The Winnebagoland Barbershoppers donate to two charities every year. This year's two recipients are the Oshkosh Area Humane Society, and Oshkosh Advocap.

A $500 check was presented to Oshkosh Area Humane Society
In 1990, a small group of citizens, concerned about the conditions at the animal shelter in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, met with city officials to offer suggestions for improving the quality of life of the animals and the facility. The group, called Friends of the Shelter, actively participated in the shelter’s improvements and raised funds for new equipment. In 1998 the name of the organization was officially changed to the Oshkosh Area Humane Society. 

In May of 2009, OAHS made a pledge to be a Life Saving organization. No healthy, treatable animal would be euthanized for any reason including length of stay or capacity constraints. New programs were put into place to make the pledge a reality. The Life Saving pledge required dedication by staff, volunteers, and the community. This level of dedication is ongoing and funding support to sustain life-saving programs is essential. As a non-profit, 501(C)(3) organization, OAHS does not receive any city, state, federal funding, or United Way fundraising dollars. OAHS relies on the financial support of private citizens, area businesses and grants. 

Each year, OAHS serves an average of 2,400 animals and touches the lives of more than 180,000 people. From animal adoption and assisting families in crisis, to pet therapy visits in nursing homes, OAHS provides essential and valuable community services. With progressive practices, high ethical standards, and a live release rate approaching 90%, OAHS is a well-respected organization both locally and nationally. With the support of our community they will continue to be a vital part of the future for both people and animals.


A $500 check was presented to Oshkosh Advocap
Community Action Agencies (CAAs) are non-profit private and public organizations established under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to fight poverty. CAAs help people to help themselves in achieving self-sufficiency. Today there are approximately 1,000 CAAs serving the poor in every state as well as Puerto Rico and the Trust Territories. 

In 1965, the Fond du Lac County Board of Supervisors voted to create its own CAA, and in early 1966, the Fond du Lac Economic Opportunity Committee, Inc. was formed as a private non-profit corporation. In November 1971, the name was changed to ADVOCAP, Inc. to emphasize its major role of “advocacy” for low-income people through “Community Action Programs” that help them become self-sufficient. 

In 1972, the Winnebago County Board of Supervisors designated ADVOCAP as its Community Action Agency. In 1995, ADVOCAP was selected by Green Lake County as its CAA.

The Community Action Promise – Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.

The 2017 Oshkosh Barbershopper Of The Year was recently awarded to Don Gibson. Gibson has been a barbershop member for more than 44 years with many of those years in the Oshkosh chapter. He is currently our chapter historian and has headed up our annual dinner concert along with being a member of our board of directors. Don was a unanimous choice to receive this prestigious award.

Written by Roger LaPoint ​

The Winnebagoland Barbershop Chorus recently sang at the World War II Hall in Wautoma, Wisconsin to help a fundraiser for the Wautoma Area Fire District Water Operation/Dive team. Proceeds went for equipment and to train the members of their team.

The chorus entertained the dinner audience and also donated $250 for this great event.

The Winnebagoland Barbershop Chorus takes pride in its many service activities and giving back to the communities that support us. On an annual basis, we help support two or more local charities from our fundraising events. Charities are chosen by a committee that assesses many contenders and makes selections after extensive research and discussion. We also award college scholarships to students (guys and gals) majoring in music education (a scholarship application can be found on our Contact Us page). We have also helped provide funding to high school students attending Young Men In Harmony camps.

Our barbershop chorus has members from not only Oshkosh, but Beaver Dam, Berlin, Fond Du Lac, Hancock, Neenah, Neshkoro, Ripon, Waupaca, Waupun, Wautoma, and Winneconne.

​We are always looking for new members and welcome any man with an interest in singing the barbershop style of music to attend our rehearsals. See the Contact Us page for rehearsal location and membership information.