the public as of Monday afternoon in addition to the 800 purchased by the district for students and staff members. A number of area businesses have contacted the district and may end up contributing money for the cost of the T-shirts, Newcomer said.
Living Expense Fund
Jenny Lancaster, a broker at Century 21 in Monroe, is working with the South Central Wisconsin Multiple Listing Service to raise money for the families of the four victims.
Lancaster said she graduated high school with the parents of one of the deceased victims and had been raising funds for those parents with the help of her graduating class.
"I thought, "why limit our help to Anya's family?'" Lancaster said.
The families of the victims, Lancaster said, shouldn't have to worry about their bills while also dealing with the death of a loved one. Lancaster added that Jennifer Hopkins, the woman who was hospitalized after the crash, needs all the support she can get to care for her six children while she recovers.
Donors can give money to the families through an account at Wisconsin Bank and Trust. Lancaster said donors can visit any Wisconsin Bank and Trust branch to make a deposit into the Hopkins, Noble, Wyss and Teasdale Living Expense account. Lancaster said she hopes to raise three months of living expenses for all four families - an amount she estimates to be $15,000.
"I'm hoping to get more, but I'll be more than happy if we can get three months," Lancaster said.
When the fund eventually starts to run out - when it can no longer sustain all four families - Lancaster said the remainder of the fund will be put into a scholarship fund for three Monroe High School sophomores who pursue medical, emergency response or law enforcement careers.
"Even when we can't help them all, we're still helping the community," Lancaster said.
Pizza Hut Buffet
The Pizza Hut in Monroe, in partnership with the First Baptist Church, will hold a buffet today to raise money for the four families of the victims.
Pizza Hut manager Brad Casper said 100 percent of all buffet sales will go to the families of the victims.
"It's an effort to help our community," Casper said.
The buffet will cost $10 for adults - which will include the buffet and a beverage - with special pricing for children based on age and will run from 4 to 8 p.m.
Casper said there has been "quite a bit" of community support for the buffet.
"We're expecting a huge turnout," Casper said.
Several other area restaurants have held fundraisers since the accident.