ELLSWORTH – Six community service projects received funding from the Empower Ellsworth Grant program on Feb. 17 at Ellsworth High School.

The Empower Ellsworth program is under the umbrella of Ellsworth E3 Community Development Corporation, a local nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life in Ellsworth. The grant program is open to students with service-learning projects who have funding start up needs. Students present their proposals to a board of community members, followed by a Q and A session. 

The Power of 100 Women Ellsworth group gave a generous donation to help fund the program for the next few years.  

This year the following students/projects were awarded grant money:

Baseball/ Softball Concessions Fundraiser: Eliana Nelson, Paighton Hotchkiss and Ragan Beck received $300. They plan to use the money to purchase popcorn, candy and water at the concession stand during softball and baseball games. Not only does it provide concessions during the games (which had none), the trio will donate their profits to the River Bluff Humane Society in Red Wing, which serves Pierce County.

FFA Pancake Breakfast: Joey Emery and Trevor Doherty received $600 to put toward the Feb. 22 Ellsworth FFA Pancake Breakfast fundraiser. Proceeds from the breakfast will be donated t0 Meals on Wheels and the EHS FFA Chapter. The event also showcased the school’s new technology education department with guided tours.

The funds helped cover the cost of food, supplies, and equipment needed for the event, including pancake mix, eggs, breakfast meats, paper products, and sanitation materials.

Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser: Morgan Hince and Trinity Hauschildt received $1,000 for Our Neighbors’ Place Dinner Capstone Project. The girls have a shared passion for animals and empathy for those in poverty. ONP needs funding for pet food and treats as they house many people with animals who are unable to afford the costs that come with them.

The girls plan to use the money to purchase supplies to host a spaghetti dinner fundraiser on April 13 at Ellsworth High School during parent-teacher conferences. Dinner will be $5 per person. Money raised will be donated directly for, or used to purchase, resources for animal caretakers that receive support through ONP.

Lily's Baskets: Brock Fairchild received $500 for Lily’s Baskets, which will provide a safe alternative for all children with food allergies to be able to participate in school-wide activities, such as class parties and rewards. Parents will be able to choose an allergen friendly snack from the basket or a small toy. Fairchild’s 6-year-old sister Lily inspired the idea when she was excluded from an event due to her food allergies. According to his research, 8% of students at Ellsworth Elementary School have food allergies, ranging from dairy, gluten, peanuts, fish, shellfish, eggs, strawberries and sensitivities to lactose, papaya and pistachios.

Fairchild shared how his sister has experienced reactions to food such as itching, stomach aches and cramps. Severe reactions like anaphylaxis can occur within minutes to hours after

eating allergens. Symptoms could be swelling of the tongue or lips, shortness of breathe, wheezing or passing out.

He plans to stock the baskets with Skinny Pop Popcorn, Made Good Organic  Drizzled granola bars, Made Good Star Puffed Crackers, Yum Earth Fruit Snacks, drawing pads, Crayons and fidget toys.

TurningPoint Fundraiser/Bake Sale: Bella Lee and Corrin Paulson received $200 to purchase supplies to bake two kinds of cookies to be sold at the EHS spring play: Cookie Monster cookies and chocolate chip cookies. Money raised will be donated to TurningPoint for Victims of Domestic & Sexual Violence, a non-profit organization that offers free safety, support, and strength to individuals or families experiencing domestic or sexual violence. TurningPoint operates a shelter in River Falls, which was built in 1989.

ECSD Hall of Fame: Ani Whelan and Maggie Pechacek received $425 to put toward the Ellsworth Community School District Hall of Fame dinner, set for March 22. The money will go toward the cost of the awards, the inductees’ dinners and other recurring costs associated with the event, which began in 2023. The Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding individuals who are either Ellsworth alumni, work in Ellsworth or were/are a part of the Ellsworth community.

If you have questions about any of the projects above, or care to donate, contact Advisor Anne Pechacek at pechaceka@ellsworth.k12.wi.us