An event built by the community, for the community.

2026

Event Host

Giving Mac, Inc. is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to using technology and wellness to create meaningful community impact across Wisconsin.

Formally established in 2023 from a community-centered program launched years earlier by MacMan, Giving Mac began by providing Apple technology to students in need. Today, that mission has grown to support students, families, veterans, care providers, first responders, and communities through donated technology, financial gifts, sponsorships, and fundraising.

Our work is centered around three key initiatives:

Connected Futures Initiative
Providing Apple technology and digital access to students and families who need the right tools to learn, create, and move forward.

Veteran Wellness Initiative
Installing immersive nature film systems in veteran facilities to create calming spaces for relaxation, reflection, and mental wellness.

Community Wellness Projects
Supporting care centers, shelters, first responders, and community partners with technology-driven wellness environments.

From a computer that helps a student succeed to a calming environment that helps a veteran heal, Giving Mac is committed to creating opportunities, reducing stress, and bringing hope through technology and wellness.

Organizers

Organizers and Sponsors

Organizer & Sponsor

Founded in December 1993, MacMan, Inc. is a family-owned Apple Authorized Reseller and Service Provider and technology integrator based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Guided by its “Making Technology Easy” philosophy, MacMan offers sales, repairs, training, professional services, and digital signage solutions. As the national distributor of the Atmosphere platform, MacMan delivers high-resolution nature films and live music through a turnkey media system. Designed for seamless integration, Atmosphere enhances healthcare, hospitality, and wellness environments—creating spaces that calm the mind, lift the spirit, and support emotional well-being.

Organizer & Sponsor

KBI Construction, LLC is a local family-owned and operated company specializing in roofing and exterior remodeling, proudly serving the Eau Claire community and greater Wisconsin area. As an A‑rated, BBB-accredited contractor, KBI focuses on storm damage repair and full-service solutions—roofing, siding, gutters, downspouts, soffits, and fascia—while working directly with insurance providers to ensure seamless restoration and peace of mind. With free professional inspections, including weekend availability, KBI Construction combines expert craftsmanship with clear communication, timely completion, and a stress-free experience for homeowners.

Organizer & Sponsor

Marc-On Shooting, located in Lake Hallie just outside Eau Claire, is West Central Wisconsin’s premier indoor shooting range, training center, and firearm retailer. With 12 modern shooting lanes, a full-service pro shop, and expert-led classes, Marc-On serves everyone from first-time shooters to experienced professionals. The facility offers firearm sales, rentals, gunsmithing, concealed carry and defensive training, and a wide selection of gear and accessories. Home to Marc-On University, it provides education-focused programs including USCCA-certified courses, women's classes, and active shooter response training. Known for its commitment to safety, community, and responsible firearm ownership.

Premier

Premier Sponsor

Dinner for All

A heartfelt thank you to KBI Construction for their generous support of our Dinner for All sponsorship.

KBI Construction’s contribution helps offset a significant portion of the cost of providing dinner for everyone attending the Gun & Tech Banquet. Their generosity helps Giving Mac direct more of the funds raised throughout the evening toward our mission of supporting Veteran health and wellness right here in Western Wisconsin.

We’re incredibly grateful to have local businesses like KBI Construction step up to support our event, our community, and the Veterans who call this area home.

Thank you, KBI Construction, for helping make Dinner for All possible and for supporting Veterans in Western Wisconsin!

Platinum

Platinum Sponsors

Purely Generous

Founded in 1944 by G.F. “Sam” Bauer, Bauer Built has grown from a local oil delivery business into a leading family-owned tire and service company headquartered in Durand, Wisconsin. Today, Bauer Built operates throughout the Upper Midwest, providing trusted tire, service, retreading, roadside assistance, and fleet solutions while remaining grounded in the Midwestern values that have guided the company for more than 80 years.

Bauer Built is proud to stand as an Platinum Sponsor of the 2026 Gun & Tech Banquet, supporting our efforts to promote veteran wellness and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served.

Their commitment to this event represents far more than simply putting their name behind a fundraiser. Bauer Built’s support is deeply meaningful to Giving Mac and to the veterans and communities this event ultimately serves. We are incredibly grateful for their generosity, partnership, and willingness to help us make an even greater impact.

Rice Lake Weighing Systems on White 4x3.png

Media Sponsor

Founded in 1946 in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, Rice Lake Weighing Systems has grown from a local scale service business into a global leader in weighing, measurement, and process control solutions. For more than 80 years, the company has built its reputation on quality, innovation, and exceptional customer service, while maintaining its roots as a Wisconsin-based, family-owned business.

Their support played an especially important role in helping us promote this year's event and reach more people with our mission of supporting veteran wellness.

This sponsorship means a great deal to Giving Mac. Rice Lake Weighing Systems made a significant commitment to helping us make the 2026 Gun & Tech Banquet a success, and we are genuinely grateful for their support.

We are proud to have a Wisconsin company with such a long history of quality, service, and community involvement supporting the 2026 Gun & Tech Banquet.

Outdoor TV Raffle Sponsor

We are proud to welcome MirageVision, headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, as an Platinum Sponsor of Giving Mac. As leaders in outdoor entertainment, MirageVision designs and builds weatherproof, high-brightness outdoor TVs that perform beautifully even under full sun. Their entire lineup is engineered in the USA to resist the elements while delivering top-tier picture quality, and their expertise also extends to large-scale direct-view LED video walls that bring stunning visuals to any environment. In support of veteran wellness, MirageVision has generously donated a Platinum Series Full Sun Outdoor TV to be raffled off at the Gun & Tech Banquet. This premium model offers exceptional brightness, rugged weatherproof construction, and unmatched performance for outdoor living spaces such as patios and pool areas. The funds raised through this raffle will go directly toward the Marilyn Thoms Memorial Fundraiser for Veteran Wellness, helping us create immersive, healing environments for those who served. We are deeply grateful to MirageVision for their generosity and commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of our veterans.

Media Sponsor

iHeartMedia’s Eau Claire branch is a cornerstone of the Chippewa Valley’s local media landscape, connecting communities throughout Western Wisconsin and beyond through a diverse lineup of radio stations. The Eau Claire cluster includes Z100, Hot Country B95, Moose Country 106.7, Classic Rock 92.1, NewsTalk WMEQ, and 98.7 The Fan, delivering music, news, sports, talk, and local programming to listeners throughout the region.

As part of iHeartMedia, one of America’s largest audio media companies, the Eau Claire team combines the reach of a national media organization with a strong commitment to the local community. Its on-air personalities, sales professionals, and promotions teams play an active role in highlighting local businesses, events, organizations, and causes throughout the Chippewa Valley.

For the 2026 Gun & Tech Banquet, iHeartMedia Eau Claire stepped forward as a Media Sponsor, providing significant support toward the promotion and advertising of this year's event.

Gold

Gold Sponsors

Purely Generous

A heartfelt thank you to Sammie Bostrom and her State Farm Insurance Agency in Altoona for becoming a Purely Generous Gold Sponsor of the Gun & Tech Banquet.

Sammie and her local State Farm team help individuals, families, and businesses protect what matters most with insurance options for auto, home, life, and more. As a local Altoona agency, Sammie and her team are part of the same Western Wisconsin community this fundraiser is working to support.

Sammie’s generous support helps Giving Mac continue our mission of supporting Veteran health and wellness right here in Western Wisconsin.

It means a great deal to have local businesses and community leaders step up and support the Veterans who live in the communities we all call home.

Thank you, Sammie, for being Purely Generous and for supporting Veterans in Western Wisconsin!

Special Gun Raffle Item

We are excited to recognize Black Talon Tactical for their generous support of the Gun & Tech Banquet and our mission of supporting Veteran health and wellness in Western Wisconsin.

Black Talon Tactical has donated one of their exciting new firearms—the Black Talon Tactical RAPTOR Hybrid AR Bullpup—to this year’s banquet!

The new RAPTOR brings together the familiar characteristics of the AR platform with the compact, ambidextrous ergonomics of a bullpup design, built around Black Talon Tactical’s patented trigger technology. It’s an impressive addition to this year’s lineup and one we know our banquet guests will be excited to see.

Donations like this help make the Gun & Tech Banquet possible. They give us exciting prizes that help generate the funds needed to continue Giving Mac’s work supporting Veteran health and wellness right here in Western Wisconsin.

Thank you to the entire team at Black Talon Tactical for your generosity, for supporting our fundraiser, and most importantly, for supporting our local Veterans!

In-Kind Donation

Helping Us Spread the Word

A special thank you to the Tri-County Advisor for generously donating advertisements to help Giving Mac promote this year’s Gun & Tech Banquet!

For nearly 20 years, the Tri-County Advisor has been connecting households with local businesses, savings, and community events throughout the Chippewa Valley. Their publication is delivered free to thousands of homes across Eau Claire, Chippewa, and Dunn counties.

By donating advertising space to Giving Mac, the Tri-County Advisor is helping us reach more people, build awareness for the banquet, and share the story of why we’re working to support Veteran health and wellness right here in Western Wisconsin.

Community support isn’t always about what gets donated for a raffle. Sometimes, helping us get the word out can make just as meaningful a difference.

Thank you, Tri-County Advisor, for helping us share our mission, reach our community, and support Veterans in Western Wisconsin!

Silver

Silver Sponsors

Purely Generous

Tilden Lions Club—part of Lions Clubs International since 1917—is a dedicated community service organization serving the residents of Tilden and the broader Chippewa Falls area. Meeting monthly at the Tilden Town Hall, the club lives out the Lions' global motto, We Serve, by supporting a wide range of initiatives—from vision screenings and eye-care outreach to environmental projects, food drives, and aid for seniors and individuals with disabilities. They also invest in youth through local scholarships, recreational programs, mentoring, and international efforts like the Peace Poster contest, Youth Camps, and the Leo youth volunteer network. Through the Lions Clubs International Foundation, the club contributes to humanitarian grants and disaster relief efforts, shining a light on recovery and resilience whenever needed.

Purely Generous

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge No. 402 in Eau Claire is a longstanding fraternal and community service organization dedicated to helping veterans, supporting local families, and strengthening the Eau Claire area. As part of the nationwide Elks organization, the lodge carries out the Elks' tradition of charitable service through donations, volunteer efforts, and community programs. Through its ongoing charitable giving and hands-on service, the Eau Claire Elks strive to live out their mission of helping those in need and making a meaningful difference throughout the Chippewa Valley.

Plinko Sponsor

Ho-Chunk Gaming Black River Falls is a premier entertainment destination owned and operated by the Ho-Chunk Nation. Located in western Wisconsin, we offer over 700 slot machines, live blackjack, comfortable lodging, delicious dining, and live entertainment. Beyond the casino floor, we are deeply committed to supporting our local communities through charitable giving, sponsorships, and volunteer efforts. We are proud to give back and partner with organizations that make a positive impact in the region.

Venue Sponsor

The Eau Claire Event District is the Chippewa Valley’s premier multi-venue event center, located just off 20th Avenue. It features two distinct spaces: The Crescent, an elegant 11,000-square-foot venue with vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, private suites, and a covered outdoor pavilion—perfect for weddings, galas, and corporate events; and High Country, an 18,000-square-foot hall with a scenic patio and space for up to 1,000 guests, ideal for trade shows, celebrations, and concerts. The district offers state-of-the-art A/V systems, projection screens, full-service catering, licensed bar service, and turnkey event coordination. Whether hosting an intimate gathering or a large-scale celebration, the Eau Claire Event District delivers a seamless, unforgettable experience.

Purely Generous

We’re excited to have Cody Limousines of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, as a sponsor of the Gun & Tech Banquet. Located at S5675 County Road B, Cody Limousines is known for offering top-tier luxury transportation and unforgettable experiences for special events. They pride themselves on reliability, affordability, and going above and beyond to ensure every ride is exceptional. With a fleet that includes stretch limousines, shuttle buses, and specialty vehicles, they specialize in creating memorable arrivals and safe, stylish transports. This year, Cody Limousines will also be providing rides home and to the Sleep Inn Hotel for guests who may have had a little too much fun, helping ensure everyone enjoys the evening responsibly. We’re grateful for their support and for adding both style and safety to our event. Thank you Tom.

Dinner Caterer

KP Katering is a trusted full-service caterer based in Eau Claire, proudly serving the Chippewa Valley with over four decades of culinary excellence. From elegant five-course dinners and business luncheons to family reunions, weddings, corporate picnics, and even football tailgates, KP Katering tailors every menu to suit the occasion, offering everything from elaborate fare to simple appetizer buffets. As the on-site professional catering partner for the Eau Claire Event District, they bring a seamless blend of creative cuisine and attentive service directly to premier local venues. Their experienced, detail-oriented team treats customers as the top priority—providing customizable menus, full setup, rentals, decorations, and clean-up—so hosts can relax and enjoy their event knowing every detail is handled. With a reputation built on flavor, finesse, and client care, KP Katering ensures your next event will be unforgettable.

Bronze

Bronze Sponsors

Raffle Prize Donor

We are incredibly excited to thank the Green Bay Packers Give Back program for supporting this year’s Gun & Tech Banquet with a very special donation—a collectible 2025 Green Bay Packers team-signed football!

Through Packers Give Back, the Green Bay Packers have a long tradition of helping nonprofit organizations throughout Wisconsin strengthen their fundraising efforts. We’re honored to have Giving Mac and our Veteran Wellness Initiative included in that tradition of community support.

For Packers fans, this is going to be a special one. This collectible football features signatures from the 2025 Green Bay Packers team and coaching staff and will be part of this year’s banquet fundraising.

Support like this helps us create an exciting evening for our guests while raising funds to support Veteran health and wellness right here in Western Wisconsin.

Thank you, Green Bay Packers Give Back, for supporting Giving Mac, supporting our fundraiser, and helping us make a difference for Veterans in Western Wisconsin. Go Pack Go!

In-Kind Donation

Advance Printing of Hayward, located at 15576 US Highway 63 in Hayward, Wisconsin, is a veteran-owned, full-service commercial printing company that has been delivering professional design, high-quality printing, and excellent customer service since 1972. Their comprehensive offerings include a full design department for creating brochures, menus, business cards, and other full color publications, fast black and white and quick color copying, versatile digital and sheet fed printing from as few as 25 business cards to 100,000 full color brochures, and complete bindery services such as lamination, folding, booklet making, and mailing. Committed to affordability and building strong working relationships, their professional staff collaborates closely with clients to bring ideas to life and ensure projects, no matter how large or small, achieve quality results on time.

Raffle Prize Donor

Located at the Holiday Inn Eau Claire South I-94, Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse brings together classic steakhouse favorites, Italian specialties, seafood, and a full selection of wines and cocktails in a warm, distinctive supper-club atmosphere. With steaks taking center stage alongside dishes like their signature Steak De Burgo and Chanel No. 5, Johnny’s offers a memorable dining experience in the Chippewa Valley.

Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse is proud to support Giving Mac as a Raffle Prize Sponsor of the 2026 Gun & Tech Banquet. Their contribution helps us create an exciting event for our guests while supporting Giving Mac’s efforts to promote veteran wellness.

We sincerely appreciate Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse for their generosity and for helping make the 2026 Gun & Tech Banquet possible. We are grateful to have their support as part of this year’s event.

Raffle Prize Donor

A big thank you to Tractor Central in Cameron, Wisconsin, for supporting this year’s Gun & Tech Banquet with the generous donation of a chainsaw for our raffle!

Tractor Central is a locally rooted John Deere dealership serving farmers, property owners, and outdoor equipment customers throughout Northwest Wisconsin. Their donation is a great addition to this year’s growing lineup of raffle prizes—and one we know our guests will be excited to win.

Donations like this help make the Gun & Tech Banquet a fun and successful evening while helping Giving Mac raise funds to support Veteran health and wellness right here in Western Wisconsin.

We’re grateful to have businesses like Tractor Central step up and support our fundraiser and the Veterans who live in the communities we all call home.

Thank you, Tractor Central, for your generosity and for supporting Veterans in Western Wisconsin!

Raffle Prize Donor

TJ’s Timberline Resort & Campground (Chetek, WI)Nestled on five scenic acres along Potato Lake in Chetek, TJ’s Timberline is a family-owned resort offering a peaceful outdoor getaway just under an hour from Eau Claire. Guests can choose from cozy cabins, a deluxe mobile home, or lakeside RV and tent sites—each equipped with fire pits, water and electric hookups, and easy water access. The Musky Lodge bar and game room serves as the social hub, where visitors can relax after a day of fishing, enjoy a game of pool, and admire local trophy catches. Owned by Wade and Erin Larson since 2021, the resort blends natural charm with warm hospitality—welcoming families, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts to unwind, connect, and create lasting memories.

Raffle Prize Donor

Located in Bloomer, Wisconsin, Lotts-A-Meat is a local butcher shop and meat processor known for its selection of quality meats, smoked products, sausages, and custom processing. As a longstanding local business, Lotts-A-Meat continues to serve area families, hunters, and customers throughout the Chippewa Valley with a traditional, community-focused approach.

Lotts-A-Meat is proud to support Giving Mac as a Raffle Prize Sponsor of the 2026 Gun & Tech Banquet. Their contribution helps make this year's event possible while adding another great local business to the growing group of community partners supporting veteran wellness.

Giving Mac sincerely appreciates Lotts-A-Meat for donating to the event and helping us make the 2026 Gun & Tech Banquet a success.

Donor

We are pleased to have Park Ridge Distributing, Inc. of Eau Claire as a valued donor to the Gun & Tech Banquet.

Established in 1972, Park Ridge Distributing is a locally owned Eau Claire business that has been serving communities across Eau Claire, Chippewa, Rusk, and Sawyer counties for more than 50 years. With a focus on dependable sales, delivery, and customer service, Park Ridge provides a broad selection of beverage products to businesses throughout the region.

We sincerely appreciate Park Ridge Distributing for their generosity and for helping make this year's Gun & Tech Banquet possible. We are grateful for their support of Giving Mac and the veterans and communities this event serves.

Raffle Prize Donor

We’re proud to have Hy-Vee supporting this year’s Gun & Tech Banquet and Giving Mac’s efforts to support Veteran health and wellness in Western Wisconsin.

Giving back to Veterans is something Hy-Vee has demonstrated through its own Hy-Vee Homefront initiative, which supports Veterans, active-duty military members, and their families. That shared commitment makes their support of our fundraiser especially meaningful.

When businesses step forward to support events like ours, they’re doing more than making a donation—they’re helping a community come together around a cause that matters.

Thank you, Hy-Vee, for standing with our Veterans and for helping Giving Mac continue making a difference right here in Western Wisconsin. We truly appreciate your support!

In-Kind Donation

Close Up Apparel is a locally owned custom printing and embroidery shop based in Eau Claire, specializing in high-quality branded apparel and promotional items for businesses, teams, and events. Their talented team brings designs to life through expert screen printing, embroidery, and specialty products that help organizations stand out.

For this year’s Gun & Tech Banquet, Close Up Apparel handled the printing of our custom event currency — the creative “bills” that will power our raffles and make the evening’s activities even more engaging. Their attention to detail and commitment to craftsmanship will help make the event a memorable experience for all who attend. We are grateful for their partnership and their support of the cause.

Raffle Prize Donor

Located just off I-94 in Eau Claire, the Holiday Inn Eau Claire South I-94 by IHG offers comfortable accommodations, convenient access to the Chippewa Valley, and a full range of amenities for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel features an indoor pool, fitness center, event space, complimentary parking, and Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse on site.

The Holiday Inn Eau Claire South I-94 is proud to support Giving Mac as a Raffle Prize Sponsor of the 2026 Gun & Tech Banquet. Their contribution helps us offer an exciting experience for our attendees while supporting our efforts to promote veteran wellness.

Giving Mac sincerely appreciates the Holiday Inn Eau Claire South I-94 for their generosity and for supporting this year's event. We are grateful to have local businesses like them helping make the 2026 Gun & Tech Banquet a success.

Raffle Prize Donor

A heartfelt thank you to On Point Equine for supporting this year’s Gun & Tech Banquet with the generous donation of a Michael Kors purse for our raffle!

Our banquet may have plenty of guns and tech, but we also love having a great variety of prizes for everyone to enjoy—and this beautiful Michael Kors purse is a fantastic addition to this year’s raffle lineup.

Donations like this help make the Gun & Tech Banquet bigger, better, and more fun for our guests while helping us raise funds to support Veteran health and wellness right here in Western Wisconsin.

We’re incredibly grateful for local businesses and individuals who step up to support our event and the Veterans in our communities.

Thank you, On Point Equine, for your generosity and for supporting Veterans in Western Wisconsin!