As 2025 comes to a close, AE Cares is proud to reflect on a year filled with generosity, collaboration, and meaningful connection. Across committees, locations, and causes, our volunteers showed up with purpose — serving veterans, supporting youth and families, uplifting local organizations, and expanding opportunities through education.
Below is a look back at the events, initiatives, and milestones that shaped our year.
Our annual Community Day brought together 53 volunteers for a full day dedicated to service. This year, the team worked at Camp Whitcomb/Mason, contributing hands-on support and strengthening our partnerships across AE Cares. Community Day continues to be one of our largest and most impactful annual traditions, and 2025 was no exception.
This year we hosted two fundraising events, one at Culver’s and one at Cousins Subs, to benefit Oak Ridge Living. These community meals helped support the residents of Oak Ridge Living and reinforced our commitment to showing up for those who rely on local care resources.
We also executed a fun and lively Bingo Night fundraiser to support Oak Ridge Living and our broader AE Cares initiatives. The event brought our community together for connection and entertainment.AE Cares raised over $1,000 to support our community partnerships.
A group of 8 AE volunteers spent an afternoon at Sunshine Place preparing more than 100 bagged lunches for local children. This simple act of service directly supported youth facing food insecurity and ensured children in our community had access to meals they could count on.
In 2025, our Veterans Committee hosted a remarkable lineup of events dedicated to honoring veterans, active-duty families, and military youth including:
· Memorial Day Flag Placement across four cemeteries in the Madison and Milwaukee areas
· Brat Fry & Meat Raffle in partnership with the VFW
· Youth Wellness Clinic with the Madison Mallards supporting military parents and children
· Veterans Day Visits to assisted living facilities
· Participation in multiple Badger Honor Flights
Each initiative reflected our commitment to supporting those who have served and their families.
The Racial Equality Committee focused on two major priorities this year: community service and launching their very own scholarship program. With what we can say was one of the year’s most significant accomplishments, we awarded the first-ever AE Cares Scholarships. Designed to promote diversity in STEM, the scholarship supports minority students pursuing degrees in STEM fields. After reviewing a strong group of applicants, the committee proudly awarded two $5,000 scholarships to exceptional students passionate about advancing their education in STEM.
This year’s Operation Holiday Cheer was our largest yet. Through the generosity of our AE Business Solutions team, we were able to sponsor 7 families, helping them celebrate the holiday season with warmth, dignity, and joy.
This year was defined by teamwork, compassion, and a shared commitment to lifting our communities. From raising funds for local partners to supporting military families, fostering educational access, and helping children and families in need, AE Cares has continued to grow its reach and impact.
We’re grateful for every volunteer, every donor, and every moment of collaboration in 2025 and we’re excited to build on this momentum as we head into 2026.
Thank you for being part of AE Cares and for making this year one to celebrate!
Authors – Carrie Dawson, Morgan King, Kris Muth, Emma Tenda