BetterLife Members – Madison, WI (Home Office), came up with the creative idea to put together "birthday boxes" to donate to the Lussier Community Education Center (LCEC) Food Pantry. During their lunch break, Home Office members collected and packed a variety of cake-baking supplies so people who may not usually have the means to do so can provide a delicious birthday surprise for their loved ones. Some of the packaged items included a box of cake mix, frosting, colorful sprinkles, a can of soda (egg/oil substitute), and a disposable cake pan. If you're looking for a thoughtful way to give in your community, reach out to your local food pantry to find out if your member group can provide birthday boxes! Also, other than the above-mentioned birthday cake ingredients, consider including candles, paper plates, napkins, balloons, noisemakers, a birthday banner, and a blank birthday card. Thanks for the original idea, BetterLife Members –Madison, WI!
2025
(L to R) BetterLife Home Office employees Alexa Gibbons and Stephanie Ware show two of the birthday boxes that were assembled for the LCEC Food Pantry.
The assembled birthday boxes contain everything needed to make a fun and delicious birthday cake.
Adopting a Family for Christmas Valentines For Vets
Pilsen, WI
On January 30, 2025, BetterLife Members – Pilsen, WI, met at Janda’s Bar & Grill in Luxemburg, WI, for a productive and insightful member meeting. Attendees also enjoyed some delicious grub at the local hometown bar. However, the real highlight of the day began after the meeting and meal when they crafted valentines! Think back to your childhood: You probably remember the heartwarming delight it brought to exchange cards of affection with your friends and classmates for Valentine’s Day. This group took it one step further by spending the time to personally handcraft each valentine. They made over 50 cards while reminiscing about Valentine’s Days of the past. Now, they're looking forward to gifting the homemade cards to veterans, hoping to spread that same nostalgic joy and appreciation to the brave men and women who have served our country.
Wausau, WI
This past December, BetterLife Members – Wausau, WI, purchased and wrapped Christmas gifts to donate to families in need at The Women’s Community. This inspiring organization’s mission is “to provide specialized services and resources to people in central Wisconsin affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking.” In addition to Christmas presents, members collected and donated everyday essentials to help the affected families.
Filling the Food Pantries
Wausau, WI
On December 10, 2024, BetterLife Members – Wausau, WI, donated nonperishable food items to three local pantries: Wesley United Methodist Church, Peace United Church of Christ, and Covenant Community Presbyterian Church. Each of these organizations provides food for community members who may not know when their next meal will be. If you need ideas on giving back throughout the year, remember that hunger doesn’t stop after the holidays and food pantries gladly take the support year-round. Thank you Wausau members for contributing to organizations in your community!
BetterLife Members Mary and Henry Holm (left), Jay Kufahl (middle), and Mary and Dennis Richmond (right) deliver Christmas gifts to families at The Women's Community.
(L to R, starting in front) Barb Ledvina, Mary Jo Scheschik, Al Ledvina (standing), Judy Kraynik, and Pete Janowski have fun working together to create handmade valentines for our veterans.
Judy Deckert (left) and her guests craft beautiful, heartfelt valentines to show their appreciation to local veterans.
Jay Kufahl (right), Mary Holm (middle right), and Henry Holm (middle left) deliver food items to Jeanne DeVoe (left), head of the food pantry at Wesley United Methodist Church.
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
3/9/25 Cadott, WI
5/3/25 Madison, WI
5/18/25 Upper Wisconsin
5/29/25 Kewaunee, WI LCpl Dean Opicka Memorial Softball Tournament 6:15 - 9:30 PM Casco Village Park Casco, WI
5/31/25 Mosinee, WI 3rd Annual Gardens at Acorn Hill 8 - 4 PM Acorn Hill Mosinee, WI
FRIENDLY REMINDER
Send us your event dates so we can add them to the
events calendar!
Has your member group held an event or fundraiser recently? We would love to feature it in our next issue. Send photos and information to memberengagement@betterlifeins.com.
Have a personal story or experience to share about BetterLife? We'll help craft the story from your written or verbal details. Call (800) 779-1936 or email (see above) to speak with the Member & Community Engagement Team.
Looking for a healthy side dish that goes with practically everything? Look no further. With crispy, caramelized edges and tender, soft insides, these simple sweet potatoes are quick to throw together and hit the spot every time! For a savory version, skip the honey and cinnamon and add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Healthy Recipe Ideas.
Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes
*
Ingredients:
2 lbs red-skinned sweet potatoes
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp honey
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Peel and cut sweet potatoes into 1-inch chunks and place in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk olive oil, honey, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Pour mixture over sweet potatoes and toss to coat. Spread potatoes out onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and sprinkle with salt. Roast for 20 minutes, flip, then roast an additional 15-20 minutes until desired tenderness. *Source: yellowblissroad.com/honey-roasted-sweet-potatoes
Life Line Screening Benefit
Get Screened for Stroke and Heart Disease Risk
Four vital screenings at the BetterLife special rate of $129
✓ Carotid Artery
✓ Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
✓ Heart Rhythm (Atrial Fibrillation)
✓ Peripheral Arterial Disease
Available for an additional $10
✓ Osteoporosis
Call Life Line Screening toll-free at (800) 779-5804, mention you’re a member of BetterLife, and use priority code: BDHW347 to pre-register and/or learn more.
BEACON
P.O. Box 1527
Madison, WI 53701-1527
betterlifeins.com
f l @betterlifeinsco
A Reminder to Celebrate
Angel Thomas - SVP, Member Experience athomas@betterlifeins.com
February is brimming with national holidays, offering opportunities to connect, celebrate, and combat the feelings of isolation that many of us experience this time of year. Holidays are a wonderful reminder to come together, share joy, and support one another. Some BetterLife member groups held valentine card-making parties to show others support and a Valentine’s Day Dance to offer a sense of community. I’ve heard ideas to hold “prediction parties” on Groundhog Day, historical movie screenings to celebrate Presidents’ Day, a National Wear Red Day group walk, and events focused on sharing stories and experiences to honor Black History Month. In the coming months, we can continue celebrating with St. Patrick’s Day potlucks, community-wide Easter egg hunts, and flag donations in time for Memorial Day. As we move forward in the year, let’s continue to brainstorm together on ways we can harness these moments to foster a sense of community and belonging.
accepted until March 31, 2025
To learn more information, review the new guidelines, and fill out an application, scan the code or visit: betterlifeins.com/scholarships
For questions about this benefit, contact the Member & Community Engagement Team at: (800) 779-1936 or memberengagement@betterlifeins.com
