Greater Milwaukee Men

The holiday season is, unfortunately, the time when we start top think most about the hungry, those that need. I say unfortunately because we should think of them all the time. Now understandably its winter, we are in the giving season, we are thinking (guiltily) about our family meals and want to help others. That's great. We just could do it more often, and more importantly, better. The usual way we donate to food banks is by giving, well, food. But isn't that what we want to do? Give food to the hungry? Well, sure, but there are more cost-effective, efficient, more healthy ways of getting food to them than actually donating 'non-perishable' items at various donation events from your grocery store to a show. What is the best way? Just giving money. You seen when you donate funds, the pantry can buy in bulk to get more food for the same amount, and they can also get what they need, versus what you decide to give them. Here is great summation of what it means for a...

Yesterday, Save The Soldiers Home , a partnership between The National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance , made an announcement that will have a great impact on the Milwaukee community. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has selected a local team's proposal to rehabilitate and restore six of the Milwaukee Soldiers Home District's unused buildings for their original purpose - the service of veterans. The six buildings will be turned into 100 housing units with supportive services for veterans and their families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. I can't say how much I love the fact that this will be a double rehabilitative effort - both on the buildings and then their use to rehome and rehabilitate veterans. It's a one-two punch to improve Milwaukee. It's always a shame to lose historic buildings and this effort will keep these with such a rich background. They will also provide a much needed servi...

This Saturday June 18, Wisconsin Harley-Davidson in Oconomowoc will host the 4th  HOG and STEER BBQ Competition and Festival , an event in the Kansas City Barbeque Society 's sanctioned contests and this year a part of their  Meals Mission to provide food for the homeless and hungry.

The Turkey Club may be the name of a sandwich, but its also a great organization in Milwaukee that makes a true 'Thanks'-giving possible for those in need. The Club was founded in 1978 for the sole purpose of raising funds for the purchase and delivery of turkeys at the Thanksgiving holiday. All turkeys are given to food pantries and meal programs in the five county area of: Milwaukee, Washington, Jefferson, Dodge, and Waukesha. On Saturday, November 14th, you can help raise funds to pay for the turkeys.  O’Brien’s Pub at 4928 W. Vliet St, Milwaukee from 2PM to 5PM will host a Turkey Club fundriaser with terrific Raffles & Silent Auction Offerings Including; Hotel stays, Fine Dining certificates, Sporting packages & Memorabilia, Entertainment Certificates, and many other Fabulous packages and CASH ! Win your own Holiday Turkey!! Bring a friend, if you don't have one we'll find you one. All proceeds go towards the purchase of turkeys for The Turkey Club The T...

The Five O'clock Steakhouse , where the tradition of the classic steakhouse or supper club never ends, is one of those places in Milwaukee you have to visit at least once. There is no better time than the present as the premier steakhouse is hosting a food drive and fundraiser for Hunger Task Force of Milwaukee now through March 21, 2015. You can get your steak on and give back at the same time. Donate a non-perishable food item through Friday, March 20, 2015 and receive $15 off your dinner on a Tuesday through Friday. Plus, if you share a photo on social media mentioning the food drive when you dine at the restaurant you get another $5 off. For you non-mathletes that's a total of $20 off.

It may seem like another feat of strength for Milwaukeeans to show our moxy by partying in the cold, but Mitten Fest seeks to conquer the cold in another way. Saturday, Feb. 8 Burnhearts  in Bay View (2599 S. Logan Ave.) hosts an outdoor party to benefit Hunger Task Force. In addition to food donations though, they are also accepting warm clothing for those in need during this most cold and snowy winter. Last year, Mitten Fest brought in 1,125 pounds of food, 50 bags of clothing and more than $1500 in cash donations.  The party features beer and live music to warm the soul from the Fatty Acids, The Whips, Midwest Death Rattle, and Heavy Hand, but it may be the delicious house crafted Bourbon Barrel Korbel Brandy Old Fashioneds & Ginger Brandy that warm up party goers the most. There is also a cold weather craft fair and food. 

We previously reported on a program by DC Comics called   We Can Be Heroes  to help the people of the Horn of Africa. Since then the fans of DC have stepped up in a big way, donating over $85,000 through an Indiegogo crowdfund of for the same program. Considering the initial goal of the fund was $50,000 that is a huge achievement. All those that have donated and pushed the program above and beyond the expectations do even DC can consider themselves heroes alongside their comic book icons. The We Can Be Heroes program seeks to raise awareness and funds for three  humanitarian aid partners  who are delivering aid where it is needed most. Everything they do goes to support the life-saving work of Save the Children, International Rescue Committee and Mercy Corps. Since it's start, those who desire to help could donate directly to the fund, or even shop for DC and program-related gear  with a portion of the purchase price going to the program, but with the add...

The throngs of geeks, nerds, and dorks - of whom I am proud to consider myself - keep impressing me with various ways they find to fit philanthropy into their lifestyle. Another great example of this is that DC Entertainment - creators of American icons like Batman and Superman - is utilizing a program called We Can Be Heroes  to help the people of the Horn of Africa. In an area where they are experiencing the worst hunger crisis in 60 years, DC is matching donations to their partners  in the efforts to solve the problem: Save The Children, The International Rescue Committee, and Mercy Corps. Examples of donation amounts and what they can do for the people in need are: