This Thanksgiving, The Wisconsin 100 staff wanted to highlight all there is to be thankful for in our state. From pet-saving initiatives to donations worth millions, there are countless examples of charity across Wisconsin.

Honoring her late husband, Vietnam veteran and beloved orthopedic surgeon Michael Kubly, Billie Kubly gifted UW-Milwaukee with $1 million to establish the Dr. Michael C. Kubly Military & Veterans Mental Health Endowment. After the couple lost their son to depression, they became fervent supporters of mental health services.

Since 1988, the BMO Harris Bradley Center has been at the center of much of Milwaukee’s nightlife, but after 30 years of sports, concerts and events, the BMO closed this year to make way for the newly opened Fiserv Forum.

Showing gratitude can take countless forms, particularly when we thank members of the United States military.

Give your community something to be thankful for amid the consumerism of the holiday season by participating in Giving Tuesday, the nationally established day of generosity started in 2012 as a response to the buying culture of Cyber Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving).

A champion for the courageous fighters against breast cancer, Kohl’s donated $1 million to its proud partner – Susan G. Komen Wisconsin. Through this gift and the Conversations with Komen program, Kohl’s hopes to spark a productive conversation surrounding breast health.

Fourth-generation Two Rivers farmer Pete Kappelman was named Dairyman of the Year 2018 by the World Dairy Expo, and is honored to be recognized for his work.

The 2018 midterm elections brought out a record-breaking number of Wisconsin voters, with participation from approximately 60 percent of voting-age adults.

Prior to the Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk in September, Wauwatosa-based Briggs & Stratton Corp. announced a $1 million donation to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and continued sponsorship of the fundraising event through 2022.

This November, we’re thankful for generous initiatives being taken close to our home and hearts, such as the Invisible Fence of Southern Wisconsin group, which is donating oxygen masks designed for pets to the Janesville Fire Department. Nearly 40,000 household pets are harmed in fires each year, and Janesville’s new masks will help decrease that number in Wisconsin this domestic fire season.

This year, Wisconsinites are grateful for their team’s shot at an MLB title for the first time in 36 years. On the success of the season, the Brewers Twitter account tweeted:

Less than a decade ago, a man named Todd Bol held a rummage sale outside his western Wisconsin home. After using garage door remnants to construct a miniature schoolhouse, he filled it with books and stationed it at the end of his driveway, garnering attention from visitor after visitor.