Local business and community leaders lend their talents to the “Celebration of the Century”
HEAR Wisconsin Co-Chairs announced for 100th Anniversary Gala
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1 JULY 2025 (WEST ALLIS, Wis)—For nearly a century, HEAR Wisconsin, the state’s premier nonprofit provider of comprehensive services for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, has been quietly transforming lives and connecting children, adults and families across Wisconsin to the world of sound, communication and community. Today they announce three community leaders who will serve as co-chairs of the “Celebration of the Century”, marking the organization’s100th anniversary in 2026.
From its humble beginnings in May 1926, in some iteration of the name, now known as HEAR Wisconsin, the nonprofit organization has been delivering critical services that empower people to live independent and fulfilling lives. HEAR Wisconsin has been working with people of all ages with all degrees of hearing loss or deafness for nearly a century - and that is something to celebrate!
“Our centennial event will be more than a celebration. It’s a call to action,” said Jill Van Calster, President and CEO of HEAR Wisconsin. “We want to make sure everyone in our community has access to the hearing services they need to thrive. Whether it's through our Audiology services, Assistive Technology Center, Early Intervention services for babies and their families, or our Mobile Audiology Clinic which serves the entire state, this is not only a time to celebrate our past, but also about raising hearing loss awareness, investing in our future, and ensuring no one gets left behind.”
On Thursday, May 28, 2026, friends, supporters and patients of HEAR Wisconsin will gather at the beautiful Baird Center to celebrate this important milestone. To lead this historic effort, three prominent business leaders have stepped up to serve as co-chairs of the event:
Curt Culver, Chairman of MGIC Investment Corp.
Dr. John Raymond Sr., President and CEO of the Medical College of Wisconsin
Ann Pieper Eisenbrown, President of Pieper Properties, Inc.
They are joined by a passionate cabinet of community and business leaders from across sectors including: Peter Bruce (Amundsen Davis), Jamie Grasso (Community Advocate), Chris Marlier (Microsoft), Sarah Pancheri (Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.), Rick Schmidt (CG Schmidt), Molly Schweiger (PNC Bank), Kelly Seaman (First Weber), and Les Weil (Community Advocate).
Together with the organization’s Board of Directors, the gala committee is working to raise awareness, engage supporters, and build financial sustainability so HEAR Wisconsin can continue serving children and adults for the next 100 years. Last month they kicked off “99 and Counting”, a series of small-group gatherings sponsored by supporters and to be held across the community throughout the upcoming year leading up to the 100th anniversary. These events are designed to bring people together in intimate settings to share powerful stories, learn about hearing health, and discover ways to get involved.
For details about HEAR Wisconsin’s 100th anniversary “Celebration of the Century” including sponsorship opportunities and hosting or attending a “99 and Counting” event, contact Kristin Johnson at kjohnson@hearwi.org
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HEAR Wisconsin is a nonprofit that helps infants, children and adults with hearing loss, by eliminating communication and language barriers through personalized services, technology and education.
CONTACT:
Margaret Fritsch: mmfritsch@att.net, 414-429-4941
Kristin Johnson: kjohnson@hearwi.org