Menasha Teller Jenny Isenhower, Menasha Lead Teller Dan Timko as Seymour, Menasha Assistant Branch Manager Jose Martinez, and Community Engagement Manager Lacee Kalepp at Fox Cities Kidz Expo on March 1.

The 7th annual Fox Cities Kidz Expo is in the books! North Shore Bank sponsored the highly anticipated free event, which featured interactive exhibits, engaging activities, and educational experiences for kids and families throughout the Appleton area. Organizers of the event haven’t released attendance figures yet, but they say it’s grown every year. 

This year’s theme was “Growing Together,” encouraging families to connect, learn, and play together to foster growth and development for children while strengthening family bonds. 

“We had a great turnout of North Shore Bank employees to make the day a huge success!” said Community Engagement Manager Lacee Kalepp. “It was a sea of green with thousands of community members carrying their reusable North Shore Bank tote bags.”

Seymour waves to a little one and stands ready to hand out our reusable North Shore Bank tote bags to visitors.

More than 70 booths were set up at the event. Our North Shore Bank booth featured games and other fun things for families, including the chance to dance with Seymour!

Our booth was busy!

Employees interacting with guests at Kidz Expo included Lacee, Menasha Teller Jenny Isenhower, Northland Lead Teller Patt Kox, Menasha Lead Teller Dan Timko, Northland Teller Luis Vargas, Menasha Assistant Branch Manager Jose Martinez, Teller-Video Center Julie Schwalbach, Senior Contact Center Specialist Kari Tuyls (and her son, Max), Allouez Assistant Branch Manager Aubrey Abrahamson, and BSA/AML Specialist Noah Isenhower. Many of the employees who helped out really love the event, and sign up every year!

Aubrey loves working at Kidz Expo so much, she emceed the North Shore Bank stage for the first three of the four years she’s helped out! “I enjoy attending the event to see all the kids who come through, they get so excited to play the games we have, color the coloring pages and take polaroid pictures. So many of them have never seen a Polaroid before so watching their faces as the picture develops is priceless,” she said. “I also love the chance to talk to the parents about our family banking options and how we can help them teach their kids healthy financial practices.”

Patt has helped out for the past three years. “It is fun to see the kids’ reaction to the games and to Seymour,” she said. “I would always encourage anyone to volunteer. Being together outside of work lets us see a different side of the people we work with.”

Dan also has participated for three years, dressing up as Seymour each time. “The Seymour outfit is HOT!” he said, but the reaction he gets from the kids is worth it. “Most kids try a high-five attempt, others are unsure what to think. The cutest ones are the ones that want a hug.”

Dan said he appreciates that this is a free event for families, and that it’s a great way to give back to the community. 

Thank you to all of the employees who helped to make this event a success!