August 2011

Annual “Best Time Ever” contest here again

Now in its 11th year, Care Wisconsin’s “Best Time Ever” Art and Writing Contest continues to gain momentum. Sponsored by American Family Insurance and supported by Culvers and Capital Newspapers’ Newspapers in Education (NIE) literacy project, the contest sparks back-to-school writing and art assignments for middle school students throughout southern Wisconsin. 

This year’s contest kicks off on September 14, with a deadline of October 28. The entry form is available here and will be promoted in the Wisconsin State Journal and other newspapers, and to educators through NIE.  If you have additional questions about the contest, please contact Julie Frank at This E-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or (800) 963-0035.

For the contest, students write poems or short stories or create artwork depicting their “best time” with an elder or someone with a disability.  The process of developing these poignant, sad, or humorous entries really helps kids reflect on their relationships with elders and people with disabilities, the two groups served by Care Wisconsin’s programs.  Stronger intergenerational relationships and increased tolerance for individual differences naturally evolve during the course of this very fun contest.

From all entries, 100 will be selected by a panel of community judges for inclusion in our Top 100 Booklet, which is mailed to students whose works are featured in it.  Each of the Top 100 entrants will receive a Culver's “Be our Guest” certificate for custard. One grand prize winner will get a hotel and waterpark package for four to Wisconsin Dells.

Since we began this contest in 2001 in celebration of our organization’s 25th anniversary, we’ve received more than 8,500 entries from over 100 schools in southern Wisconsin.  Selections from the “Best Time Ever” booklet have been used for projects in our day centers, The Gathering Place and Connections, as well as in local senior centers.  As a tribute, students may also receive additional copies of the booklet to share with the siblings, friends or other relatives who inspired their creative “Best Time Ever” work.

Watch our Web site for updated contest coverage. And, in the meantime, enjoy some heartwarming reading with the 10th Annual "Best time Ever" Top 100 Booklet.

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