Former Wisconsin Badgers star Brian Butch organized a basketball camp in the Fox Cities area that quickly became a beacon of hope for families still reeling from the recent EF‑3 tornado. The event, held across Appleton, Fox Crossing, Neenah and Menasha, invited roughly 230 children to step onto the court for a day of play, drills and camaraderie, while the surrounding community rallied to support relief efforts.
Volunteers such as Green Bay Phoenix coach Doug Gottlieb, former Badgers forward Matt Ferris, and local standouts Freddie Owens, Max Klesmit, Preston Ruedinger and Rowan Klesmit helped run the sessions, turning the gym into a hub of mentorship and fun.
Organizers announced that the fundraiser surpassed expectations, pulling in nearly $10,000 that will be directed toward rebuilding homes and providing essential supplies for the hardest‑hit neighborhoods.
Beyond the numbers, the camp underscored a broader spirit of unity that has defined the Fox Cities response, with residents sharing stories of loss, resilience and the simple joy of seeing youngsters smile again.
A Personal Connection
Matt Ferris opened up about the tornado’s direct impact on his family, describing how the storm ripped through his neighborhood and left a lingering sense of vulnerability that the camp sought to ease.
Echoes of Oklahoma
Doug Gottlieb drew a parallel between the Fox Cities’ grassroots response and the outpouring he witnessed in Oklahoma, noting that both communities share a deep‑rooted belief that neighbors must lift each other up when disaster strikes.
A Growing Turnout
Rowan Klesmit observed that the sheer number of participants reflected a collective eagerness to contribute, turning what began as a modest gathering into a vibrant showcase of solidarity.