Milwaukee was the perfect place to celebrate FAUSA’s 25th anniversary! From historic tours and lake/river cruises to laughter-filled dinners and a record-breaking gala, the weekend was one for the books.
Thursday:
The current board and incoming board members met with the counselors in attendance to share ideas about FAUSA’s direction and to hear the counselors’ valuable insights and suggestions. This meeting plays an important role in keeping our past presidents, FAUSA’s counselors, connected and engaged with the board’s ongoing goals and vision.
Our opening dinner took place at The Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery. We toasted to FAUSA’s 25th anniversary, enjoyed a guided tour of the original brewery, dined on a delicious buffet, and cheered for those who came dressed to the theme of Laverne & Shirley or Happy Days. The night ended on a sweet note with a beautifully decorated cake!
Friday:
The day began with a scenic cruise along the Milwaukee River and into Lake Michigan aboard the Edelweiss. The weather was perfect, the guide was wonderful, and the views of historical landmarks were stunning. We also had a special view of the Milwaukee Art Museum. Afterward, we lunched at The Brewery, where Milwaukee’s famous cheese curds did not disappoint! The afternoon was free to explore the city’s architecture, shops, and charm before everyone regrouped for FAUSA’s traditional dine-around. Members gathered at local restaurants and later met in the hotel lobby to keep the fun going.
Saturday Morning:
After breakfast, we held our Annual Meeting. This year’s agenda featured reports from FAUSA’s 2024 grant recipients — Kelly Pokharel, Director of Operations for Ascend, and Janet Darrow, FAUSA Counselor, reporting for Food Finders: Rescuing Food, Reducing Hunger. You can read more in their reports located in our 2025 annual report. After the reports were given, partners were excused to explore the famous Harley Davidson Museum with lunch after at the Motor Bar and Restaurant.
We honored our past presidents, or Counselors, through heartfelt video clips where they shared memories, reflections, and advice for the future. (Full interviews will be posted soon!) We also took time to remember FAUSA members we’ve lost — their presence and impact remain deeply felt.
The 2023–2025 FAUSA Board shared our accomplishments and the goals we’re working toward, followed by the announcement of the 2025–2027 Board:
- President: Brenda Brinkley (2nd term)
- 1st VP Communications: Jennifer Padfield (2nd term)
- 2nd VP Membership: Linda Harvan (2nd term)
- 3rd VP Philanthropy: Kathy Limbaugh (1st term)
- Secretary: Aurora Silvestri (1st term)
- Treasurer: Cathy Farnan (1st term)
- FAWCO Liaison: Carol-Lyn McKelvey (2nd term)
- Director, Activities and Events: Yolanda Henry (2nd term)
- Parliamentarian: Caroline Pekarek (appointed, non-voting)
- Counselor Liaison: Liz Janson (appointed, non-voting)
Looking ahead, we’ll be seeking members to fill open board roles in 2027 — if you’re interested in getting more involved, please reach out!
We also celebrated the announcement of FAUSA’s 2025 Annual Grants. In honor of our 25th anniversary, we awarded two grants of $12,500 each to:
- Food Hub/Community Marketplace – Nourishing Families in a Food Desert (Long Beach, CA)
- The Sewing Labs (Kansas City, MO)
Congratulations to both recipients!
And the excitement didn’t stop there — the 2026 Getaway location was revealed… Montreal, Quebec, Canada! More details coming in early 2026.
Saturday’s Gala Night:
What a night to remember! Our 25th Anniversary Gala will forever be known as “The Great FAUSA Flower Heist.” A florist from Florida had left a room full of fresh flowers after a presentation to Kroger, and the hotel graciously allowed us to use them. Buckets upon buckets of blooms transformed the ballroom into a floral wonderland — the perfect setting for an unforgettable evening.
FAUSA members showed incredible generosity, raising over $89,000!
Highlights included Kathy Coughlan’s stunning patriotic starburst quilt, which raised a record $3,635 and was won by Priscilla Dysart. In honor of Sal, Carol Lalani donated the very first FAUSA quilt which was originally won by Carol and Sal in 2002. Proceeds from its auction will support FAWCO’s Target 6 Project.
Special Thanks:
Huge thanks to the incredible Getaway Team: Marline Holmes, Lisa O’Hearn, Kathy Limbaugh, Linda Harvan, Yolanda Henry, and Brenda Brinkley for pulling together such a memorable weekend.
We are also deeply grateful to our sponsors: Liz & Eric Janson, Suzanne Wheeler, Janet Darrow, and a bequest from the estate of Shirley van Ooijen, as well as Aurora Silvestri and Sue & Murray Frick for their generous support.
A special shout-out to Lisa O’Hearn for securing Trader Joe’s reusable bags, and to East Shore Specialty Foods for donating their delicious pretzels for our welcome bags.
If you haven’t seen it yet, check out the 2025 Annual Report, beautifully assembled by Jennifer Padfield.
We hope to see you in Montreal!
