De Pere Businesses Raise Funds for Downtown Revitalization

Small shops donated portion of sales to Definitely De Pere's Give Big Green Bay campaign

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Several small businesses in downtown De Pere, Wisconsin participated in a one-day fundraiser for the local non-profit Definitely De Pere, which promotes downtown development and revitalization. The businesses donated a portion of their Wednesday sales to the Give Big Green Bay campaign, encouraging people to shop local while supporting the organization's efforts.

Why it matters

The fundraiser highlights the important role small businesses play in supporting community-based initiatives that aim to revitalize and develop downtown areas. It also demonstrates how local businesses can band together to drive foot traffic and boost sales while giving back to impactful non-profits in their neighborhoods.

The details

Six downtown De Pere businesses, including the brunch restaurant Oakley's and the news and tobacco shop Bosse's, participated in the Give Big Green Bay fundraiser on Wednesday. Oakley's donated 10% of their total sales, while Bosse's offered a free magazine to anyone who made a $5 donation to Definitely De Pere. The one-day event was designed to encourage people to shop at local, independent businesses while also contributing to the non-profit's efforts to promote and revitalize the downtown area.

  • The Give Big Green Bay fundraiser took place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Definitely De Pere

A non-profit organization that promotes downtown development and revitalization in De Pere, Wisconsin.

Oakley's

A brunch restaurant located in downtown De Pere that donated 10% of its sales to Definitely De Pere during the fundraiser.

Bosse's News and Tobacco

A news and tobacco shop in downtown De Pere that offered a free magazine to anyone who made a $5 donation to Definitely De Pere.

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What they’re saying

“Any opportunity we have to give back is really huge for us.”

— Michael Lynch, Server at Oakley's (nbc26.com)

“It's nice to be able to give local and know where your money is going.”

— Lisa Mitchell, Manager at Bosse's News and Tobacco (nbc26.com)

The takeaway

The Give Big Green Bay fundraiser demonstrates how small, independent businesses can come together to support community-based initiatives that aim to revitalize and develop their local downtown areas. By donating a portion of their sales, these shops were able to boost foot traffic, increase their own sales, and contribute to an important non-profit organization working to improve the neighborhood.