In News Stories

KENOSHA, Wis, [December 16 2020] — 1HOPE, a non-profit organization supporting the Uptown Kenosha recovery after the civil unrest, led a community effort that raised nearly $70,000.00 for their Uptown Recovery Fund in collaboration with local churches, numerous small businesses and countless individuals that came together to support those in need. All proceeds will go to help recover and rebuild the affected community area businesses and support property owners, and residents.

In October, 1HOPE announced members of the Uptown Recovery Fund Committee and in November grants were approved in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 after consideration of the applicant’s request and present circumstances.

Uptown Recovery Fund Committee Members:

  • Matthew Richer – Attorney at Alia, DuMez & McTernan, S.C.,
  • Joanne Freitag – Vice President & Managing Partner of Parrish & Freitag, LTD.
  • Bob Lee – President and CEO of Lee Mechanical, Inc.
  • Charlie Swade – Uptown Property Owner & Business Owner of Econo Sewer & Drain
  • Bobby Dyson – Pastor of Lively Stone Church located in Uptown

Grants have been awarded to:

  • La Estrella Super Market
  • Faded Barbershop for Men
  • Boost Mobile
  • Uptown Beauty
  • Lumuniarias Banquet Hall
  • Playspace
  • Treasures Within
  • City Kicks and Boutique
  • Danish Brotherhood
  • Uptown Restaurant
  • El Buen Gusto Ice Cream Shoppe
  • Property Owner – 6306 22nd Ave

“We greatly appreciate our supporters and our sponsors for their ongoing advocacy of our mission to offer hope and transform lives in our Uptown community during this year of unrest and difficulty,” said Executive Director Nicole Thomsen. “We were able to raise a profound amount for our beloved community in a very short time despite the current climate.”

Following these initial grant awards, 1HOPE will continue to provide support to the Uptown business, property owners and residents impacted by the recent civil unrest through partnerships with local community resources and professionals who are able to help and provide their expertise and assistance. Applications for a second round of grant awards from this Uptown Fund will open on January 6, 2021.

“As members of the Kenosha community, it is our responsibility to be our brothers and our sisters keeper in their hour of need,” said Uptown Committee Member Matthew Richer. “It has been an honor to have played a role in serving others, and doing my part restoring faith in Kenosha’s bright future. The members of 1HOPE are the epitome of ‘servant leaders’ who have produced so much support and caring for individuals, business, and families impacted by the unrest.”

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve on the 1HOPE Uptown Recovery Fund Committee and to be a part of the rebuilding of this important district in our community,” said Uptown Committee Member Joanne Freitag.

Uptown fundraiser information provided to 1HOPE that will directly benefit Uptown Kenosha residents, businesses and property owners that experienced damage due to the recent civil unrest can be viewed here: https://www.1hope.community/uptownfundraisers