In honor of the wedding of Chris and Dawn, we have chosen to forego traditional wedding gifts and a registry. We have chosen two charities that we would like to support. We would love to receive your wedding blessings through a wedding card, and if you chose to include a gift, please make a check payable to either 1) Coulee Region Humane Society or, 2) Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC Eastern Wisconsin)

Coulee Region Humane Society - In memory of Dawn's beloved best friend Dexter, and her love for all animals, she would cherish your support for The Coulee Region Humane Society. The Coulee Region Humane Society, located in Onalaska, Wisconsin, was established in 1971 and is La Crosse County's sole humane society and stray-holding facility. Our goal is and always has been to provide the best care possible for all pets staying at the shelter. We work hard to be their voice, their advocate and their caregiver.

The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin - Located near the Children's Hospital of Milwaukee, offers a place for families of seriously ill children to stay while their child is in the hospital. No families are turned away due to their inability to pay, and can stay as long as their child is in hospital care. Chris' daughter (Ilana) had her first child (Julian) who was born with a rare disorder. Here's how the RMHC helped in a very difficult time.

From Ilana's Website: https://pineandpalettestudios.com/

On October 7th, 2022, life as I knew it changed forever. My beautiful baby boy, Julian, was born with a terminal brain condition. I left work and spent my days caring for his captivating soul and troubled body. He taught me everything. He was incredibly strong and different and challenged everything I knew about life. He passed away just before he turned 5 months old and left me with a passion and reverence for life I could have never grasped without him.

Much of Julian's time on Earth was spent in the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin NICU where the doctors and nurses quickly became members of our extended family. Their creativity, compassion, and perseverance left a mark on our hearts.

While we were away from home and helping our baby fight for his life, we were graciously taken in by the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin. They provided a community and "safe haven" for us while Julian so desperately needed to be cared for. We are eternally grateful.