Message from the president

The mission of the Goodfellows is to serve those disadvantaged children throughout Greater Kenosha who have not been befriended by good fortune.

Kenosha Christmas Charities, Inc. (Goodfellows), now in its 81st year, is a non-profit, recognized 501 (c)(3) charity (39-1454516) whose primary purpose is to provide toys, food, and outer garments to underprivileged children up to age 13 throughout the year but especially during the holiday season. Most of the more than 2000 outer garments derive from our Winter Wraps promotion which begins in October.

Funds derived from the annual party, usually the first Tuesday in December, are co-administered by the Holiday House, Goodwill, the Shalom Center, the Kenosha Social Services Department, and the Women & Children's Horizons, in conjunction with nine other charitable organizations.

In addition to a fine dinner, the occasion enables the participants to engage in a series of raffles and auctions that offer a myriad of prizes. The $50 admission ticket coupled with major contributions made by various corporations and funds before the event, enable us to satisfy our commitment to the community which approximates $70,000.

The evening's fellowship and the satisfaction of knowing that one is aiding more than 3,000 unfortunate children make the event a gala occasion that traditionally involves some 460 men and women. They leave the event "poorer but richer." They are invisible aunts and uncles.

Perhaps the spirit of the Goodfellows can be summarized in the following statement:

Those who contribute to the less fortunate recognize that man is a fragile creature buffeted by the winds of fate. Behind the mirth and merriment of the Goodfellows evening is a sensitivity to the human condition and the realization that donating to the disadvantaged stirs the less fortunate to pursue the good life. For there are few activities more gratifying than serving mankind. To be a Goodfellow is to help others... and to enjoy it."

Cordially,

Richard J. Arneson
President - Goodfellows