Being a community bank means much more than providing local financial products and services. It's also about being part of the communities that we serve. Bank of Lake Mills is very proud to support many local organizations and charities. Check out our donations and sponsorships below.
Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. For the past 12 years, hundreds of millions of people around the world have been inspired to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. Join the global community movement and celebrate all acts of giving.
2024 Giving Tuesday Donations:
Bank of Lake Mills donated $10,000 from December 2nd through December 6th to eight charities that are near to our employees' hearts.
Donations were decided on by a poll on our social media pages, and the community picked their favorite charity.
Donations Results:
Watertown Family Connections ($2,000)
Rainbow Community Care ($1,500) & Jefferson County Cancer Coalition ($1,500)
Sunset Sanctuary ($1,250) & Bread and Roses ($1,250)
Ready Kids for School ($1,000) & Jefferson County Literacy Council ($1,000)
Big Brother Big Sisters ($500)
2023 Giving Tuesday Donations:
Bank of Lake Mills donated $10,000 from November 27th through December 1st to eight charities that are near to our employees' hearts.
Donations were decided on by a poll on our social media pages, and the community picked their favorite charity.
Donation Results:
Cornerstone of Grace ($2,000)
Sunrise Reach ($1,500) & Watertown Humane Society ($1,500)
Rainbow Hospice ($1,250) & Tomorrow's Hope ($1,250)
Watertown ROC ($1,000) & Humane Society of Jefferson County ($1,000)
Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Wisconsin ($500)
Thank you all for voting and making Giving Tuesday 2023 a success!
2022 Giving Tuesday Donations:
Bank of Lake Mills worked with the counselors within the Lake Mills and Watertown school districts to fill the clothing needs of their students.
Over $1,500 in clothing items were donated: a dozen pairs of boots, seven pairs of tennis shoes, ten winter coats, and various sizes of gloves and hats went to
the elementary schools. The Watertown School District received $250 in gift cards to be distributed to families in need, and clothing and food items were bought for
the Lake Mills High School from their wish list.
As part of our Giving Tuesday pledge, a poll was posted on the Bank of Lake Mills' Facebook page to allow members of the community to vote on which charity should receive a $1,000 donation. The other charities received a $500 donation.
Poll Winner: Haus of Peace - $1,000 donation
Humane Society of Jefferson County - $500 donation
Jefferson County Literacy Council - $500 donation
Rainbow Hospice - $500 donation
2025
We were proud to invest in the future of local students by offering two $500 scholarships to seniors who attended the College Goal Wisconsin event at Lake Mills High School. This free event provided valuable guidance on completing the FAFSA, and Esteban and Marshall were the scholarship winners.
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Here at Bank of Lake Mills we believe in showing up for our small businesses in a real way. This year we put more than $2000 back into the Lake Mills and Watertown economies by sending our team out to shop local with Chamber Dollars. Small Business Saturday was a great chance to celebrate the businesses that bring energy, character, and heart to our communities.
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We were proud to partner with Lake Mills High School to provide a breakfast for Veterans in our community on Veterans Day. President and CEO Ty offered heartfelt thanks for their sacrifice, helping to add to a meaningful and memorable morning for all.
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Dan, our Lake Mills Branch Manager, was awarded Volunteer of the Year from Legendary Lake Mills. We are so proud of his dedication and commitment to our community. His kindness, leadership, and willingness to lend a hand truly reflect what it means to make a difference right here at home.
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From Trunk or Treat and Boo Bash in Watertown to Witches Night Out in Lake Mills our team embraced the spooky season and handed out plenty of treats to kids throughout the community.
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We are proud to share that both of our branch locations and every Bank of Lake Mills employee are now officially certified as a Dementia Friendly Community Business through the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Jefferson County. During our Columbus Day all staff training, Tonya from ADRC led us through a powerful presentation on how to better recognize, approach, and support individuals living with dementia.
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Bank of Lake Mills employees enjoyed a beautiful morning participating in the Pyramid City Run put on by the Lake Mills Rotary Club. This year's proceeds will go towards Alzheimer's Research.
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Bank of Lake Mills is happy to sponsor the Ice Cream Social at the Octagon House again this year.
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Bank of Lake Mills is excited to support the new Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) in Jefferson County with a $2,500 donation. The FEC will provide free, one-on-one financial counseling to anyone who lives or works in Jefferson County. This will give our community the tools to budget smarter, reduce debt, build credit, and plan for the future.
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We had a blast at Watertown’s Lights N Sirens event! The park was packed with fire trucks, police vehicles, and other emergency equipment for families to explore. Our employees had just as much fun as the kids checking out all the gear and seeing everything up close.
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We had a wonderful time at the Town and Country Days Parade! The weather was perfect, and it was great to see so many smiling faces along the route. Our team of employees and their families loved walking together, handing out candy and fun swag to everyone.
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Our team rolled up their sleeves and hit the roadside to help keep our stretch of highway through the Adopt a Highway program clean!
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Each year, Bank of Lake Mills awards a $1,000 scholarship to seniors at our local high schools who demonstrates a strong commitment to their community through volunteerism and service. We’re proud to support students who are passionate about giving back. Congratulations to our five winners this year!
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Judy, an employee at Bank of Lake Mills, put her creativity and care to work by making blankets for newborns. The handmade blankets will be donated to a local hospital, offering comfort to newborns and reflecting the heart of our mission to support and strengthen the communities we serve.
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Dave, our AVP of Commercial Lending, graduated from the 2024-25 Leadership Watertown class! This program empowers local professionals to grow as community leaders while working together on projects that make a lasting impact.
This year’s class is revitalizing the 1st Street alleyway in Historic Downtown Watertown, creating a welcoming public space that adds beauty, accessibility, and long-term value to the area. To support Dave and his classmates, Bank of Lake Mills donated $1,000 to help bring this project to life.
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Bank of Lake Mills is honored to support the Watertown Police Department's Bike Rodeo. This event gives young bicycle riders the opportunity to learn the rules of the road for bicycles in a safe environment.
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We were proud to sponsor this spring’s season of Girls on the Run! This amazing program helps young girls build confidence, develop life skills, and reach their goals through lessons, a community service project, and a celebratory 5K. Two of our employees, Lana and Amanda D, have been volunteer coaches for several years and continue to make a difference.
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Employees participated in the Furry Friends 5K. Proceeds raised by the Jefferson County Humane Society go to support homeless pets in the area.
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118 vehicles rolled through our community electronics event, dropping off a combined 6,036 pounds of electronics. Every single item was safely recycled by URT Solutions.
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Bank of Lake Mills employees took time out of their workdays
to clean up three parks in Lake Mills and Watertown - the Millpond Trail and
Bartels Beach, Tyranena Park, and Brandt-Quirk Park.
to clean up three parks in Lake Mills and Watertown - the Millpond Trail and
Bartels Beach, Tyranena Park, and Brandt-Quirk Park.
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Employees also got together one night after work to make tie blankets for the Jefferson & Dodge County Project Linus chapter. Project Linus provides handmade blankets to children under 18 who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need. Each blanket made was a small act of comfort, crafted with care for kids who need it most.
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Bank of Lake Mills was honored to be a bronze sponsor of Lakeside Lutheran High School's Grand Event, where the Kentucky Derby theme brought out our team’s festive side! From big hats to big laughs, we saddled up for a night full of fun, flair, and philanthropy in support of a great cause.
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Team spirit was strong at the Watertown Irish JigJog! Bank of Lake Mills was delighted to sponsor the race, and our employees laced up their shoes to walk and run in support. Proceeds from the event benefit the Education Foundation of Watertown.
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Bank of Lake Mills was proud to present Lakeside Lutheran and Lake Mills High School with check for the 2024 Mascot debit card usage. Lakeside debit card users earned $1,311.41, and Lake Mills debit card users earned $3,233.87.
As a bonus, one student from each school was given the chance to make a half-court shot to double their school's donation. Lake Mills' student sunk the basket, doubling their donation to $6,467.74!
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We're excited to support the Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin with a donation for their upcoming Winter Glow event! This annual fundraiser helps provide warm winter clothing to school-aged children in need during the colder months, while also offering vital services and support to their families. To learn more about their mission, visit the CAC's website here.
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Our employees had a blast at Watertown’s Trivia Night, teaming up to secure 5th place out of 118 teams! It was a fun night of collaboration, all in support of the Watertown Athletic Booster Club.
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We are proud to support the 2025 YMCA Annual Campaign with a $5,000 donation! This contribution helps fund scholarships and programs that promote academic success, healthy lifestyles, and civic leadership—making a meaningful difference in our community. Together, we’re building stronger families and brighter futures!
2024
Our employees generously volunteered to ring bells for the Salvation Army, spreading holiday cheer and supporting a great cause. We're grateful for their commitment to giving back to our community!
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Employees laced up their sneakers on Thanksgiving morning to participate in the Run Turkey Run 5k in Watertown. 100% of the proceeds from this event go directly to support organizations in our community.
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In celebration of Veterans Day, Bank of Lake Mills proudly donated $1,000 to Heroes for Heroes. This local organization is dedicated to supporting veterans through advocacy, assistance, and providing service dogs to those in need. We're honored to contribute to their important mission!
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First graders from Lake Mills Elementary School visited our Lake Mills branch. They enjoyed a tour of the bank, discovering how drive-thru tubes and the coin machine operate, what a safe deposit box is, and learning the basics of banking and its role in our community!
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Employees enjoyed handing out candy at the Boo Bash in Watertown and Witches Night Out in Lake Mills. Over 1,000 children, dressed in their best spooky attire, attended each event!
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"Donut" underestimate the Bank of Lake Mills employees who participated in the Watertown Donut Dash! This event brings awareness and funding for victims of domestic violence.
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Bank employees turned into cheerleading superstars, rallying for the elementary school children at their annual Fun Run! The Fun Run is organized by the elementary school PTO to raise funds for the school.
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Bank employees volunteered at Riverfest in Watertown selling wristbands and tickets to festival attendees. In addition to volunteering, employees also brave some hills in the Riverfest 5k. Despite the challenging terrain, it was a beautiful day to support Watertown Area's YMCA annual campaign!
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The weather was perfect as Ty, Peter, Bridget and Debbie golfed in the Lake Mills Booster Club golf outing.
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Bank of Lake Mills is happy to sponsor the Ice Cream Social at the Octagon House again this year.
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Bank of Lake Mills donated a collection of personal finance books to Watertown Public Library. These books are aimed at empowering individuals with the knowledge to manage their finances effectively.
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Dave, Bridget, and Jake had a great day at the Watertown Chamber of Commerce golf outing. It was beautiful weather, great camaraderie, and even some fun prizes were won!
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Bank of Lake Mills was happy to support "Stuff the Squad" to benefit Haus of Peace by donating needed supplies at the City of Lake Mills Police Department's "Night Out Against Crime."
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Bank of Lake Mills had the opportunity to sponsor the spring season of Girls on the Run. Lana and Amanda have been volunteer coaches for several years. Girls on the Run inspires girls to recognize and embrace their inner strength with lessons, implementing a community service project and completing a 5k at the end of the season.
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Bank of Lake Mills is once again honored to have supported the Watertown Police Department's Bike Rodeo on June 22nd. This event gives young bicycle riders the opportunity to learn the rules of the road for bicycles in a safe environment.
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Bank of Lake Mills is honored to support the Watertown Humane Society as the Dog Kennel Sponsor with a $5,000 donation toward their shelter renovation project.
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Employees enjoyed golfing in the Legendary Lake Mills golf outing. Employee, Debbie, hit a hole-in-one during the golf outing!
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Bank of Lake Mills is proud to support Lake Mills High School's The Mill as a Gold Sponsor for the 2024/2025 school year!
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Employees tried their hardest but were "lapped" by all the dogs in the Furry Friends 5K! Proceeds raised by this event benefit the Humane Society of Jefferson County to support area homeless and rescued pets.
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Employees helped deliver an assortment of household essentials, personal hygiene products, high demand food items, and a monetary donation to the Lake Mills Mill and Watertown Gosling Nest.
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Employees took time out of their workdays to clean up three parks in Lake Mills and Watertown - The Millpond Trail, Bartels Beach, and Brandt-Quirk Park.
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Bank of Lake Mills was honored to be a Shamrock Sponsor at Lakeside Lutheran High School's annual Grand Event fundraiser. Eight employees attended and had a "grand" time!
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Bank of Lake Mills employees volunteered their evening at Bread and Roses in Watertown to serve a delicious taco dinner to the community. Bread and Roses provides a free meal to anyone who attends and is supported by volunteer and monetary donations.
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Employees enjoyed running the Watertown Jig Jog 5k. The Bank donated $500 to Watertown Jig Jog to help support the Educational Foundation of Wisconsin.
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Employees put 25 financial literacy books into Little Free Libraries around Lake Mills and Watertown to celebrate National Read Across America Day.
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Bank of Lake Mills employees (and one significant other) had a blast participating in the Watertown Humane Society's Furry Feud event as the Cash Cows.
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Bank of Lake Mills was proud to present LLHS and LMHS with checks for the 2023 Mascot debit card usage. Lakeside debit card users earned $1,382.79, and Lake Mills debit card users earned $1,761.22.
As a bonus, one student from each school was given the chance to make a half court shot to double their school's donation. Lake Mills' student sunk the basket, doubling their donation to $3,522.44!
2023
December: Bank of Lake Mills donated funds to the Marine Corps League in support of their memorial addition, coming in 2024. Visit Aero Park to check out this stunning tribute!
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November 2023: Bank of Lake Mills is honored to support our veterans by donating to the VFW & Legion posts in
Watertown in honor of Veteran's Day. Thank you to all of the brave veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country!
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November 2023: Bank of Lake Mills is proud to donate to the Lake Mills Aztalan Historical Society to help offset the costs of relocating and preserving the downtown Veteran's Mural. We are fortunate to have this mural to beautify our community in honor of all veterans!
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October 2023: Bank of Lake Mills is happy to sponsor improvements to the Lake Mills disc golf course. New baskets were purchased as well as a sign featuring the course overview.
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September 2023: Bank of Lake Mills sponsored the entry fee for all attendees of the "Slider Bowl" football game between Lakeside Lutheran and Lake Mills High Schools and handed out swag at the gate to fans.
Congratulations to Lakeside for their victory this year!
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August 2023: Bank of Lake Mills sponsored the Watertown Historical Society's annual Ice Cream Social and 1st Brigade Band Concert in September. The community is invited to attend this decades-long tradition!
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April 2023: Employees gathered after work to make Jared Boxes for The Jared Box Project to donate to local hospitals. The boxes were filled by employees with various toys, games, and stickers to entertain children who are in the hospital.
2022
In 2022, Bank of Lake Mills contributed $60,700 through donations and sponsorships to help 34 different organizations in our communities.
November: Bank of Lake Mills donated to the Watertown Senior Center to help support the work they are doing.
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November 2022: In honor of Veteran's Day, Bank of Lake Mills worked with Wisconsin Women For Our Troops to
collect donations from bank employees to help fill care packages for our troops serving overseas.
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November 2022: Bank of Lake Mills donated to The Mill at Lake Mills High School to help provide food and hygiene products to students.
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Fall 2022: Bank of Lake Mills worked with the Watertown Police Department and the Lake Mills Public Schools
to donate 300 backpacks to children throughout the two communities.
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August 2022: Dee Delkamp donated her time to come and educate our employees on the importance of nutrition.
A donation was made in her name to the Watertown Humane Society.
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Summer 2022: Brought the opportunity for Bank of Lake Mills to sponsor golf outings. Employees participated in the Lake Mills and Watertown Chamber Golf Outings along with one for Big Brother Big Sister Organization and Folds of Honor. 
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All donation and sponsorship requests can be sent to communityinvolvement@bankoflakemills.com or dropped off at either location.