On December 4th, 2008 the Chamber hosted its annual Holiday Benefit Party at Antigua Latin Restaurant. With nearly 100 attendees, Antigua was packed with holiday spirit. With the help of our sponsors and the gracious donations of local businesses, we raised over $4,500 that was used to purchase gifts of food and toys for the less fortunate families in West Allis and West Milwaukee. The Chamber alone was able to help 137 families and 125 individuals and the total from the health department was over 300 individuals and nearly 170 families. This is up from 2007. This shows that even in hard economic times, our community is willing to come forward to help our neighbors in need.

    Our event sponsors were One Communications, Culver’s of West Allis, Icon Insurance, and Layton State Bank. We would also like to thank the West Allis Professional Police Association, City of West Allis Employees, Summit Credit Union, Wells Fargo Bank, Globe Travel, Motor Castings Co., Majdecki’s Sentry, all of the restaurants that donated gift certificates, and everyone else who participated in helping those local families.

    Are you interested in this event? We are already planning for 2009 and have scheduled the benefit to take place at the newly remodeled Steakhouse 100 on Greenfield Ave on December 3rd, 2009. If you are interested in sponsoring this event or participating on the committee, please contact Diane Brandt for more details.

CHRISTMAS ON THE AVENUE

For many years, the City of West Allis' Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting and the Downtown Business Improvement Holiday Stroll have been held on separate days. This year, on Saturday, November 17, 2009, we are going to combine these events to truly create a day-long celebration of the spirit of the season. There will be a hunger task force food drive during and after the parade sponsored by Rupena’s, so bring your cans and nonperishable foods!

After the parade is done, Downtown Greenfield Avenue businesses will host a variety of fun community activities for all ages. The event will culminate in the lighting of the City Hall Christmas tree at 4:00 pm.