Press Releases

24 november 2020

Elkhorn, Wisconsin: Walworth County based organization, Seeds Of Hope, was the recipient of a transit, fifteen passenger van. It will be used to transport adults with developmental and other disabilities to community outings such as the library, local restaurants, assisting with Meals On Wheels, and several other community activities. Giving back to the community is one of the foundations of Kunes Country Auto Group. Owner, Gregg Kunes, says it again and again: “if you’re only chasing the dollars, you’ll never do the best, but if you invest in and take care of the communities you serve, then they will take care of you, too.”

On behalf of Seeds Of Hope, “our organization is incredibly grateful for this generous gift. The new van will make it possible for us to continue delivering Meals On Wheels, and find other ways to give back to our community.”

About Seeds Of Hope: We Plant Possibilities. Seeds Of Hope is a horticultural and recreational community that brings new growth opportunities to adults with developmental and other disabilities. Seeds Of Hope was founded by Jamie Stilling-Stepp in 2013. “Every day is an opportunity for learning and growing. Utilizing horticulture as a form of therapy provides an excellent opportunity to promote and inspire the lives of our community,” Stilling-Stepp says. For more information about Seeds Of Hope, please go to www.seedsofhopewi.org.

About Kunes Country Auto Group: Kunes Country Auto Group is dedicated to building people’s lives in the communities they serve. They are family owned and operated. Gregg Kunes started with Kunes Country Ford Lincoln in Delavan, Wisconsin in 1996, and over the years has grown throughout the states of Illinois and Wisconsin. Their mission is to deliver exceptional customer service, while also serving local communities in the form of projects, promotional support, donations, and whatever else is needed. For more information on Kunes Country Auto Group, please go to www.kunescountry.com.

24 August 2020

Elkhorn, Wisconsin: Seeds Of Hope is proud to announce the installation of the new Buddy Bench located outside the Matheson Memorial Library in Elkhorn. The Bench was a vision of Jamie Stilling-Stepp, Founder of Seeds Of Hope. Stilling-Stepp recalls a participant who had a hard time pronouncing the name of a fellow participant because they grew up in a different culture than the other participant. Seeds Of Hope worked with the two individuals by focusing on their similarities rather than their differences. Once the two began to get to know each other through positive eyes, they became friends. Their love of the library brought them together. The two are buddies now. “Seeds of Hope is about planting possibilities by helping people embrace their differences,” says Stilling-Stepp. She, herself, struggled with understanding the special needs community many years ago. When she let go of that fear, she was amazed at the possibilities she was able to plant.

When Jamie approached Mark West from Scherrer Construction about her vision for the Bench, they were happy to create and donate the bench for the community through the Scherrer Cares Program. The Matheson Memorial Library is a perfect location for the Buddy Bench because everyone in the community has access to it. The Buddy Bench will be a good place for friendships to form and grow. The plaque near the bench will read, “Friendships bloom when we can embrace our differences.” It is her hope that the Buddy Bench will foster new friendships and partnerships within the community.

About Seeds Of Hope: “We Plant Possibilities.” Seeds Of Hope is a horticultural and recreational community that brings new growth opportunities to adults with developmental and other disabilities. seedsofhopewi.org