Wisconsin Rural Women's Initiative Founder Captures Award for Social Innovation

Walworth County Resident Wins 2008 Fred Lindner Prize

Elkhorn, Wis. (PRWEB) December 3, 2008 -- Mary Bub was presented with The 2008 Fred Lindner Prize for Social Innovation in Wisconsin on November 11 at an award ceremony at Pier Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Bub received a $5,000 prize and the organization that she founded in 1997, Wisconsin Rural Women's Initiative (WRWI), also received $5,000.

The Fred Lindner award provides this prize to an individual over the age of 60 who "has demonstrated uncommon vision, determination and entrepreneurialism in addressing community, state, and national problems." Bub formed the WRWI, a grass-roots organization that promotes well-being among Wisconsin women living on farms and in rural areas, because of the lack of other resources available to them.

Bub, who is truly committed to an agrarian lifestyle, lives on MoonStar Farm, a 77-acre family-owned and operated farm just east of Elkhorn, with her extended family. She is dedicated to growing foods naturally for her family and the community. Free-range chickens, grass-fed beef and goats, and a variety of produce are grown and raised at MoonStar Farm.

As an active member of the Walworth County Visitors' Bureau (www.VisitWalworthCounty.com) (WCVB), Bub supports the area in which she lives and works. Both MoonStar Farms and Wisconsin Rural Women's Initiative are WCVB members.

"Mary has been a real asset serving on the Farm Tour Committee for the Walworth County Visitors' Bureau (www.VisitWalworthCounty.com)," remarks Kathleen Seeberg, Executive Director. "Her passion for farming, commitment to growing natural foods, and knowledge of the issues faced by farmers make her the perfect advocate for farmers in Walworth County."

Bub is also an avid photographer and has provided the WCVB with many memorable images used to help promote tourism in Walworth County. She has created a series of greeting cards with these images. The cards and photographs are sold at the Walworth County Visitors' Bureau (www.VisitWalworthCounty.com) located at 203 East Walworth Street, Elkhorn, WI.

About Wisconsin Rural Women's Initiative

Founded by Mary Bub in 1997, Wisconsin Rural Women's Initiative (http://ruralwomensinitiative.com/) grew out of a need for women who live in rural areas and on farms to have a voice and a platform to discuss problems, share ideas, obtain information, and utilize resources that are available to them. Because many of these women live in remote areas, they are sometimes isolated from needed resources and networking opportunities. The women who are part of the WRWI participate in local groups, referred to as Gathering Circles, and share their stories with other women with the help of trained facilitators. The circles eventually become self-sustaining. They deal with issues like isolation, abuse, and health care, and provide input on self-care, assertiveness, communication skills, and offer free health screenings. To date, 2500 women have participated in Gathering Circles in 57 of Wisconsin's 72 counties.

About Walworth County Visitors' Bureau

The Walworth County Visitors' Bureau (WCVB), located at 203 East Walworth Street, Elkhorn, WI, is dedicated to promoting tourism throughout Walworth County, Wisconsin. The Bureau is located in a historic building featuring antiques and vintage items, where visitors can browse through area travel literature and enjoy WIFI and a coffee bar. For additional information, contact the WCVB at (262) 723-3980 or visit its website at www.VisitWalworthCounty.com.

For a complete version of this release with images for download, please visit: http://news.marketingimages.com/default.asp?nid=349.

CONTACT:

Marilyn McGair

Marketing Images

Phone: 262-523-3940 ext. 102

Cell phone: 262-751-9403

or

Kathleen Seeberg

Executive Director

Walworth County Visitors' Bureau

262-723-3980

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