My name is Stephanie Wedgwood and I am the Founder/Executive Director of Elevate Community Foundation. Our foundation works hard to support and bring awareness, programming and funding to rural communities such as New Norway and surrounding areas. Rural communities such as New Norway face unique challenges with rising transportation costs, lower numbers of students/participants to spread the cost, fewer municipal services such as gyms, rec centers, gathering places, mental health access etc.  All of these programs, whether tied to school, athletics, community or otherwise, cost more money to operate than if they were located in a city.  

In the last year, Elevate Community Foundation, with the support of the community, has raised over $30,000 that has been injected back into the New Norway community.  The funds raised have been used to support New Norway School in many ways such as: band trips, academic field trips, providing opportunities for additional tournaments for athletic teams, elementary athletic programs and more.  We have also been able to open a Drop-in Recreation Center in the old New Norway Firehall which has provided a space for pickleball, yoga, fitness classes, youth art classes, drop in youth programming, and after school care.  In addition to providing programming for youth and adults, we have also been able to establish an incredible Pre-K program to provide Early Childhood Education to rural children, which is located at the front of our Drop-in Recreation Center.  In the past year, we have hosted many community events such as: Chili Cook Off and Open House, Harvest Dinner & Dance, Christmas Market & Photos with Santa and our very popular Fun Casino Night. 

Our team is planning our annual Jerseys & Jeans Fun Casino Night, and we are so excited! This event is scheduled for April 13th, 2024 at 7:00 pm and is something our entire community looks forward to as both a social event and a large fundraising opportunity.  Last year, our Fun Casino Night brought in almost half of our annual funds raised! 

Without the support and involvement from our amazing community, these fundraisers and resulting programs are not possible!  We appreciate you so much! 

We have different sponsor packages that offer advertising and more for your support!  Please reach out to stephanie@elevatecommunityfoundation.com to inquire.