May 15, 2023 5:45p
(WGTD)---The umbrella corporation that operates a host of high-profile companies in Walworth County is celebrating 150 years in business by donating $150,000 to 15 local organizations.
Gage Marine Corp. includes Gage Marine Boat Sales and Service, Gage Pier Service, Lake Geneva Cruise Line, PIER 290 Restaurant, Lake Geneva Catering and the Lake Life Store.
As a thank you to the community, Gage Marine pledged to distribute $10,000 grants to 15 groups. 98 applications were received.
Corp. President Bill Gage said whittling down the list was a difficult task. "The fifteen organizations we selected reach a variety of needs in our community, including food and housing scarcity, child and family safety, historic and land preservation and education," Gage said. "We look forward to the good work these exemplary organizations will do with these grants."
Recipients include the Geneva Lake Museum, which will use the funds to make its building more accessible by adding a lift. The Walworth County Food & Diaper bank in Elkhorn will use its share to buy food for nearly 500 families they serve monthly. The Walworth County Reading Project in Lake Geneva plans to expand its county-wide Dolly Parton Imagination Library program.
The other recipients are the Agape House, Badger High School, Barrett Memorial Library & Williams Bay Historical Society in Williams Bay; the Matheson Memorial Library; Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy; New Beginnings APFB; Open Arms Free Clinic; Safe Families for Children; Side by Side; Tree House Child and Family Center and the Williams Bay Lion/Lioness Club.
The grants will formally be awarded at a reception Thursday evening in the Riviera Ballroom in downtown Lake Geneva.
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