LITE Foundation continues to give back

Weather Shield Windows & Doors have used their Lives Inspired Through Employees Foundation (LITE) to impact the community in a positive way. Since its inception in 1999, the LITE Foundation has received employee contributions, pledges and company-matched funds exceeding two million dollars.

The funds from this organization go towards anything from playground equipment to emergency equipment for volunteer fire departments.

On November 30, multiple representatives from 16 different local organizations came together to receive funds from the LITE Foundation. This is the LITE Foundation’s way of giving back to their community.

In 2020 alone, 274 Weather Shield employees pledged money to the LITE Foundation, 21 individuals were helped with Hardship funds, $9,400 were distributed to individuals for immediate hardship expenses. Ninetyone organizations received grants, along with $7,187 raised through additional employee fundraising events.

The money that the foundation receives from Weather Shield employees are matched dollar for dollar by Weather Shield. Fundraisers are also held throughout the year to increase funds.

The LITE Foundation’s mission statement says: “The employees of Weather Shield are committed to helping people help themselves. Through gifts of time, talent and treasure, we believe that we can help improve the quality of life in the communities where we live and work. Through improved quality of life on a local level, we will be more able to impact the lives of others at state, national and international levels. Our efforts are guided by the teaching that, ‘What you do to the least of my brothers, that you do to me.’ (Matthew 25:40).”

The organizations that were helped by this generosity were:

• Taylor County Legion Baseball

• Huey’s Hideaway Children’s Museum

• Francis L. Simek Public Library

• Taylor County Literacy Council

• Forest Springs Camp

• Gilman Lights

• Rainbow Gymnastics

• American Badger State Boys

• Abiding Care

• Taylor County Moving for a Cure

• The Little Store

• Athens Area Fire Commission

• Community Mission with Jesus

• Friends of the Colby Library

• Colby Public Library Each one of these local businesses/organizations were so amazed by the generosity of this local foundation. Everyone was allowed to come forward and speak on how the funds help their organizations.

LITE Foundation donation recipients are (l. to r.): Back row Laura Lundy, Karen Froch, Jon Classen, Dick Iverson, John Polzen, Brent Arndt, Joseph Greget, Fred Romig, Gloria Brodziske, Monica Halopka, Tasha Mallak, Maxx Handel and Carla Emmer. Front row, Kathleen Gaab, Laura Classen, Vicky Calmes, Karla Klapatauskas, Bob Gebert, Carmen Thiede, Mariann Nernberger, Jenn Soboda, Carrie Kraucyk, Cheryl Romig and Betty Dorava.EMILY GOJMERIC/THE STAR NEWS

Craig Schemenauer and Community Mission with Jesus representatives (l. to r.) Karen Froch and Mariann Nernberger.

Craig Schemenauer and Taylor County Moving for a Cure representatives (l. To r.) Jenn Soboda and Carmen Thiede.

Craig Schemenauer and Gilman Lights hosts, Fred and Cheryl Romig.