More Than “Just a Fair”
Deb Omernik
Chief “Fun” Raiser and Campaign Donor
Mike Omernik
Campaign Chair and Campaign Donor
I’m Deb Omernik, and my husband is Mike. We are both on the fundraising committee for Centennial Hall, the Community Event Center and Venue on the Portage County Fair Hill. We are not professional fundraisers and yet, here we are delighting in a campaign that we both support. It has been amazing to meet so many folks who are passionate about the fair and our community.
I moved to the area about 10 years ago. Growing up in Sheboygan County, I spent a lot of time at the Sheboygan County Fair, one of the biggest in Wisconsin. When I met Mike and he offered to take me to the Rosholt Fair, I was tickled pink. I love a good fair. When we arrived it wasn’t quite what I was expecting. I looked at Mike, chuckled, smiled, and said “this is no fair.”
As we strolled around the grounds we met many of Mike’s clients and friends. And then I spotted my veterinarian, and a little while later my farrier. When I spotted the couple who sell me my hay, I realized this was better than any fair I had been to. This was about people and community.
It’s been fantastic getting to know people and learning from everyone. This campaign is not about a building. It is about community, family, a slice of Americana, the joy of people coming together.
The Rest of the Story
What motivated me to become involved in this campaign? Last year I had thyroid cancer and had to have my surgery at the Mayo Clinic. Feeling that my days were numbered, I prepared my will. But the storm didn’t break me; it reshaped my view of the world. Now I’m rewriting my story.
I wanted to be involved and be an active participant in my own life. I wanted to do something I could be passionate about and make a difference. I prayed.
As a veteran, I became involved in the American Legion. I had made a commitment two years prior and took my first step into a meeting.
Mike, a CPA, first became involved in this campaign, and I watched from the sidelines. Then tax season arrived, when accountants work intense, long hours processing tax forms. Mike’s bandwidth was limited. Then, the question came: “Can you help?” Here was something worthwhile and was something I could do. I went all in.
One of the first tasks was to fill out an online application for a donation from the Anthony P. Brzezinski Foundation. When the call came from Lori Ann Joyce, I was overcome with emotion. We didn’t talk about a building; we talked about her uncle, his life, his loves, and the things that mattered to him. The foundation generously pledged $300,000 to the cause, sparking a successful community effort to match $100,000 of that pledge.
Things unfolded quickly. I have spoken to and met many people – nice people, those who love their community and the fair, and who look toward a promise of a new gathering place. I am honored to be a part of this. I sometimes forget that we are raising funds for a building. Connecting with everyone is my favorite part of this campaign. Remember the CPA? He watches the numbers.
Only the future can measure the true impact of our campaign. Where do you see yourself in the story of the Centennial Hall? Can you donate? Can you share your story or provide other resources or the name of someone we can contact?
Call me at (920) 946-4089. Let’s continue this story of connection.
Sincerely, Deb
Join our campaign today!
Show your leadership and make a gift today at friendsofrosholtfair.com, where more details of the project can be found. And stay updated about the campaign on Facebook by following us at Rosholt Friends of the Fair. Thanks for your support!
