Honor Our Past-Prepare Our Future

The Wisconsin Rapids community has taken a big loss from the closing of our major industrial manufacturing. These industries, like logging, paper production, and steel foundry manufacturing, have significantly impacted our community. Many businesses within our community benefitted from the major workloads as a result of these industries' success. As you can imagine, this affects more than can be listed.

This effort to raise funds will ensure the purchasing of unique industrial components from the scrapping companies. These components represent the industrial impact on Wisconsin Rapids. They would tell the story of our history and ultimately reflect our identity.

The goal, after procuring and saving the components from being scrapped, is to create sculptural features to memorialize these industries.

Presented by the ACE Leadership Program 2025

Through the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce

The ACE Leadership Program is proud to lead a community sculpture project aimed at beautifying the entrance to Wisconsin Rapids and honoring our city's history. We are looking to have this sculpture located at Wisconsin Rapids Airport, creating a powerful first impression for visitors and a lasting symbol of our community pride.

Our goals include welcoming newcomers and visitors to Wisconsin Rapids, celebrating the rich heritage of the paper industry that shaped our community and beautifying a prominent public space with meaningful art.

We're asking for your support to bring this vision to life. Funds will be used to purchase any necessary materials to complete the artwork along with covering the cost to install artwork. Also purchasing a plaque to include donors of this project and ACE Leadership group.

We are looking to raise $25,000 to complete this project.

Artist

Ben Jennings, a Sculpture Artist from Wisconsin Rapids, is looking for funding to create public art in his hometown.

Donation Tiers

Any contributions will be accepted. We appreciate your support.

Bronze Tier – $250

Recognition in public posts and notices when the project is completed

One engraved commemorative brick at the base of the sculpture

Silver Tier – $500

Recognition in public posts and notices when the project is completed

Business name or personal name engraved on granite at the base of the sculpture

Gold Tier – $1,000

Recognition in public posts and notices when the project is completed

Business name or personal name engraved on granite on the top tier of the sculpture (maximum visibility)

Platinum Tier – $5,000

Recognition in public posts and notices when the project is completed

Recognized on the plaque

Grand Reveal featuring dedicated advertising and shared hosting of the Facebook event.

Why Support This Project?

Your name or business will be recognized as a proud supporter of community improvement

You’ll help create a welcoming space for guests flying into our city

Your support leaves a permanent mark on a meaningful project that celebrates our local heritage

Get Involved

To learn more or make a contribution by card, please visit our GoFundMe page by scanning the QR Code or going to the link: gofundme.com/f/preserve-wisconsin-rapids-industrial-legacy

If contributing by check,

Make checks payable to:

Heart of Wisconsin Community Incubator

1120 Lincoln Street, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

Contact Information:

Ben Jennings

INDULTO Studios LLC

Thank you for helping us celebrate the spirit of Wisconsin Rapids.

Together, we can build something beautiful and lasting for generations to come.