Renee Johnson has been involved in Milwaukee philanthropy for more than a decade.
“It started with my previous employer, We Energies, more than 10 years ago. The company put a strong emphasis on philanthropy and volunteering. They really encouraged employees to get involved,” she explained.
Renee is a longtime member of the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors and was involved with Next Generation UPAF (United Performing Arts Fund), an affinity group for young leaders. She also served as the Chair of the Feith Family Ozaukee YMCA Board of Directors.
Through her involvement in the community over the years, Renee made many friends and connections. That’s how she heard about Hope Shining Blue, an annual celebration supporting survivors of sexual and domestic violence. The event also raises critical funds for Aurora Healing & Advocacy Services, which provides healing services for survivors of sexual and domestic violence from the point of crisis through lifelong recovery.
“An acquaintance had accepted a position at Aurora Health Care Foundation and asked me if I’d be interested in getting involved. I agreed, and it’s been very eye-opening to learn that sexual and domestic violence is so prevalent.”
The first Hope Shining Blue event was held in 2014, and Renee dove in to help promote it.
“I served on the ambassador committee and helped raise awareness about both the event and the issue of sexual and domestic violence. I asked friends and local corporations to purchase tickets,” she said. “A couple of years later, I helped coordinate fundraising opportunities at the event. .”
In 2016, Renee and nine other donors founded the Aurora Healing & Advocacy Services Giving Circle, which supports survivors through a variety of programs throughout Wisconsin. Members commit to a donation of $1,000 each year, and they decide as a group how to disburse the funds.
“I think part of what attracts people to the Giving Circle is that we’re all involved in the decision-making process. We try to fulfill as many funding requests as possible, but sometimes we fall short. In many cases, a member will step up and cover the difference. That’s the power of a group like this. We have dedicated people who are very generous with their time, talent and funds who go above and beyond to support these programs.”
Over the years, she’s recruited a dozen people to join the Giving Circle.
“As I’ve introduced people to the Giving Circle or Hope Shining Blue, they become aware of how common sexual and domestic violence is. For example, every 98 seconds*, someone in America is sexually assaulted,” she shared. “And people are also not aware that we have services and resources in our community to help survivors.”
Because of her unwavering support of Aurora Healing & Advocacy Services over the years, Renee is being honored as the 2022 Wind Beneath Our Wings Award recipient at this year’s Hope Shining Blue.
“Thankfully, I haven’t experienced violence myself, but the statistics are terrifying, especially as my own children get older. I can’t imagine what survivors and families go through. Knowing there are people who have specialized skills and the resources to support them is huge. The way I can help is through philanthropy, and I’ll do everything I can.”
How you can help
Held on Denim Day, Hope Shining Blue is a casual, high-energy evening of music, food stations and an inspirational fashion show celebrating healing and resilience. The show will feature sexual assault survivors in a once-in-a-lifetime runway presentation.
You can help survivors by making a gift to support Aurora Healing & Advocacy Services. To ensure access and privacy for all survivors in our community, services are provided at no cost and are only possible because of the generosity of donors like you.
*Statistic according to RAINN and the U.S. Department of Justice