10/14/2026
Congratulations, Chris, for your recognition for all the amazing work you do, both for the Lake Area Free Clinic and the city of Oconomowoc. We are so lucky to have you as part of our LAFC family!
Get to know the 2026 NPD Awardees! These awards recognize individuals, organizations, and volunteers who have made our lives, communities, and the world a better place. Join us in celebrating those who are making a difference in our community - early bird tickets are on sale now! https://www.afpsewi.org/national-philanthropy-day/
2026 NPD Volunteer of the Year Award: Christine Both
Nominated by Lake Area Free Clinic
I earned a degree in Medical Technology from UW-Milwaukee, completed an internship at Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee, and began working with Falls Medical Group. My husband, Frank, and I had two children, and I worked part-time for 16 years while enjoying both motherhood and a career I valued. After 20 years as a medical technologist, I began working toward a master’s degree in health services administration. Around that time, Falls Medical Group joined with other independent medical groups to form Advanced Healthcare. After completing my master’s degree, I continued with Advanced Healthcare as Director of Imaging and Rehabilitation Services until my retirement.
After retiring, I served as a part-time healthcare volunteer at the Lake Area Free Clinic in Oconomowoc. I began as a greeter, served on the board for nine years, and have spent the past 15 years on the fundraising team. We had a wonderful time raising money and promoting the clinic through creative events, including casual and fun galas, trivia nights, golf outings, and Christmas on the Isthmus.
About six years ago, the mayor asked my husband and me to help lead an effort to raise money for a new Oconomowoc park. Two lots on N. Lake Road, along Fowler Lake, had been slated for development, a project strongly opposed by many residents. An Oconomowoc family purchased one of the lots and donated it to the city. The developer agreed to sell the adjoining lot to the city for $1,350,000, provided the funds could be raised within six months; otherwise, the development would move forward. My husband and I quickly formed a community group, Build a Park at 517, to lead the fundraising effort. Many motivated and talented residents joined us. We launched a website, page, Instagram account, and GoFundMe page, and signs soon appeared throughout the city. Progress was shared through newspaper stories and large signs updated weekly, and thousands of brochures were distributed.
Thanks to generous contributions from more than 1,000 donors, with individual gifts ranging from $5.17 to $300,000, we met our goal within the six-month deadline. It was an extraordinary community accomplishment. Together, Oconomowoc secured a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a park on two lakefront lots. Located in the heart of the city, the park is now a treasured place for residents, visitors, and generations to come. As one donor so beautifully stated, “The pleasure and joy of its existence will be our immediate reward. Gratitude for our foresightedness will be our legacy.”
Working to help make Oconomowoc a better place to live has brought great joy to our lives and introduced us to many wonderful new friends. I am deeply honored to receive the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
