One Community Bank in Oregon, Wis., is preparing for its third annual Badger Tailgate fundraiser. On Oct. 21, the Waunakee branch of the $1.9 billion-asset community bank will host an outdoor viewing party for the University of Wisconsin-Madison football game. The event will have free food and drinks, a jumbotron to watch the game on and an appearance from the university’s mascot, Bucky Badger.
The money raised will benefit the Waunakee School District Student Financial Assistance Fund—which ensures all students in the district can participate in their school community—and help fund new buildings for Schumacher Farm Park, an outdoor museum that offers a glimpse into what rural life was like in the 1920s and 1930s.
“It’s great because people get to meet each other, [and] we get to meet people in the community,” said Chris Zellner, market president at One Community Bank-Waunakee.
One Community Bank plans to match the amount that both communities raise, up to $500, Zellner said. For this year’s fundraiser, the bank is partnering with the same three local companies as it did in 2022: Waunakee Remodeling, Octopi Brewing and Bishops Bay Country Club.
“This is us reaching out and being part of our community and being a good neighbor,” said Jeff Murray, Bishops Bay’s chief operating officer.
Zellner also sees the benefits of displaying that neighborly attitude. “We want to make sure that we’re investing into our community,” he said. “That’s one of our main important things and goals of the bank.” —Ben Kopnick
