Local Card Making Event Raises More Than $30,000 for Wounded Warrior Project

Christine Bertram, the queen bee behind Cards by Christine and her team of nearly 150 stampers, the Bee Happy Stampers, raised more than $30,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project from a Card Making Benefit back on Saturday, October 5th. Attendees had the opportunity to make (or receive) 6 all holiday inspired greeting cards (no card making experience needed) and further support the cause by participating in veteran inspired raffle baskets, a 50/50 raffle, a bake sale, featured presenters, and more.

This fundraiser was 1 of 3 ‘Heart of Stampin’ Up!’ award recipients worldwide, which annually is given to Stampin’ Up! employees and demonstrators who apply for a sponsorship to support a cause they care about. “We are so grateful to ‘our Heart of Stampin’ recipients for their hard work and for the contributions to the causes that they are passionate about” shares Sara Douglas, Stampin’ Up! CEO. “We choose 1 employee recipient and 2 regional demonstrator recipients each year. In the East Region, our 2024 demonstrator recipient is Christine Bertram who hosts card making benefits to raise funds for organizations with incredible missions. This year, they chose Wounded Warrior Project, an organization that honors and empowers veterans who incurred a physical or mental injury, ailment or wound during their military service. Each person on Christine’s team, including herself, is related to a veteran or soldier, so the cause hits close to home for all of them.” Stampin’ Up! supported the cause by making a donation of $10,000, providing supplies, guidance, and promotion.

“I am humbled to be chosen to receive this award” said Bertram. “I have been hosting greeting card fundraisers for roughly 5 years because this hobby has a way of bringing people together and creating a safe space for crafters of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and locations to connect and support each other, and together we can make a difference for others in need.” Cards by Christine hosts fundraisers bi-annually and has supported causes such as the National MS Foundation, Operation Underground Railroad, and the Wounded Warrior Project. “This event was the largest to date. We initially set a goal to raise $20,000, but through the enthusiasm and energy of my caring card makers, we increased it to $30,000. This could never have been achieved without the help of 40+ helpers across the United States (who have also donated all of the supplies) and countless hours of preparation” says Betram. Together the event is going to generate over 2,000 handmade cards/card kits that will be created right here in Fond du Lac, WI and get sent all over the USA to donating participants!

Special guests joining the fundraiser included Stampin’ Up! CEO Sara Douglas, Mary Tallouzi spokesperson from the Wounded Warrior Project, and veterans wounded in action. The event also honoredveteran friends and relatives, living and past, with nearly 35 raffle baskets curated to reflect what they missed most while serving our country or representing their likes and hobbies.

Donations are still being accepted to support the Wounded Warrior Project. To make a contribution, contact Christine Bertram directly:

christine@cardsbychrisb.com

920-960-4390

Christine Bertram has been an Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator Since 2013 from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, USA. Her business, Cards by Christine, offers free online card classes on YouTube with the option to purchase card making kits to create coordinating cards. Christine leads a team of nearly 150 stampers and brings together crafters to share positivity and kindness all around the world.

Click below to listen to Christine and Mary join Shawn Kiser on KFIZ Today.

Click below to watch the livestream from the event.