Accelerate Magazine January 2022

WAUKESHA COUNTY BUSINESS ALLIANCE, INC. | WAUKESHA.ORG The name of the event was “Comfort and Joy,” and as it was planned, it had all the makings of an afternoon of family fun and celebration. That all changed at 4:39 p.m. For so many who stood on the streets watching the Waukesha Christmas Parade on November 21, this will be a day that will live with them for a very long time. The tragedy has impacted everyone in our community in some form or another. It has gained national attention and has touched people across the world. While many were in shock and mourning the events on that Sunday afternoon, two local organizations, the Waukesha County Community Foundation and UnitedWay of Greater Milwaukee &Waukesha County, were already hard at work planning ways to support those affected by the attack. “Amy and I immediately got on the phone and discussed a plan,” said Shelli Marquardt, President of the Waukesha County Community Foundation. “We knew there were going to be so many people in need, and we wanted to do something.” “It was remarkable,” said Amy Lindner, President & CEO of UnitedWay of Greater Milwaukee &Waukesha County. “Within 12 hours of the tragedy, we had the United for Waukesha Community Fund up and running. We knew that so many generous people would reach out and ask what they could do to help. We wanted to be ready.” And ready they were. The following morning was filled with interviews with local news channels, radio stations, and newspapers. Lindner and Marquardt walked the streets of Waukesha and spoke to businesses and organizations, sharing the news of the fund, asking for support. “It was a time for everyone to come together,” said Marquardt, “and no one hesitated. Waukesha is a very special place, and we didn’t have to say much to get people to participate in the fund.” Lindner and Marquardt worked side-by-side, discussing next steps, preparing for possible challenges, anticipating the needs of the victims and the entire community. UNITED FOR WAUKESHA Article Provided By: United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County and Waukesha County Community Foundation 6