Steve Schafer, a resident of Fort Atkinson and member of the Fort Atkinson Lions Club, has been inducted into the Birch-Sturm Fellowship, according to a recent news release.
As part of the induction, Schafer’s name has been added to the official Fellowship record. Henceforth, his name will be displayed on a master plaque in the office of the Wisconsin Lions Foundation at the Wisconsin Lions Camp in Rosholt.
In addition, Schafer received a personally inscribed wall plaque, a lapel pin, and a patch that identifies him as a Birch-Sturm Fellow.
According to the release, Upon receiving the recognition, Schafer addressed over 40 Fort Atkinson Lions, saying: “As Lions, we do not serve the community for the recognition. We do it because it is the right thing to do. I had a great mentor in a fellow Lion, my dad, Jim Schafer. It’s great to be a Lion and it’s really the people that make a community – our Fort Atkinson community – and I am proud to spend my time with these worthwhile projects. Thank you.”
During the induction ceremony, Schafer’s wife, Nicole, and his children, Olivia and James, were in attendance, as were two of his sisters, Susie Heimark and Kris Lee.
The Birch-Sturm Fellowship is named in honor of the only two presidents of Lions Clubs International from Wisconsin, Frank Birch and Clarence Sturm and honors those who exemplify “undying dedication and commitment to humanitarian works,” the release noted.
“Humanitarian service is the goal of all Lions,” the release stated, adding: “In 1990, the Wisconsin Lions Foundation recognized the need to establish a special commendation for those who demonstrated excellence in their service to others. The Birch-Sturm Fellowship was developed for this purpose.”
A separate organization, Birch-Sturm Memorial Fund, Inc. was created in 2012, to administer the fellowships, the release continued.
According to the release, Schafer was chosen for due to his involvement in numerous projects that have benefited the community. As examples, the release noted such activities as “his time with Fort Atkinson youth football and baseball.”
In addition, Schafer has served on the board of directors for BASE (Badgerland After School Enrichment) program, formerly the Boys and Girls Club of Fort Atkinson, since 2008 and served for 10 years as its President, the release noted.
“Our recipient was instrumental in expanding the program to more schools, including adding the fourth public school in Fort Atkinson. Additionally, he helped start a wrap-around summer program and has been a key component in many fundraising events – raising the much-needed financial support to provide quality out-of-school time programs to thousands of kids in our community during his tenure. Our recipient was President during BASE’s $8 million capital campaign to establish funding to acquire property and facilities to serve as a home for BASE’s operations and activities. This was an ambitious undertaking. He continues to serve as an active participant on the board,” the release stated.
Schafer was presented with the inaugural “Heart of BASE award” in 2019, the release continued. The award is presented annually to an outstanding individual, business or group for their achievement, leadership and vision in supporting BASE,” the release read, further noting: “They are dedicated to the mission, have demonstrated extraordinary civic and charitable responsibility, and their generosity inspires others. The award honors their sense of heart and devotion to BASE and the many youth it serves.”
Schafer has served as Lions Club treasurer for 13 years, and brings experience gained within the banking industry to that role, the release added.
“Personally and professionally, Steve has served as a mentor and helped me grow as a leader. He is a great asset to our community and to our organization,” Alicia Norris, executive director of BASE, was quoted as saying in the release.
Birch-Sturm Fellowship inductee, Steve Schafer, seated, at right, is surrounded by his wife, Nicole, seated, at left, and members of his family. They are, middle row, from left, sisters Susie Heimark and Kris Lee, and children Olivia and James. Also pictured are Fort Atkinson Lions President Dave Ring, back row, from left, and Lion Gary Moen who made the presentation.
Birch-Sturm Fellowship inductee and Fort Atkinson Lions Club Treasurer Steve Schafer address some 40 people in attendance during a recently held fellowship induction ceremony.
Contributed photos.
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