Shorewood Shark Tank Funds Community Ideas

Vince Vogelsang pitches the Polar Plunge

The Shorewood Foundation invited residents to bring their best ideas to the table in the annual Shorewood Shark Tank competition, a dynamic event designed to fund initiatives that enhance the village’s community spirit, well-being, and culture.

The event provides a fun and open forum where residents can pitch their proposals for grants aimed at turning their visions into reality. This year, presenters pitched their ideas for reducing single-use plastic in the village, and for building community with events focused on the arts and Shorewood's place in the annals of local golf history.

The Shorewood Waters Project will receive $3,950 for its “Catch the Wave” campaign, aimed at reducing the use of single-use plastic across the village. The Shorewood Waters Project is a program of the village’s Department of Public Works. It was launched in 2011 to promote stormwater and freshwater education. For “Catch the Wave,” it will work with the Shorewood Conservation Committee, Plastic-Free Milwaukee and other groups. The campaign begins in April.

The yearlong effort will educate the public about the environmental and health dangers of single-use plastic through workshops, films, and booths at local events, said Kae Donlevy, who will oversee the campaign. And it will offer practical solutions for reducing plastic waste, she said.

The Gentlemen of Shorewood will receive $3,000 for its “Golf the Old Course” event, which will showcase Shorewood’s history as the former home of the Milwaukee Country Club. The family-friendly event will feature a 9-hole bucket-golf course along Menlo Boulevard and walking tours of what had been the country club grounds, highlighting the original hole and tee box positions.

The Gentlemen of Shorewood pitch “Golf the Old Course” event

How It Works Projects must align with at least one of the Shorewood Foundation’s objectives:

• Celebrate Shorewood’s unique culture, values, and beauty.

• Connect the community through neighborly engagement while promoting health and quality of life.

• Sustain Shorewood’s history, charm, and civic pride while protecting green spaces and parks.

At least one member of each pitching team must be a Shorewood resident.

Last Year’s Winning Ideas The 2024 edition of Shorewood Shark Tank saw two standout projects earn funding to enrich the community.

Longevity Project Heather Mansfield and The Shorewood Longevity Project secured $500 to fund materials for promoting health, well-being, and longevity in Shorewood. Mansfield highlighted the project’s aim to help local businesses, schools, and organizations share opportunities to promote healthy lifestyle habits.

“The project is modeled after global communities where people not only live longer lives, but often live better lives—lives rich with health, meaning, and authentic connection,” Mansfield said.

Polar Plunge Vincent Vogelsang and a group of 40 to 50 brave souls have made an annual tradition of plunging into Lake Michigan on New Year’s Day at Atwater Beach. With a $2,000 grant, Vogelsang plans to expand the event into a larger community gathering, complete with live music, a coffee kiosk, and other amenities to turn the chilly dip into a celebration.

“Start the year off with fellowship and stupid fun,” Vogelsang quipped while pitching his request for funding to cover tents, emergency staffing, and free coffee and hot chocolate for attendees. The Polar Plunge will be organized under the “Gentlemen of Shorewood” umbrella, which also runs the Shorewood 12 charity bike race.

For more details, visit shorewoodfoundation.org/sharktank