$61K raised for Children's Wisconsin; man makes good on campaign pledge
The Brief
The 2025 Chain of Hearts campaign raised more than $61,000.
A father who helped pitch in on the campaign also made good on a pledge.
Nick Hudzinski shaved both sides of his head as part of his "deal."
MILWAUKEE - It has been two weeks since Landmark Credit Union and the Milwaukee Admirals kicked off the 2025 Chain of Hearts campaign. The goal was to raise $50,000 this year – and one father even made a daring pledge if the ambitious goal was met.
What we know
Proceeds from the Chain of Hearts campaign will directly benefit Children's Wisconsin to aid research and treatments for children facing challenging diseases.
On Wednesday, Feb. 25, organizers of the campaign revealed at least $61,000 was raised – which shattered the goal for the year.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android
The campaign goal was met in part by funds that Landmark Credit Union collected.
Ahead of the campaign, Nick Hudzinski, a mortgage loan officer with Landmark pledged to shave both sides of his head and spray it blue if the monies raised exceeded $50,000. On Wednesday, it was time to make good on that pledge.
What they're saying
"It's a huge heartwarming thing for me," Hudzinski said.
Hudzinski's motive for his pledge goes far beyond the funds collected. His 7-year-old son, RJ, was born with a brain injury. RJ sees multiple specialists at Children's Wisconsin that have helped with his development.
"I have a son who is special needs. So I spend a lot of time (at Children's Wisconsin). Anything I can do to give back to them, I am happy to do," Hudzinski said.
SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News
"Aa lot of our programs are funded solely through philanthropy dollars. So partners like Landmark are incredibly necessary to provide care for kidsand families," said Stefanie Ahrens from Children's Wisconsin.
The Source
The information in this post was provided by Children's Wisconsin, Milwaukee Admirals and Landmark Credit Union.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Insider
2 hours ago
- Business Insider
Read the memo: Google cracks down on RTO mandate and offers buyouts to some US-based employees
Google expanded its return-to-office mandate and offered voluntary buyouts for some US-based employees on Tuesday, according to an internal memo viewed by Business Insider. Employees on Google's Core, Marketing, Research, Knowledge & Information (K&I), and Communications teams all received the buyout offers. K&I includes teams working on Search, ads and commerce. The return-to-office requirement expands the company's 2022 RTO mandate, which asked some US-based teams to come into the office 3 days a week, while still offering " work from anywhere" weeks. The company will now require all remote employees on affected teams who live within 50 miles of an office to return to the office on a hybrid schedule. "Earlier this year, some of our teams introduced a voluntary exit program with severance for US-based Googlers, and several more are now offering the program to support our important work ahead," Courtenay Mencini, a Google spokesperson, told Business Insider in a statement. "A number of teams are also asking remote employees who live near an office to return to a hybrid work schedule in order to bring folks more together in-person." Business Insider could not immediately confirm how many Google employees would be affected by the buyout offer or expanded return-to-office mandate. In 2023, Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced the company was laying off around 12,000 staff, or 6% of its global workforce, in sweeping cuts across its product areas and regional teams. Google conducted additional rounds of layoffs in 2024, affecting its Treasury, Business Services, and Revenue Cash Operations teams. It's unknown if the latest buyout offers mean more layoffs are coming. Earlier this year Google offered buyouts for staff in its Pixel and Android unit. It had layoffs in that same division a few weeks later. Below is the full memo sent to Google employees on Tuesday by Jen Fitzpatrick, the Senior Vice President of Core Systems at Google. Hi everyone, As I mentioned at The Source last month, there's a ton of exciting and important work for us here in Core, especially as AI is reshaping everything - our products, our tools, the way we work, how we work, how we innovate and so on. To meet this transformational moment, we need everyone to show up with an unparalleled sense of energy and enthusiasm for Core's mission, connecting and collaborating at speed so that we can tackle all of the ambitious work we need to do. In support of these goals, we're introducing two programs today for US-based Core Googlers: We're offering a Voluntary Exit Program (VEP) for Core Googlers in the US (in my reporting org). We've seen positive feedback across the company in other orgs who have offered similar programs, and I wanted to extend the same option to eligible Core Googlers in the US who would like to leave the company voluntarily with severance. The Voluntary Exit Program may be a fit Core Googlers who aren't feeling excited about and aligned with Core's mission and goals, or those who are having difficulty meeting the demands of their role. Additionally, how we work today is more flexible than it's ever been with our 3/2 hybrid work policy. But when it comes to connection, collaboration, and moving quickly to innovate together, there's just no substitute for coming together in person. In Core, we believe that having more Googlers in the office collaborating and innovating together while building community and connection that supports our culture is an important part of our success as an org, and as a company. That's why we're updating our work location policy for local remote Core Googlers in the US and asking all US-based Core Googlers who are remote and live within 50 miles of an approved return site ("local remote") for Core to transfer back to a return site on a 3/2 hybrid schedule. We want to ensure Core Googlers are fully committed to being here and actively contributing. These programs will help us be even more focused on our mission and will enable us to operate with greater velocity, efficiency and collaboration. To be clear, this isn't about reducing the number of people in Core. We will use this opportunity to create internal mobility and fresh growth opportunities for Core Googlers. We'll follow up with VEP details for all eligible US Core Googlers, and location transfer information for US Remote Googlers meeting the criteria above shortly. We have a huge opportunity ahead of us - to deliver on our mission to make Google work better for everyone, and at scale - and to do so in a moment of transformational innovation. Let's stay focused, work hard, and build on the incredible momentum underway.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Apple Unveils Big UI Overhaul at WWDC: ETFs in Focus
Apple Inc. AAPL unveiled a major revamp of its entire software ecosystem at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), introducing what it calls the most significant UI changes in years. However, the event failed to impress investors due to a lack of AI updates. As such, Apple shares dropped 1.2% on the has put ETFs with the largest allocation to the tech titan in focus. These are Vanguard Information Technology ETF VGT, iShares Global Tech ETF IXN, MSCI Information Technology Index ETF FTEC, iShares US Technology ETF IYW and Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund XLK (see: all the Technology ETFs here). The highlight of the event was Apple's new 'Liquid Glass' design language, a unified and translucent UI framework being rolled out across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Watch, TV and Vision Pro. This marks Apple's biggest aesthetic leap since iOS 7 in 2013. From an investment standpoint, the move could drive strong upgrade cycles, especially for users still on older devices, incentivizing them to stay within Apple's ecosystem. The iPhone maker sprinkled in new features under the Apple Intelligence banner, such as live translation in Messages and FaceTime, Genmoji or personalized AI-generated emojis, Image Playground - an AI image generation tool, and Smarter Visual Intelligence and Spotlight these enhancements are underwhelming in comparison to the full-stack AI platforms unveiled by rivals Microsoft (Copilot+) and Google (Gemini) (read: Why Big Tech Stocks Are Powering Market Gains Again). Apple showcased a major software overhaul, introducing iOS 26, macOS Tahoe, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26 and visionOS 26. iOS 26 brings adaptive UI, a Games hub and enhanced call screening. iPadOS 26 further blurs the line with macOS, featuring full window resizing, Preview integration and enhanced multitasking. macOS Tahoe now integrates Live Activities in the menu bar, improved Spotlight, and even native Phone app support for seamless call handling. watchOS 26 has introduced a Notes app, wrist gestures, and smarter audio. tvOS 26 allows AirPlay speaker defaults and revamps Apple TV+ UI. visionOS 26 focuses on productivity and immersive content alignment. Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT)Vanguard Information Technology ETF manages $87.9 billion in its asset base and provides exposure to 307 technology stocks. It currently tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Information Technology 25/50 Index. Apple takes the top spot, accounting for a 17.1% share. Vanguard Information Technology ETF has an expense ratio of 0.09%, whereas volume is solid at nearly 546,000 shares. It has a Zacks ETF Rank #1 (Strong Buy).iShares Global Tech ETF (IXN) iShares Global Tech ETF provides exposure to electronics, computer software and hardware, and information technology companies by tracking the S&P Global 1200 Information Technology 4.5/22.5/45 Capped Index. Holding 119 stocks in its basket, Apple occupies the second spot with a 15.8% share. iShares Global Tech ETF has amassed $5.1 billion in its asset base and trades in a good volume of 162,000 shares a day, on average. The expense ratio is 0.41%. MSCI Information Technology Index ETF (FTEC)MSCI Information Technology Index ETF is home to 293 technology stocks with an AUM of $13.1 billion. It follows the MSCI USA IMI Information Technology Index. Apple occupies the third spot at 14.7% share in the basket. MSCI Information Technology Index ETF has an expense ratio of 0.08%, while volume is solid at 345,000 shares a day. It has a Zacks ETF Rank #1 (read: ETFs Poised to Win in the MSFT vs. NVDA Market Cap Battle).iShares US Technology ETF (IYW)iShares Dow Jones US Technology ETF tracks the Russell 1000 Technology RIC 22.5/45 Capped Index, giving investors exposure to 139 U.S. electronics, computer software and hardware, and informational technology companies. Apple is the third firm, making up for 13.6% of the assets. iShares US Technology ETF has an AUM of $19.8 billion and charges 39 bps in fees and expenses. Volume is good as it exchanges 889,000 shares a day. It has a Zacks ETF Rank # Sector SPDR Technology ETF (XLK)Select Sector SPDR Technology ETF is the most popular and liquid ETF in the technology space, with AUM of $73.7 billion and an average daily volume of 6 million shares. It offers broad exposure to the technology sector and follows the Technology Select Sector Index. Select Sector SPDR Technology ETF holds about 69 securities in its basket, with Apple occupying the third position at 12.2%. Select Sector SPDR Technology ETF charges 8 bps in fees per year from investors and has a Zacks ETF Rank #1. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Apple Inc. (AAPL) : Free Stock Analysis Report Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK): ETF Research Reports Fidelity MSCI Information Technology Index ETF (FTEC): ETF Research Reports iShares U.S. Technology ETF (IYW): ETF Research Reports Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT): ETF Research Reports iShares Global Tech ETF (IXN): ETF Research Reports This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
8th Wall disrupts the legacy game engine model with the official launch of AI-native 3D development platform
Now generally available, 8th Wall Studio includes AI-powered creation and one-click app deployment—marking a new era for 3D and XR development PALO ALTO, Calif., June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, 8th Wall announced the general release of 8th Wall Studio, a 3D game engine purpose-built for the AI era. Designed from the ground up for modern development, 8th Wall eliminates the bloat and limitations of legacy engines to deliver a faster, smarter way to build immersive content. Studio graduates from beta with a powerful new feature set designed to accelerate 3D and XR development. From AI-generated assets to native app builds, developers can go from concept to app store with more speed, flexibility, and scale than ever. 8th Wall has been a pioneer in creating 3D and AR web apps that are instantly accessible in the browser. It is now reaching beyond this foundation to enable iOS, Android, desktop and headset native app development. Beginning today, developers can deploy their content as Android apps with other platforms coming soon. This gives developers the flexibility to meet their audience wherever they are and significantly increases their reach. 'Today changes what developers can expect from a modern 3D engine,' said Erik Murphy-Chutorian, Founder of 8th Wall. '8th Wall now provides a departure from legacy game engines that originated decades ago. With the launch of our AI and native export features, we are ushering in a new era of game development, one that truly embraces cross-platform and integrates AI as a core part of the creation process.' The new 8th Wall Asset Lab gives developers the ability to generate images, 3D models and rigged and animated character models using GenAI and instantly add them to their scene. The system is designed to deliver cutting-edge AI asset creation faster than any other solution on the market. It seamlessly integrates best-in-class generative models, including OpenAI's GPT Image 1, Flux.1 Kontext, Trellis 3D, Hunyuan3D, and Meshy, into an automated workflow from generation to import. This new capability makes prototyping feel a whole lot more like production by replacing grey boxes and cubes with real content. A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. 'AI is changing how developers prototype and build content. By equipping developers with AI-first tools, we believe they will be able to create high-quality prototypes and games faster than ever before,' said Joel Udwin, Director of Product at 8th Wall. 'This is just the beginning of 8th Wall becoming an AI-first game engine. Developers should soon expect to go beyond assets to be able to use prompts to generate scenes and watch as their experience takes shape in our visual editor.' All of these new capabilities and more are now live in 8th Wall. The use of advanced features such as AI-generated assets and native app export require the use of credits. Free plan users get 50 credits every month. Existing developers and anyone who signs up in June get an extra 50 bonus credits to kick things off. Developers can build, prototype and publish 3D and XR experiences for free on 8th Wall by visiting About 8th Wall 8th Wall is an award-winning 3D & XR development platform that makes it possible to build interactive, immersive content that can be experienced on any device. 8th Wall supports billions of devices globally and has been used by developers, agencies and creative studios to create 3D/AR activations for brands across industry verticals including retail, food and beverage, travel and tourism, automotive, fashion, sports and entertainment. 8th Wall has powered WebAR experiences for top brands such as Nike, Porsche, Sony Pictures, Burger King, General Mills, British Gas, Heineken, McDonald's, Swiss Airlines, Toyota, Red Bull, Adidas, COACH and more. 8th Wall, LLC is a subsidiary of Niantic Spatial, Inc. Learn more about 8th Wall at Media contact Joel Udwinpress@
