When Kara Schneider of Associated Bank learned that her daughter, Adel was diagnosed with a severe dairy allergy as a baby, Schneider wanted to see Adel not only survive her disease, but also to thrive. In addition to health challenges, Schneider knew that Adel would also face potential isolation because so many activities and events revolve around food. With that thought in mind, Schneider, a senior administrative assistant—project coordinator of Associated Investment Services in Neenah, Wis., began searching for an organization for support.

 

Among the many organizations Schneider researched, Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) seemed like the best fit. FARE is a nonprofit organization with a mission to cure food allergies and keep people with food allergies safe and included. FARE has become a major resource for Schneider’s family in helping to meet Adel’s needs over the years. Adel is now a thriving, active 15-year-old who has become empowered to be her own advocate.

 

Schneider began volunteering for FARE in 2013 and since then, her long list of contributions includes countless fundraising events, organization of food donations for food allergy patients throughout Wisconsin, promotion of food allergy education and working with Wisconsin government representatives to help pass laws supporting the cause. She recently received the inaugural Denise Bunning Community Service Award from FARE for her outstanding leadership and service on behalf of the food allergy community.

 

“I am incredibly proud to be the first recipient of this award and very grateful for all of the support Associated Bank has provided me, from walk sponsorships to giving me time off to travel to Washington D.C. to advocate for legislative changes, as I work to make a difference and help provide hope for a cure to life threatening food allergies,” said Schneider. You can see Kara’s virtual acceptance speech and learn more about her many contributions to FARE here.