Ketor-Mod

Thank you to everyone who came out and celebrated Collect & Gather's first trip around the sun today. 1 year feels both very short and very long. And while the growth is slower than we all would like, the journey is where I have to remind myself to take time and cherish. Each time you shop; each time you donate, we're one more step closer to a free community art studio, free community workshops, and even someday a universal basic income program for artists in Central Wisconsin. Each person who supports this mission has been an integral part in keeping this dream alive.

I have to be honest, it has not been easy. And its not getting easy any time soon. But if this was a nonprofit that did things that were easy - it honestly wouldn't serve the creative community the way they deserve.

One day...we'll be able to say we make art accessible, we make supplies and materials accessible, we make studio space accessible, we fund artists, art instructors, and build a living wage for the population of artists in our area.

Until we can say all those things, we're your friendly neighborhood creative reuse thrift shop. Still standing after 1 tough year.

And also....

Thank you to Iris + Oak Bakery for the delicious lemon cake. It was a big hit and everyone loved the flavor! Iris & Oak is right here in Plover and I think it will have to be a yearly tradition to get a cake on our nonprofit's birthday (and a few in between) to share with C&G shoppers.

Thank you all for your support, whimsy, and trust.