Tim Mather, executive director of West Central Wisconsin Community Action Agency, Inc. (CAP), recently called the longtime nonprofit "the best kept secret in seven counties." In celebration of the organization's 60th anniversary, West CAP put itself closer to the spotlight with its decades-themed shindig at Menomonie's Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts.

The event, hosted on Friday, Nov. 14, was West CAP's first-ever fundraiser event. Historically, the independent anti-poverty organization saw roughly 80% of its annual funding come from state and federal government funds. As the political climate grows rockier and grant opportunities become increasingly competitive, West CAP decided its milestone-marking anniversary was a golden opportunity to reintroduce itself to the community. 

Anniversary event attendees rocked out with Home Grown Tomatoes' through-the-decades live music and enjoyed Menomonie Theater Guild performers bringing West CAP's 60-year history to life on stage. New York Times Bestselling author Michael Perry also showed support with a short special performance. 

West CAP continues to offer food access, energy assistance, adult education, housing assistance and additional resources for a seven-county stretch, including Chippewa and Dunn counties. 

Learn more about West CAP online at www.westcap.org.