La Causa, Inc.’s 2023 Summer Celebration at the Boerner Botanical Gardens

Photo credit: Tiffany Kells Photography

The theme for this year’s fundraiser was Planting Seeds of Hope. The Crisis Nursery & Respite Center (CNRC) provides a safe place for Milwaukee families to leave their children in the care of others during times such as when a parent has a medical emergency or the parent has the opportunity to attend a job fair, or they need a break from the personal difficulties of life. The CNRC offers them the opportunity and resources to plant seeds of hope in their own lives.

“We at La Causa are incredibly proud of our Crisis Nursery & Respite Center, where we are honored to aid families and children during a time of need,” says Luis Ayala, President & CEO of La Causa, Inc.

Attendees of the fundraiser enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, bidding on silent and live auction items, and speeches by Karl Schoendorf (Director of the Crisis Nursery & Respite Center), Robert Kotecki (La Causa, Inc. Board Chair), Mayor Cavalier Johnson, and Luis Ayala.

“It is extremely important that La Causa is in a financial position to maintain these programs, which is why we are incredibly humbled that the community came together during this summer celebration fundraiser to support our mission,” says Ayala. “We were able to exceed our fundraising goal and put the agency in a position to continue our mission of focusing on children and families,”.

Mayor Cavalier Johnson (Left) / Luis Ayala, La Causa Inc. President & CEO (Right)

Photo credit: Tiffany Kells Photography

La Causa, Inc. would like to thank all donors, sponsors, and supporters of the 2023 Summer Celebration that was held on August 3rd at the Boerner Botanical Gardens. All net proceeds raised go directly towards operating costs for the CNRC and to ensure this service remains free for the Milwaukee community.

In 2022, the CNRC provided 1,472 overnight stays and served 460 children from 214 families. The average age was three to four years old.

“The service provided at the Crisis Nursery & Respite Center is critical in maintaining a healthy family life,” says Ayala. “Not only necessary but without financial burden to families as the service provided is completely free of charge to the community,”.

A special thank you to Mayor Cavalier Johnson for attending the summer celebration and supporting La Causa, Inc.’s mission to put the children and families of Milwaukee first.

People can continue to support the CNRC by donating at https://lacausa.org/donate/.

The Crisis Nursery & Respite Center is a 12-bed shelter and a free resource to the community

that is open 24/7, 365 days a year. The CNRC provides a safe haven to children aged birth to 12

as families face homelessness, domestic violence, medical needs, or other emergencies. Children can stay a few hours or up to three days. In addition to care in times of crisis, parents can also request respite care for their children during times of high stress. For more information about the CNRC, visit https://lacausa.org/crisis-nursery-respite-center/.

For more information about La Causa Inc. and its services, please visit our website at lacausa.org.