Holiday Shopping for a Good Cause

Holiday Shops at University School of Milwaukee kicked off its 49th year with the Opening Night party on Wednesday, Oct. 29. Holiday Shops runs until 6 p.m. tonight (Friday, Oct. 31) and also from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, and includes carefully curated vendors from around the country offering apparel, jewelry, accessories, home and holiday décor, and more.  

The annual event is organized by USM’s Parents’ Association and run 100% by volunteers. Shops generously donate 15% of gross sales to USM, which supports teacher and staff development, technology, health and physical education, cultural education, music, and the arts, to name a few.

This year, in addition to the three days of shopping, Opening Night attendees enjoyed both an online auction and raffle. For the auction, individuals could bid on a wide array of unique items and experiences, including a variety of themed baskets donated by Preschool and Lower School families; a birthday party with the Milwaukee Admirals; a center court luxury suite at Fiserv Forum for a Milwaukee Bucks game; a VIP Summerfest package; reserved seats and parking for Upper School Commencement; and more. Patrons could also participate in a raffle for the chance to win an Electra TOWNIE GO! e-bike from Wheel and Sprocket. All proceeds from the auction and raffle support student programming at USM.

Many thanks to Kaela McKeon, parent and family relations coordinator; the committee, sub-committee, and operations leads listed below; and the countless additional volunteers who help make the event possible.

Co-coordinators 
Mary Frances Lilly and Melanie Stueber

Operations
David Sadoff

Commissions
Jessica Getz and Candice Lovell

Vendor Relations
Vendor Contracts: Jill Baum
Vendor Selection: Maureen Bazelon
Hospitality Lounge: Laura Leske and Rachel Roberts
Vendor Help Desk: Kimberly Rennie Weissgerber, Sara Manning

Sponsorships
Katie McGregor

Admissions 
Julie Art and Katerina Brickman

Marketing and Social Media
Caroline Ladd

Auction
Julie Jurken, Molly McGuire, Lia Moeser

Volunteer Coordinators
Sara Manning, Kimberly Rennie Weissgerber 

Special Events
Opening Night Party: Alex Rikkers
Family Lunch and Cafe Liaison: Stephanie Handler
Past Chairs and Leadership Reception Host: Kiki Miller

Decorations
Stephanie Gardner

USM Maintenance
Mike Schneider

USM Custodial
Lauro Robles

USM School Safety and Security
Chad Wagner

USM Information Technology
Chris Cruz

USM Transportation (shuttle bus)
Andy Fitzgerald