OCONOMOWOC, Wisconsin – November 28, 2023 – ORBIS® Corporation, an international leader in reusable packaging, and its facilities around the world, demonstrated its commitment to give back to local communities and charitable organizations in 2023. The ORBIS team supported a number of charitable causes, from hosting a summer Walk to End Alzheimer’s event at its world headquarters in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, to providing charitable donations and sponsoring events with high-impact organizations such as local police departments, humane societies, veterans groups, etc.
As a subsidiary of Menasha Corporation, founded in 1849, ORBIS has a rich history of packaging and giving back to the local communities in which it operates. Thanks to funding provided by the Menasha Corporation Foundation, the charitable arm of ORBIS’ parent company, all ORBIS facilities have a team that collaborates with non-profit organizations, coordinates fundraising and provides volunteers in the local area.
“Every year, the ORBIS Community Action team hosts a Donations Reception to celebrate the services that non-profit organizations provide to our communities. About 50 organizations and 80 people attended this year’s event,” said Jo Anne Behling, Community Action Team Leader at ORBIS Corporation’s Oconomowoc headquarters. “In addition to the donations we make, we work with our nonprofit partners to provide volunteers to help support their great work. It is an honor to be part of the Community Action Team.”
ORBIS team members are dedicated to giving back to organizations working to make the world a better place for individuals and families in need.
“At ORBIS, we believe strongly in making a positive impact in our communities. We aspire to make a difference, enrich lives, foster growth and build a legacy that extends into the community,” said Norm Kukuk, president of ORBIS Corporation. “There is so much warmth and kindness that emanates from our beneficiaries; we are grateful to help, and it is an honor to give back to those in need to support their missions.”
ORBIS supports a wide variety of organizations throughout southeastern Wisconsin. These organizations focus on citizen health and safety, community improvement, education and environmental sustainability. In addition to the financial donations made possible by the Menasha Corporation Foundation, ORBIS was also able to help in other ways throughout 2023. These are some of the special events where ORBIS had an impact on the local community:
Walk to End Alzheimer’s and Summer Employee Event – Held at ORBIS headquarters in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, this event raised nearly $5,000 in 2023 in support of the Alzheimer’s Association. Activities included a luncheon, auction and dunk tank contest, with all proceeds benefiting the Wisconsin Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Shorehaven Memory Care provided resources to employees and ORBIS employee Linda Patel and her dog Louie were also present. Linda and Louie form a volunteer therapy team at Shorehaven Memory Hospital’s memory care unit. ORBIS teams were organized in both Waukesha and Madison, Wisconsin.
Bread & Roses – ORBIS employees volunteer and donate food two to three times a year at Bread & Roses, helping to provide meals to those in need. During each event, up to 250 dinners are packaged and served to take to needy families.
Make-A-Wish America Gold Star Donation – As part of ORBIS’ 2023 Make-a-Wish America Gold Star donation, the organization and team made a wish come true for a 16-year-old boy from Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, who suffers from a nervous system disease. With the theme of MLB wishes, ORBIS organized a wish party at the end of October. The Milwaukee Brewers also pitched in, donating ice cream helmets and other gifts as part of their wish.
ORBIS Christmas Family Fundraiser – To help 30 children in Wisconsin’s Waukesha and Jefferson counties each year, ORBIS Christmas Family Fundraiser comes to life when employees fulfill children’s wish lists. These gifts are purchased, wrapped and delivered before Christmas, brightening the holidays for families in need. Generosity runs deep at ORBIS; ORBIS employees fully fund the Christmas fundraiser for families.
Blessings in a Backpack – For 10 years, ORBIS has supported the Waukesha County chapter of Blessings in a Backpack. In 2023, about 30 children attending Magee Elementary School in Genesee Depot, Wisconsin, received backpacks filled with nutritious food for every weekend throughout the school year, with support from ORBIS. ORBIS volunteers participate in the filling and distribution of the backpacks.
Rainbow Hospice Care – ORBIS hosted a brat fry and donated all proceeds to Rainbow Hospice Care, a local non-profit organization that provides supportive care management, palliative care, community bereavement support and community health ministry.
Police Competition – In its third year, the police competition pits three local police departments competing to be the first to push a patrol car to the finish line. In 2023, the Watertown Police Department placed first, the Oconomowoc Police Department placed second, and the Summit Police Department placed third, and each received funding to support their departments.
Heroes for Heroes – Heroes for Heroes is a non-profit organization that advocates for PTSD awareness and support, fundraising for service dogs and promoting more opportunities for veterans. At its annual summer fundraiser for a local veteran’s service dog, ORBIS employees volunteered their time to support the event.
The River Food Pantry – ORBIS volunteers packed lunches and distributed them to clients at The River Food Pantry. River Food Pantry is the busiest food pantry in south-central Wisconsin, offering services including free groceries and freshly prepared meals for pick-up or delivery, online grocery ordering, mobile meals and emergency food lockers.
Additional beneficiaries:
Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation – Run, Walk, Roll EventWatertown Police Department – Donut Dash 5k EventNational Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Southeast Wisconsin – NAMIWalks 5kDown Syndrome Association of Wisconsin – Walk at Milwaukee County ZooLupus Foundation of America – Charitable golf outingLake Country Shop with a CopsWaukeshaCounty Green Team – Sustainability eventAngelman Syndrome Foundation – ASF Walk shirtsLifeStriders – Triple Crown Event Creative Community Living ServicesGuardians of the ChildrenHumane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha CountyHumane Society of Jefferson CountyWatertown Humane Society Inc.Wounded Warriors United of WisconsinSEA LiteracyThe Women and Girls Fund of Waukesha CountyAmerican Cancer SocietyProHealth Cancer Center in OconomowocPersonal Essentials PantryProHealth AngelsGrace HospiceShorehaven Memory CareSojourner Truth HouseSummit Police DepartmentWestern Lakes Fire DistrictYour Choice to LiveBrewers Community FoundationAlzheimer’s Association GalaMilwaukee Bucks FoundationImagine a DayHabitat for HumanityEducational Foundation of Watertown, WIOconomowoc Scholarship FundAutism Society of SE WisconsinWatertown Community LaundryHaus of PeaceHebron HouseHope CenterHuntington’s Disease Society of America – WIJohnson Creek Helping Hands Food PantryWisconsin D.A.R.E. Officers AssociationJohnson Creek Police DepartmentKisses from KeeganLake Area Free ClinicLake Country DockhoundsOconomowoc Festival of the ArtsOconomowoc Food PantryLake Mills Police DepartmentLake Mills Food PantryPets Helping PeopleOconomowoc Police Department
“Our employees are the heart and soul of ORBIS; we have a very generous culture that encourages not only monetary donations, but also hands-on involvement, as nonprofits rely heavily on volunteers as well as funding,” said Kukuk. “We appreciate the willingness of employees in all departments to help those in need. We are truly honored to support these organizations that help so many others in their time of need.”