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Attendees at the Luck of the Irish Gala in Wausau, WI, sit down for dinner while enjoying music by Sheamus Fitzpatrick and the
The event was hosted by the DC Everest Band Boosters to raise money for the band's trip to Ireland in
The Luck of the Irish Gala: A Note-Worthy Success
Wausau, WI
On Saturday, March 15, BetterLife Members – Wausau, WI, partook in the Luck of the Irish Gala at DC Everest High School. The DC Everest Band Boosters hosted the event to raise money for the band’s trip to Ireland in March 2026, where they hope to perform in the Cork St. Patrick’s Day Parade — the second-largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in Ireland! While the gala was free to the public, guests were able to purchase early-entry tickets to enjoy a traditional Irish meal, cash prizes, and live music by Sheamus Fitzpatrick and the McNally Boys. The Boosters raised additional funds through raffles, a silent auction, and concessions. Later in the evening, the DC Everest Junior and Senior High Bands performed free concerts. The event, which attracted guests of all ages, was a “note-worthy” success.
McNally Boys.
2026.
The event host, DC Everest Band Boosters, raised additional funds through raffles and a silent auction.
The tables were set for the Irish-themed evening and topped off with a traditional Irish meal.
Sharing Our History
Cadott, WI
On Sunday, March 9, BetterLife Members – Cadott, WI, hosted a table at CultureFest. CultureFest is an annual event held at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire that brings together people with diverse cultural backgrounds from around the world. The BetterLife table included a display of Czech heritage, ZCBJ Lodge Hall history, and a delicious sampling of traditional Czech food, including roasted pork, dumplings, and sauerkraut. Additionally, a gentleman played concertina and Miss Czech-Slovak Wisconsin Queen 2024-25, Megan Moucha, adorned Czech Kroj attire.
Getting Together to Make Plans and Enjoy Lunch
Upcoming 2025 MS Walk
From MS Walk Team Champion, Maxwell Ferguson:
Last year, BetterLife's participation was notable, and this year, I aim to expand our reach by inviting members from across the country to join us. Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects many individuals. I urge everyone to attend the event at Warner Park in Madison, WI, or participate as a virtual walker from anywhere in the country. Registration for all walkers, virtual or in-person, can use the same link (see below).
We are working diligently to reach our donation goal. If you are able, please contribute; those who donate $50 will receive a BetterLife Champions T-shirt, and those donating over $100 will receive both the BetterLife T-shirt and the official Walk MS T-shirt.
For virtual walkers, submit your photos to the Member Engagement inbox or text me at (608) 833-8705. You can also share on Facebook, Instagram, and other social platforms using the tags @betterlifeinsco and @nationalmssociety or the hashtag #BetterLifeChampions.
MS Walk Saturday, May 3, 2025
Site Opens 8:30 am • Ceremony at 9:50 am Walk Kickoff 10:00 am Warner Park 2930 N. Sherman Ave., Madison, WI 53704
1-Mile or 3-Mile Routes
All routes are accessible, and mobility devices are welcome. Dogs are welcome and must remain on a leash. Service animals are also welcome.
Racine and Kenosha, WI
(L to R) Cadott member leaders JoAnn Parks, Secretary and Dana Carlson, President, hosted a great event showcasing Czech Culture with Miss Czech-Slovak Wisconsin Queen Megan Moucha.
Member group leaders from Racine and Kenosha, WI, came together for lunch at the Meadows. The gathering included great conversation, planning for upcoming events, and some delicious food. (L to R) Mary Ann Lorence, Stephanie Christianson, Cheli Loucks, Chenna Loucks, Katie Janette, Joe Janette, Tina Thoennes, and Michael Thoennes.
BetterLife's 2024 MS Walk in Madison, WI, was fun and a great success.
Upcoming Events Around Wisconsin
Events, dates, and times are subject to change. For the latest information and details about the events below, and more activities for you to join, go to:
betterlifeins.com/events or call the Member Engagement Team at (800) 779-1936
FRIENDLY REMINDER
1
¼
Directions:
Healthy Recipe Ideas.
Preheat oven to 350˚. Line a 9x9 inch pan with parchment paper, with some draped over the sides for easy removal. In a large bowl, mash bananas. Whisk in remaining ingredients in the order listed above. Spoon thick batter into prepared pan and bake for 25 - 28 minutes, until the center is set but still soft. Remove from oven and cool in pan for 30 - 60 minutes. Cool in the refrigerator for an additional hour. Remove from pan, drizzle with peanut butter. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Thank you to those who have signed up for BetterLife Connect, and congratulations to the winners of our random drawing:
1. Mary Ann Lorence - Blackstone Grill
2. Deborah Kessen - BetterLife Cooler
3. Tyler Zimmerman - Carhartt Jacket
4. Peggy Philipps - Stanley Cup
Join BetterLife's Social Membership Program, BetterLife Connect!
Sign up today at: bit.ly/JoinBetterLifeConnect
For help registering, reach out to the team at: connect@betterlifeins.com or (855) 477-9982
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P.O. Box 1527
Madison, WI 53701-1527
betterlifeins.com
f l @betterlifeinsco
5. Nieves Burke - BetterLife Mug Add a Community Involvement Activity to Your Next Member Meeting
Building Meaningful Connections and Promoting Mental Well-Being
Angel
Thomas -
SVP, Member Experience athomas@betterlifeins.com
Spring is here! As is typical in Wisconsin, the beginning of spring means chilly weather. The sporadic warm days make us hopeful for the summer sunshine. We are delighted to see member groups finding activities to engage in despite the moody weather. One example is forming connections with nursing homes and assisted living facilities, creating goodie bags with lotions, special treats, and thoughtful notes. We encourage you to welcome the creative expression brought about by spring’s bright colors and fresh air — try organizing a project, such as a workshop or art exhibition, to showcase the talents of our members. This can provide a platform for artistic expression while offering a therapeutic outlet, helping to relieve stress and promote mental well-being. As we move into summer, let us continue to fight isolation by embracing these meaningful connections and strive to make a positive impact in our community. Together, let’s look forward to a beautiful Wisconsin summer.
Here are a few ideas to get started:
• Visit a local senior center to spend time with the residents, playing games, reading, or simply chatting.
• Partake in a challenge with your group to collect pill bottles to give to the local veterinarian.
• Inspire your member group to clean out closets to collect and distribute clothes to local shelters.
• Write a letter to someone who could use a kind word or some encouragement.
• Send a card to someone to let them know they are in your thoughts.