Dells Organization, Business & Citizen Honored as 2014 Difference-Makers for Easter Seals Wiscons

WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. - Oct. 21, 2014 - PRLog -- MADISON, WI--- The 2014 Easter Seals Wisconsin “Difference-Makers” were honored Tuesday evening at a Recognition Dinner in Madison. These individuals, groups and businesses have inspired others and made outstanding contributions to the disability community statewide and to Easter Seals Wisconsin throughout the years. The Lifetime Service Award was presented to Bud Gussel of Wisconsin Dells.

Bud has always believed in community service and has demonstrated that belief throughout his life. Easter Seals Wisconsin is just one of many organizations Bud has supported through the years.  He originated the Wo-Zha-Wa Fall Festival held each year in the Dells, started the Wisconsin Dells Area United Fund, founded the Dells Country Historical Society and served for nearly 20 years on the volunteer fire department. Bud is a lifelong supporter of Easter Seals, and countless campers and veterans enjoy fishing in his pond, which he keeps stocked and accessible for them.

The Outstanding Philanthropy Award was given to the Gregory C. Van Wie Charitable Foundation. The foundation was founded to honor the memory of Gregory Van Wie, a Dells resident who wanted to make a lasting difference in the lives of others even after he was gone. The Gregory C. Van Wie Charitable Foundation has helped Camp Wawbeek grow and to keep it accessible and exciting for campers. The foundation has been instrumental in the completion of Van Wie Hall(,a women and girls dorm), a state-of-the-art Dining Hall, and a new waterpark-inspired Swimming Pool, making campers feel like they are a priority and deserve the very best.

The award for Outstanding Corporate Support was given to the Bank of Wisconsin Dells.
The Bank of Wisconsin Dells has been connected to Easter Seals Wisconsin for many years. For seven years they have been the Event Sponsor for the Easter Seals Golf Outing for Kids that takes place in the Dells each summer to benefits Easter Seals Wisconsin Camps. The Bank of Wisconsin Dells played an integral role in building the newest dormitory at camp, Van Wie Hall. With their support, not only has Camp Wawbeek expanded to serve more campers, but the funds they helped raise through the Golf Outing has given hundreds of campers with disabilities the opportunity to attend Camp Wawbeek and Respite Camp each year.

About Easter Seals Wisconsin:  For more than 85 years, Easter Seals Wisconsin (www.EasterSealsWisconsin.com) has provided services that help children and adults with disabilities gain greater independence. Easter Seals primary services – vocational rehabilitation, respite services, camping and recreation, information and referral, and public education – benefit close to 10,000 individuals with disabilities and their families each year in Wisconsin.