BEACON
A Newsletter for Our Wisconsin Members
Walk Fundraiser
Wausau, WI
BetterLife members and communities are at the heart of everything we do, which is what BetterLife Members – Wausau, WI, demonstrated during the 2024 Breakthrough T1D (type 1 diabetes) Walk in Stevens Point, WI. Teagan Boling, a BetterLife member since 2010, organized the BetterLife team participating in the walk: Team Juice Box Hero.
Team Juice Box Hero boasted 75 participants statewide — including many BetterLife members — with over 40 walking in person. The team raised more than $1,800, contributing to an event total of over $62,000.
To add a creative twist, the team designed vibrant "Juice Box Hero" BetterLife T-shirts featuring parody song titles reflecting their T1D experiences. Their efforts paid off, as Team Juice Box Hero won first place in the T-shirt design contest!
The day was not only about fundraising. It was an opportunity for families of those living with T1D to bond and expand their support networks, highlighting the importance of community across all walks of life.
Get involved! Find your local member group: bit.ly/BLgroupnames
Team Juice Box Hero participants pose for a post-walk photo with team organizer and BetterLife Member Teagan Boling (second from left) and their T-shirt design contest first place trophy after the Breakthrough T1D Walk.
Teagan Boling shows off the welldeserved first place trophy from the T-shirt design contest at the Breakthrough T1D Walk.
BetterLife Team Juice Box Hero poses for a group photo after the Breakthrough T1D Walk in Stevens Point, WI.
Participants of all ages get warmed up and ready to walk at the start line of the Breakthrough T1D Walk.
CEO Chris Campbell, SVP of Member Experience Angel Thomas, and Senior Sales Director Bill Rutten take a breather from working and pose for a
and community
Pitching In To Help Out
Oakfield, WI
As BetterLife grows, members recently hosted an exciting event in a new location: Oakfield, WI. Oakfield area BetterLife members partnered with the Village of Oakfield to enhance two public parks by spreading woodchips. The community came together to volunteer, including BetterLife members, Village of Oakfield employees, and Oakfield High School Key Club students. BetterLife showed its appreciation by donating $200 to the Key Club for their participation. A huge thank you to all who helped out!
If you're interested in participating in upcoming events in the Oakfield area, contact the Member and Community Engagement team: memberengagement@betterlifeins.com
BetterLife Member and Menomonie, WI, President Joann Steinmeyer provides Sleep in Heavenly Peace representative Mary Bygd two donation checks from BetterLife Members – Menomonie, WI, during the Sleep in Heavenly Peace event in Menomonie, WI
Sleep in Heavenly Peace
Menomonie, WI
Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a non-profit organization that provides beds to children in need “to ensure that no kid sleeps on the floor in our town.” BetterLife Members –Menomonie, WI, volunteered on September 7 to help build beds alongside Sleep in Heavenly Peace members and the Boyceville, WI, girls’ volleyball team. By the end of the fun day, 25 beds were built and hearts were full!
A Celebration of Culture and Cuisine
Madison, WI
Steve Ujvarosy, newly appointed member leader of BetterLife Members – Madison, WI, recently hosted his first BetterLife event, collaborating with Madison International Partners (MIP). MIP’s mission is “to help global citizens living in, or connected to, the Madison area thrive through hospitality, friendship, and cross-cultural exchanges.” This free event drew participants and community members from diverse backgrounds, showcased a tapestry of global cuisines, and highlighted a variety of cultural performances.
Yellowstone Art Tour
WI
On September 6 and 7, 2024, vendors displayed and sold their beautiful artwork during the Yellowstone Art Tour in Cadott, WI. BetterLife Members – Cadott, WI, gave guided tours of the historic lodge hall, as the event attracted many participants from across the state. To top it off, the Wisconsin State Czech/Slovak Queen, Megan Moucha, made a special guest appearance!
Participants pose for a post-meal photo with BetterLife SVP of Member Experience Angel Thomas (far right) after the Celebration of Culture and Cuisine event in Madison, WI.
BetterLife
photo with BetterLife
members during the Oakfield Woodchip Project in Oakfield, WI.
Special guest Wisconsin Czech/Slovak Queen Megan Moucha poses for a photo during the Yellowstone Art Tour in Cadott, WI.
Cadott,
12/07/24
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 Member Engagement at (800) 779-1936
Wencel's Church, Deerbrook, WI
12/08/24
Coop, Denmark, WI 12/09/24
Cards and Cookies
12/20/24
Kitchen (meal), David Opicka's Home (meeting), Casco, WI
- 10:30 AM Scandinavian Court Assisted Living, Denmark, WI
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 us at (800) 779-1936 or email (see
Here's a healthy idea for adding more vegetables to your Thanksgiving menu. The tasty dipping sauce adds lots of flavor. This dish can be served as an appetizer before the meal or as a side dish on the table. Serves six.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Smoky Aioli
1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
1½ tbs extra-virgin olive oil
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground pepper
¼ c mayonnaise
1 tsp sherry vinegar
¼ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp garlic powder
*Source: eatingwell.com
Healthy Recipe Ideas.
Directions: Preheat oven to 450° F. Combine Brussels sprouts, oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Transfer to a large-rimmed baking sheet. Roast, stirring once, until tender and browned, 18-20 minutes.
Meanwhile, for the dip, combine mayonnaise, vinegar, paprika, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Serve the Brussels sprouts with the aioli dipping sauce. Tip: to save time, make the dip ahead of time and refrigerate.
Member Benefits: Family Benefit
The Family Benefit is designed to help BetterLife members cover costs associated with senior or child care, extracurricular activities, family emergencies, or unexpected living costs. Submit your application today for your opportunity to be selected for one of the $1,000 benefits which are awarded quarterly!
To apply for the Family Benefit, visit: bit.ly/family-benefit or scan the QR code.
Email memberengagement@betterlifeins.com with any questions.
BEACON
P.O. Box 1527
Madison, WI 53701-1527
betterlifeins.com
f l @betterlifeinsco
A Spooktacular Event
Angel Thomas - SVP, Member Experience athomas@betterlifeins.com
On Saturday, October 26, we celebrated Halloween at the Home Office with a trunk-or-treat event (pictures on the right). The air was filled with excitement as cars were transformed into spooky yet charming Halloween displays, and children wandered from trunk to trunk collecting treats.
Whether you were out with children or grandchildren or handing out candy from your own home, I hope you had a fa-boo-lous holiday. I love the festivities, especially seeing the smiles on the faces of young ones as they parade in their costumes.
As my children grow older, it has been fascinating to witness the changing trends in popular costume characters. Each year brings a new set of beloved figures — a reminder of the diversity and creativity in the world.
Thank you to everyone who participated and made this Halloween memorable. Your enthusiasm and community spirit make events like these so special. Here’s to many more celebrations together!
