KAUKAUNA, WI (WTAQ) – A Kaukauna man says that a beloved Christmas display could be in jeopardy without some financial support.
Amber Boehnlein of Kaukauna has been a yearly visitor, along with her kids, to the Kaukauna North Pole display.
“My kids really like to see all the different kinds of stuff there, it’s fun,” says Amber Boehnlein.
For ten years its been set-up on private property, but after neighbors voiced concern about traffic the city stepped in and moved it to an industrial park.
“We’re glad it’s still going to be in Kaukauna and my kids were mad that it had to go down, but it’s really nice,” she explains.
The only problem is that the move will cost more money.
Display organizer, Troy Campbell, is being allowed a one-year trial to run the display at Concrete Cutters lot, but he’s unsure that it’ll even be possible.
“You know I’ve put $80,000 in these displays all these years, I just can’t do it anymore,” explains Campbell. “I’m at that point that I physically and financially cannot do it.”
The main issue is that installing electricity at the site will cost around $7,000.
That’s money that Campbell simply can’t afford to pay for himself.
“I was very disappointed, I didn’t sleep for a week,” says Campbell.
Supporters have urged him to set-up a fundraiser, which to this point, has only raised $180 in funds.
If he’s not able to raise enough money, the display could end its annual run in the area.
For Campbell, he’s hoping for the exact opposite.
“If I can do this and make their lives happier and they can forget their issues and problems then I’m doing what I’m put on the Earth for,” he explains.
Donations can be made in the following ways:
- An account has been set up at Community First Credit Union under the name “North Pole Display Benefit.”
- Send in a check in care of “The North Pole Display Benefit.” Address: 830 Rusty Ct., Kaukauna, WI 54130.
- Facebook fundraiser.
