MILWAUKEE, Wis. – The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) today announced its support of local Milwaukee-area organizations with funds originally dedicated to hosting events during the Democratic National Convention. As the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the in-person events, AEM made the decision to use the funds slated for the Convention to purchase and donate gift cards to non-profit organizations throughout the Milwaukee area.

The first donation took place late last week and was given to Street Angels, a small not for profit organization that focuses on homelessness in the greater Milwaukee area. The gift cards will be used as part of their weekly community outreach efforts to feed the homeless.

"These gift certificates will literally mean the difference between whether or not someone is able to eat during a day and we cannot thank you all at AEM enough,” said Eva Welch, Co-Founder and Director of Street Angels. “Sadly, with the lack of adequate shelter space in our community, Street Angels sees anywhere from 100-200 people sleeping on the streets each night that we are out. Thanks to the support from AEM and other community members, we can at least ensure the folks we see will not go to sleep wet and hungry. "

In total 200, $50 gift cards from Glass & Griddle will be distributed throughout the community in 2020. Additional non-profits that will be receiving cards this year include:

• Tandem 2020 – a restaurant turned after school program for students to receive one-on-one homework help and a free meal.
• The Guest House of Milwaukee - Relying on many volunteers, to leverages their resources to help prevent homelessness and provides education and health services.
• Urban Ecology Center - Provides outdoor science education for urban youth while protecting and using public natural areas, making them safe, accessible and vibrant.
• Journey House

“We are honored to be able to showcase the dedication of numerous volunteers and organizations in our local community and be able to say – ‘thank you’”, said Dennis Slater, President of AEM. “Throughout this pandemic, these volunteers continue to work tirelessly to provided needed services to our community and this is just one way we can recognize their dedication.”

For further information on AEM’s Charity Give-Back program or to nominate a Milwaukee-area non-profit, please contact Alex Russ at aruss@aem.org.

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