WI-UM Kiwanis District immediate past Governor Lynn and First Lady Merita Messer are passionate about helping children on the Autism Spectrum learn and communicate. Their granddaughter, Kelsey, was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of eight, so the Messers have firsthand experience with the unique challenges for children on the spectrum. It has been proven that autistic children benefit from the use of software Apps available for the Apple® iPad. An iPad with a protective case and one app will cost approximately $400. Governor Messer’s goal is to raise over $500,000 which will be used to furnish iPads, Autism software Apps and protective cases for at least 1,000 children on the Autism Spectrum in the WI-UM Kiwanis District.
Project Committee
Lynn Messer
Dan Weninger
Dan joined the Lakeside Wealth Management, LLC in June of 2013 after spending the previous nineteen years with AG. Edwards/Wells Fargo Advisors. Dan was raised on a dairy farm in nearby Lomira, WI and graduated from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Dan is an active member of the Fond du Lac Lakeside Evening Kiwanis serving as Club Secretary and makes his home in Fond du Lac.
Chris Audino
Kiwanis Wisconsin Upper Michigan District
Jay Stephany
Jay Stephany is an HR Generalist at Network Health in Menasha, WI. Network Health offers services to employers of all sizes Medicare Advantage plans and individual and family health insurance services in 23 counties throughout Wisconsin. Previous work experience includes Plexus as the Manager of Talent Acquisition, Goodwill NCW as the Senior Seeker of Talent, and Dunham Express as an HR Generalist.
Jay received a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and is a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and a Certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR). As a volunteer leader, Jay has been an active member of the Appleton Fox Cities Kiwanis Club and has held various leadership roles including President and has been an active member of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) holding various local and state level positions.