Fond du Lac, Wis. (May 3, 2023):

There is something truly powerful about witnessing the combined efforts of a community working together towards a greater cause.

In a heartwarming collaboration, the Kenneth Immel Memorial Fund recently granted $10,000 to Sleep in Heavenly Peace – Fond du Lac, WI. This generous grant sponsored a full-day build, providing supplies for the construction of 40 beds. Jennifer Immel’s story behind this remarkable endeavor reflects the profound impact it had on everyone involved:

“My little sister through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fond du Lac County & I have volunteered with Sleep in Heavenly Peace two times in the last year. During our 1st bed build we were told that their 1st bed delivery was to a 12-year-old who NEVER had a bed. That hit me hard as my little sister had just turned 12 two weeks prior to the bed build. I could never imagine her not having a comfortable place to lay her head at night.

As we went to work on creating beds, I was amazed by the way she jumped in with the power tools and the smile she had on her face the entire 3 hours we were there. I absolutely love doing events like this with her and having the extra funds in the Memorial account, I couldn’t think of a better way to use them!” -Jennifer Immel

With surplus funds available in the Kenneth Immel Memorial Fund, Jennifer couldn’t think of a better way to utilize them than by supporting Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Recognizing the impact, the organization had on her sister and the community, she decided to contribute to their cause. The $10,000 grant from the Kenneth Immel Memorial Fund played a pivotal role in sponsoring the full-day bed build and supplies for 40 beds.

The Fond du Lac Area Foundation extends a heartfelt gratitude to Tom Otte, the visionary behind Sleep in Heavenly Peace, for his unwavering dedication and tireless efforts to establish the organization.

We also express our appreciation to all the members of Sleep in Heavenly Peace who consistently go above and beyond, not just during the build days, but every step of the way, from preparation to delivery. We acknowledge the crucial role played by the community in making this endeavor possible. Their contributions, whether financial, through donations, or volunteering, have collectively impacted the lives of 62 children, providing them with beds to sleep on.

Days like the one spent building beds for those in need are the ones that ignite a passion within us and make what we do so special. Jennifer firmly believes that Kenny, the inspiration behind the Kenneth Immel Memorial Fund, was present and guiding their actions throughout the entire process. With 47 beds built by the Kenneth Immel Memorial Crew and an additional 15 beds completed by Society Insurance, the significance of these numbers cannot be overlooked.

The collaboration between the Kenneth Immel Memorial Fund and Sleep in Heavenly Peace serves as a reminder that acts of kindness, no matter how small, can have a profound impact on the lives of others.

To continue supporting the mission of Sleep in Heavenly Peace and honor Kenny’s legacy, everyone is invited to mark their calendars for the 4th Annual Kenneth Immel Memorial Benefit, scheduled for Saturday, August 19th, at the Lomira Ball Diamonds. This event will run from 8am – 5pm with so much to do (Cornhole Tournament, Raffle Baskets, 50/50 raffles, Vendors, Fallback from 1pm-5pm, Food & Drinks, and more.)