Relive our “Night with the Stars” gala with us! It is hard to believe this was already one week ago! We’re excited to announce that we raised $191,000 to support and forward the mission of COA! During this year’s gala, Dr. Amy Rowell, executive director, presented three awards: -The “Community Star” award was presented to CARW – Commercial Association of Realtors Wisconsin. Kevin Schmoldt and Tracy Johnson accepted the award, nominated by Jack Jacobson, COA board member. CARW hosted an extremely successful toy drive that collected over 800 toys for the children and families we serve. -The “Alumni Star” award was presented to Imani Graham. Imani attended programming at our Riverwest Center campus and attended COA’s Camp Helen Brachman. Professionally, Imani is a successful accountant who also has a passion for the culinary arts. He even donated two private meals to our live auction! Imani was nominated by Michael Gilbert, COA board member. -The “Rising Star” award recognizes an employee who stands out among the rest! This year, we honored Chynya Murray. Chy participated in programming as a teen while attending NOVA High School. After graduation, she began working part-time in COA’s Teen Program but recently accepted a full-time position in our Youth Development Program where she is also taking classes and being cross trained to support our Early Education Centers and Family Resource Centers. Chy was nominated by Amy Rowell, COA executive director. There is still time to support this year’s gala! Help us get to $200,000! All donations made online through May 31, unless designated otherwise, will go towards achieving our gala goal! Donate: https://www.coa-yfc.org Save the date for next year’s gala when we will also gather to celebrate the organization’s 120th anniversary at the Hilton Milwaukee on October 10, 2026! (fb)

We were honored to have been selected as a recipient of a #KindnessInMKE donation from the Milwaukee Brewers last week! Kate Rock (left) and Kellen Kasper (right), representing the Milwaukee Brewers, presented Amy Rowell (center), COA's executive director with a $900 donation! During their visit, Kate shared her personal connection to COA and her passion for the mission. Kellen first learned of COA while on a Kindness In MKE visit in 2018 and was immediately impressed with the organization. Kellen now serves on COA's board of directors and co-chairs the development committee! More information about the Kindness In MKE initiative: https://onmilwaukee.com/articles/brewers-kindness-in-mke-2025 (fb)