Club president Scott Klaas with Miss Wisconsin, Raeanna Johnson, and Miss New Berlin,
Megan Patrick
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Creating good out of tragedies
 
Members of the Rotary Club of New Berlin were treated to somber and powerful messages during the Aug. 27 meeting. Raeanna Johnson, Miss Wisconsin 2014, and Megan Patrick, Miss New Berlin 2014, talked about the cause (known as a platform) they will promote during their terms. Each is rooted in a personal tragedy.
 
Raeanna's passions include Children's Miracle Network hospitals and Tyler's Legacy, named for her late brother, Tyler Amann. On Aug. 4, 2005, Tyler tragically took his life. The family later learned that Tyler, just 18 years old, had been consuming methamphetamine for sometime.
 
In an effort to help others in a similar situation, their mother, Beth Buhr, established Tyler's Legacy, Inc. The organization offers education and support for families struggling with substance abuse and addiction. Raeanna later picked up the cause and made it her platform upon being crowned Miss Wisconsin in June. Her next step is the Miss USA contest in September. "I look forward to sharing that [Tyler's story] with the judges in Atlantic City," she said.
 
Megan Patrick also taps into a personal tragedy to teach others an important lesson.  A West Allis native now living New Berlin, Megan promotes SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions). Her brother Steven Miller died in a drunk driving accident on September 10, 2010, at age 23. Steven accepted a ride from a friend who had been drinking. Another student hopped in the car, and all three died in the crash.
 
Steven's death "pushes me to do more with my platform," Megan said. "I would like to go into schools and make sure kids are making good decisions." One of her goals to hold a crash scene re-enactment in the area on an annual basis. She feels the realism portrayed sends a powerful message to teens. "I think it is a good way to show the effects of a bad decision rather than just hearing about them," she said.
 
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Club president Scott Klaas provided an update on our KIDS From Wisconsin concert Aug 22. More than 410 people attended the performance, which raised approximately $2,600. We will soon make a donation to the school district to support music programs at New Berlin schools.
 
We'd like to offer a hearty thank you to the sponsors, advertisers, attendees and KIDS for making this concert a success. We look forward to an even bigger event in summer 2015.