EXCHANGE CLUB OF FOND DU LAC

Book of Golden Deeds Award

This exclusive Exchange Club program honors the quiet, good deeds of America's unsung heroes. The woman who regularly donates her time to care for disadvantaged children—the man who voluntarily instructs disabled persons in some skill or craft— these are the kinds of exceptional individuals that the Book of Golden Deeds Award aims to recognize. These uncommon men and women exist in every city and town and, if not for this project, might never receive the acclaim that they deserve. This program is easy to implement and extremely satisfying once accomplished.

2011 Award Winner

Sister Stephen Bloesl

2010 Award Winner

Beacon House, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing compassionate, professional help to women recovering from alcohol and/or chemical dependency, is the winner of the 2010 Golden Deeds Award presented by the Exchange Club of Fond du Lac.Recipients of the Exchange Club's Golden Deeds Award can be either individuals or organizations demonstrating time, talent and energy to help those in need. Presentation of the award took place Tuesday, September 28th, at the Exchange Club's Golden Deeds Award Banquet.

The Exchange Club, a national service club with a chapter in Fond du Lac, chose Beacon House for its effective treatment program and unique approach to working with women with children in need.

Beacon House serves as a residential treatment center for recovering women and for women with children under 10 years of age, said Beacon House Director Mary Gerlach. Residents, she said, receive intensive treatment and room and board and must maintain absolute sobriety. The goal for each resident is to assist in rebuilding her life emotionally, spiritually and behaviorally in order to ensure long-term recovery. Beacon House, located in a retro-fitted 120-year-old Victorian mansion, opened its doors in 1993 as a 90-day residential treatment facility for women recently released from hospital inpatient programs for alcohol and substance abuse. At that time, Mary Ann Steffes, a nurse employed at St. Agnes Hospital, took on the challenge of raising funds for the facility. Through her efforts and the work of others, Beacon House was purchased, Gerlach said. The State of Wisconsin has issued a license to the home for 12 beds. Beacon House prioritizes its population by first serving pregnant women or women with young children.Programming today is designed to more effectively address the complex difficulties associated with substance abuse. Graduates from the Beacon Program are expected to continue treatment, follow the Alcoholics Anonymous guidelines for recovery, and participate in group sessions with current residents at Beacon House, Gerlach said.

Funding services for Beacon House and the programs associated with the facility are based on grants, fees from counties and self-pay clients. Proceeds from fundraising projects and monetary and in-kind donations round-out Beacon House revenues.

2009 Award Winner

Fond du Lac High School Cognitively Disabled Program

2007 Award Winner

Mr. Paul Michler

**June 12th - Book of Golden Deeds Award**

The 2007 Book of Golden Deeds Award was presented to member Paul Michler on June 12. Due to great planning by Golden Deeds committee members, Rose and Dave Schneider, Paul was completely surprised as family members and friends entered the Elks dining room to honor a man who lives and breathes "Exchange". Dave Schneider recalled Paul's volunteer work from the past including Galloway House, Jazz Festival, IAC, Walleye Weekend and FDL City Council. As an Exchange member for the past 56 years, Paul had a major part in the undertaking of Exchange Projects including the clock tower at City County building, Petting Zoo, Freedom Shrines, BMX Club House, airport sign, giveakidaflagtowave program and much more.

Letters of recognition were read from Joann Ward and Congressman Tom Petri. Paul was presented an American Flag from Congressman Petri and a Golden Deeds Plaque.

Dinner and Entertainment by Gerry and Sandy Scudella completed a fitting tribute to Paul.

Thanks to Rose and Dave Schneider for all the planning and work done to remember this special night!

Previous Award Winners

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