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Wisconsin is known as the dairy state and this weekend, some members of the dairy industry are making a difference and raising money for sick children in the state.
This beautiful, breath-taking garden in De Pere is a work of art.
It’s a hobby that Jim Ostrom says blossomed.
Just like an event that he’s helped plan each of the past six years.
“The group of us, 15 or so, got together and we decided to form this organization to help Children’s Hospital,” Ostrom said.
The group is called “Dairy Cares of Wisconsin.”
It’s made up of friends of the dairy and agriculture industry.
Each summer, members organize a garden party, where they raise money.
“Well, the first year, I think we raised about $30,000 and we grew it every year. And this year we are approaching $200,000,” said Ostrom.
When that small group of friends came up with the idea of having a garden party, and raising money for Children’s Hospital, members say they had no idea how quickly it would grow and make a difference for families right here in northeast Wisconsin.
Families like the Van Geehm’s.
Their son, Ezra, is four years old and has a life tougher than most.
“When he was about two months old he had a partial complex seizure. So we took him to the hospital and found out that he had Tuberous Sclerosis,” said Bobbi Van Geehm, De Pere.
His mother says it’s a rare genetic disease and he will struggle with seizures for the rest of his life.
So that means a lot of time for the family in the Wauwatosa hospital.
“Without Children’s Hospital and their knowledge and what they know, we wouldn’t be where we are with Ezra,” said Van Geehm.
“We’ve been blessed with an agricultural community, dairy community, and very good friends that have all come forward to help this great cause,” said Ostrom.
Sponsors from all over the state also help make the garden party possible.
This weekend, they’re expecting more than 300 to attend.
Ostrom says it’s his way of giving back.
“We are all one degree of separation from needing Children’s Hospital for a loved one or a family friend, or somebody that has a baby that is in need,” said Ostrom.
Someone just like Ezra.
Source: Fox11News
