Neighborhood Connection offers exciting events throughout the year to raise awareness, support, and financial resources. All of these events rely on business sponsorship, generous donations, numerous volunteers, and community support and participation to be successful.  Please see descriptions of our annual events and collection drives below and contact us if you are interested in partnering or getting involved.

Watch for more specific information on each event as it draws closer.  Promotional information will be posted on our website, our Facebook page, in our community newsletter, and in other community media.

Great Pumpkin Smash Dash

Our 7th “sort of” annual fun run is back – now with a Halloween theme! The 5K and 1-mile family fun run/walk  will take place Saturday, October 15, 2022 at The Lone Girl Brewing Company and takes you through the streets of Waunakee on a fun-filled Halloween excursion. Festivities include a pre-race warm up, trick-or-treat stations along the route, and a post-dash party including awards for the best costume and top fundraisers. This family-friendly event has something for ALL! Register Here!

Holiday Wishes (formerly Adopt-A-Family)

As we approach winter and the holidays, it can be especially difficult for families financially – heating bills are starting to kick in, kids have extra projects at school, an unexpected medical need arises, or the general cost of living rises. Your generosity will be a huge blessing to a family, relieving much of the burden by providing gifts they would not otherwise be able to afford. It will make a tremendous difference in the life of a grateful family right here in our community!

We invite individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to be matched with a family this holiday season. Registration for donors will begin in early October. 

The Big Waunabowskee Bowlathon

Neighborhood Connection’s Big Waunabowskee Bowlathon is an annual fun-filled spring fundraising event held at Waun-A-Bowl in Waunakee. In 2019, we expanded to two bowling shifts to accommodate 32 teams.  The night is filled with drawings, prizes, silent auctions, music, food, and lots of bowling. Opportunities for local business to get involved include sponsorships, donating silent auction items, and participating with a company bowling team.  We also have opportunities for volunteers to help with coordination and running the event.

“Fill The Bus” School Supply Collection

In August, we team with Lamers Bus Company and the Waunakee Community School District to collect new school supplies for district students who otherwise cannot afford the supplies required for the school year. Throughout the month of August, business sponsors host the Lamers school bus to help collect the supplies to assemble the 150-200 supply bags needed.  Supplies are then assembled into “kits” and distributed, along with other items such as backpacks, used supplies, books, and Waunakee spirit wear clothing to students invited by the district.  Distribution day is an exciting event for the students as they prepare to start a new school year.

In addition to business sponsors for the bus, donations of school supplies and monetary donations are welcomed, especially for the harder to find or more expensive items such as calculators, binder pouches, backpacks, and lunch bags.  Contact us to learn about specific needs and other ways to support this event.

Christmas Lights And Electrical Cord Recycling

During the holidays, we partner with the Waunakee School District and Ace Hardware to collect holiday lights that are no longer working.  This not only helps keep these items out of our landfills, but when recycled, provide funds that support Neighborhood Connection programs and services as well.

The collection continues year round with all types of electrical cords – extension cords, cords from electronics, unused chargers, coaxial cable and even copper piping can be placed in the collection box in Neighborhood Connection’s lobby any day we’re open for donations.

Other Annual Special Collection Drives

The following are items that we collect on an annual basis.  Hosting a drive for one or more of these items is a great way for groups and businesses to contribute to the strength of our community. To host a drive and have a Neighborhood Connection collection bin delivered to your location, please contact us.

• New socks for all ages/sizes
• Blankets, quilts, and afghans
• Home cleaning supplies (e.g., window cleaner, dish soap, sponges, bathroom cleaners)
• Toiletries (e.g., shampoo, conditioner, body soap, toothpaste, shaving cream)
• Paper products (e.g., toilet paper, paper towels, facial tissue)
• Gasoline and grocery gift cards
• Mother’s Day gifts (e.g, make-up, lotion, hair accessories, candles, bath salts)
• Summer fun items (e.g., sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, water toys, bubbles, chalk)
• Winter coats, hats, mittens, and boots
• Birthday gifts valued at $20 or less, for all ages, so that clients can select a new item during their birthday month
• Birthday bags that include cake mix, frosting, and a party favor