The Woman Behind Eagle River’s Main Street Magic

Fundraising efforts imperative to downtown vision

The beautification of downtown Eagle River is no easy task, and it's not a particularly cheap one, either. Which is why the Eagle River Revitalization Program (ERRP) is inviting the public to help support its vision during the upcoming 2025 Artscape Banner Auction and Dinner event and beyond.

The tireless work of Karen Margelofsky, ERRP executive director, has not gone unnoticed, with recent awards coming from Wisconsin Main Street Program during its 34th annual awards ceremony in Menomonie earlier this spring. Margelofsky's energetic efforts to improve the downtown community and make Eagle River a more vibrant place for those who work and play here.

Eagle River was named the 2024 Wisconsin Main Street of the Year, an honor recognizing the city's efforts to become a thriving, historic, and community center city where economic opportunity, cultural heritage, and local creativity come together to build a brighter future.

But Margelofsky isn't in the business of revitalization for the recognition, instead focusing on what she calls "common-sense efforts" to make Eagle River a better place for everyone. "We never set out to win awards; we simply focus on what's best for our community."

That focus includes earning a National Historic Registry Listing designation; expanding the farmer's market to include not only produce, but also local artists and education on the importance of healthy eating and sustainable agriculture; the creation of a community square to serve as the social and economic anchor for the downtown's public art initiatives; and a program to support and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs.

How ERRP is Funded

With so much going on, fundraising is an integral part to keeping these programs operating. One way funding needs are met is through the Business Improvement District (BID) — a designated area where businesses pay an additional tax to fund projects and services that enhance the district. These services can range from cleaning to security to streetscape improvements and marketing.

Margelofsky explained that only about 49% of ERRP's budget is funded by the BID, leaving a hefty deficit that has to be met through fundraising in order to run all the programs and projects that beautify and enhance the city and assist its entrepreneurial community.

One that comes to mind is the Rotary Square community space.

"Monetary donations are crucial right now to keep the community square open," Margelofsky said. The building was funded by the Eagle River Rotary Club, but all the expenses to keep it clean and operational are handled by ERRP. "Revitalization has the contract with the city to pay all the expenses from cleaning to toilet paper to utilities, and we couldn't tie it in with the fundraising of the building to try to raise an excess for maintenance. We are basically starting from scratch to support that project," she said.

"We appreciate all the donors that supported the build but now we need to support the current and future of that asset. This is the same for the playground projects, flowers, farmers market, and public art." Margelofsky added that the BID allows ERRP to manage all the programs and offer grants to local businesses, but additional funding is needed to implement all the other plans in her transformation strategy.

Building Important Relationships

Margelofsky recognizes this is too big of task to do alone, and has excelled at creating partnerships with people within the community who all have the common goal of making Eagle River a better place to live and work. She has built relationships with city officials, various nonprofit groups, and local businesses that have benefited from ERRP's support to create a network of people helping people.

"I have many amazing committee and board members that assist in creating many of the plans, but most of the tasks originate in the office and someone needs to tie all the pieces together to make everything work. It definitely takes a village to make everything come together and a lot of collaborations from other organizations as well. We would not exist without our community volunteers," she said.

Utilizing the funds and assistance from community members is what allows Margelofsky to roll out new programs. She highlighted the newly added Young Entrepreneurs Market (YEM), which aims to empower and educate middle and high school youths, age 10-17, to participate in experience-based entrepreneurial opportunities within our local communities.

It started out with a series of training sessions this spring, and the first market date will be held this Friday, June 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the downtown Rotary Square. Additional Friday market dates for 2025 include July 11, Aug. 1, Aug. 29, and Oct. 3.

Margelofsky noted that while she loves all ERRP's programs, YEM is one of the most rewarding. She also noted growing the farmer's market as another big one, as she grew up as a potato farmer. "I love that Artscape allows any level of artist to have their artwork on public display. Our Sign and Building Improvement grant programs are a nice way for us to give back to our businesses and I am excited to see what will come from our new Impact Grant and our Crossing Project from the Vibrant Spaces grant we were awarded," she added.

But ultimately, monetary and community support are truly the lifeblood of the organization, Margelofsky said.

"Every dollar we receive translates directly into visible improvements and vibrant programs that benefit the entire Eagle River community. Whether it’s maintaining the community square, expanding our farmer's market, supporting local entrepreneurs, or beautifying the city through public art and flower programs, none of these initiatives could happen without generous donations and active community involvement. Every contribution, big or small, makes a tangible difference, helping us continue our mission of making Eagle River an even more vibrant, welcoming, and prosperous place for everyone."

Artscape Dinner and Auction

One way the public can help support Margelofsky's efforts is by taking part in this year's Artscape Dinner and Auction event. The event will take place Thursday, June 26, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Veterans Resource Center, located at 418 W. Pine St. in Eagle River.

"This lively annual event celebrates the arts and supports the beautification of our city, including funding for hanging flower baskets, flags, decorative bikes, and municipal landscaping projects," Margelofsky said. "Guests will enjoy a delicious dinner, a cash bar, raffle baskets, and the always-entertaining live and silent auctions of the 2024 Artscape banners created by local and regional artists."

Those who purchase tickets in advance will save some green, with advance tickets on sale now for $35. Tickets will be available at the door for $45. Margelofsky added that artists are eligible for one complimentary ticket, and each Artscape sponsor may claim two free tickets which can be done on the same event registration form. In addition to online registration, there also are QR codes on the official event poster around town and at the Eagle River Farmers Market each Wednesday and Sunday.

"Don’t miss this special evening of food, fun, and art — all in support of a more beautiful Eagle River!" she said.

For more information on the community's ongoing projects and how you can help support them, visit eagleriverrevitalization.org.