Graduation party to serve as fundraiser for Feed the Kids

A local college graduate may be missing out on a traditional graduation experience. Nothing, however, will stop Emelia Schindeldecker from fighting for children in need.

Emelia, the daughter of Scott and Tiffany Schindeldecker, owners of Gilmore Ave Car Wash & Quick Lube, is turning her graduation party into a fundraiser for Feed the Kids, a fund that helps guarantee all students at Winona Area Public Schools continue to receive access to nutritious school meals. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, Gilmore Ave Car Wash & Quick Lube, 602 Clarks Lane, will donate all proceeds from washes purchased and collect donations for Feed the Kids. 

Emelia, who practically grew up at the car wash, has a heart for children and is an advocate for those who don’t usually have a voice. She will graduate from Concordia University Wisconsin on May 16 with a degree in special education. Due to the pandemic, she will not be able to have a traditional graduation party, but she still wanted to do something meaningful. 

Throughout the day, Emelia will be at the car wash to greet customers, talk about the fundraiser and celebrate her graduation.

Schindeldecker will be working in Milwaukee Public Schools as a Special Education teacher in middle school next fall. 

The Feed the Kids Fund is a safety net for K-12 students who do not have sufficient funds in their account to cover the cost of school meals and who don’t qualify for meal benefits. The program was established to be a temporary solution until other arrangements can be made to assist the child and family on a permanent basis. 

Earlier this month, there was nearly $10,000 in unpaid lunch debt in WAPS. Thanks to the generous contributions of many in the community — as well as those with altruistic hearts like Emelia — Feed the Kids is close to wiping out lunch debt in Winona not just for this school year, but for many school years to come. To donate to Feed the Kids, visit GiveMN.org/FeedTheKids.