Boys & Girls Club Blog

June 23, 2026

OSHKOSH, Wis. — Miss Wisconsin 2025 Willow Newell will be the featured speaker during the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh’s annual Afternoon Tea on Wednesday, July 29, from 12 to 2 p.m. at The Gibson Social Club in downtown Oshkosh.

Tickets and tables are still available to community members and can be purchased online at: https://bgcosh.org/events-news/afternoon-tea.

The event is the culmination of the Club’s Character & Empowerment Program, a series of classes led by Club staff and partners for 50 participating Club girls ages 7 to 10. The program is designed to broaden participants’ horizons and instill good character, leadership and healthy life skills. Over the six partner-led classes, among the many topics and activities, girls dive into robotics and engineering with the guidance of the Oshkosh Area School District’s award-winning Wave Robotics team, get an introduction to etiquette from members of the Service League of Oshkosh and learn about weather science, led by WLUK Fox 11 Meteorologist Audrey Leigh.

The skills gained in each session will benefit members within the Club and throughout their lives. In addition to the empowering topics, participants have the opportunity to choose a brand-new summer sundress and flip-flops for the July 29 Afternoon Tea, courtesy of the Club and its partners, including Old Navy.

A short program at the event will feature Newell, the first Black woman crowned Miss Wisconsin. Originally from Racine, Wisconsin, she’s a recent graduate of Carthage College with a Bachelor of Arts in musical theater. Her duty as Miss Wisconsin is to travel across the state to meet with Wisconsinites and champion her community service initiative: “The ART of Belonging,” which promotes inclusive access to the arts for all ages. In a series of interviews, community connections and personal stories, she has created a project that highlights the powerful impact of creative engagement on individuals’ lives.

“Programs and events like this empower our Club members to dream big and remind them they have a strong network of support behind them,” said Alex Hummel, Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh Director of Advancement. “Afternoon Tea is a special experience for girls to join Club supporters and role models from throughout our community and enjoy an inspirational afternoon.”

Guests gather with Club members and others from the community to connect, reflect and celebrate growth and achievement, as well as enjoy tea, punch and a light lunch catered by Becket’s Restaurant. Attendees are encouraged to wear brightly colored suits and dresses, complemented by hats and gloves.

Afternoon Tea is presented by Kimberly-Clark Corp. with additional support from our Dreamer Sponsor, Helaine Lasky; Empower Sponsor, Oshkosh Corporation; Speaker Sponsor, Silver Star Brands; Inspiration Sponsor, The Oshkosh Women’s Fund; our Great Futures Sponsors: Shea Electric & Communications LLC, Chrys Hyde and Twentieth Century Club; Sun Dress Sponsors, Sheldon and Lori Lasky and the Oshkosh Area Women’s Association; and our venue and luncheon sponsors, The Gibson Social Club and Becket’s Restaurant.

Sponsorships to support the program remain available. Contact Hummel at alexh@bgcosh.org or at (920) 233-1414 ext. 129.