Gov. Evers, First Lady Share Thanksgiving Video Message

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers and First Lady Kathy Evers today shared a video message celebrating Thanksgiving and encouraging Wisconsinites to take care of each other this holiday season.

Any Wisconsinite who needs additional support this holiday season can reach out to 211 Wisconsin for information and referrals to local services, including food and housing assistance, mental health support, help with utility bills, and more. Anyone can use 211 to get help by:

• Dialing 211 or 877-947-2211.
• Visiting their website at 211wisconsin.org. Through the website, people can search for services or chat with someone online who can help.
• Texting their ZIP code to 898211.
• Downloading the 211 Wisconsin app, using the QR code available here.

Additionally, while the holidays can be a joyous time for celebration and cheer, the holidays may also mean increased feelings of stress, pressure, and loneliness or being overwhelmed. No matter what someone is facing or experiencing here in Wisconsin, no one carries their burdens alone, and it is ok to ask for help. If you or someone you know are in imminent danger or experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. If you are having thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself, call your county’s crisis line or 9-8-8 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Anyone in need of support can call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at all hours of the day or night to talk with a trained counselor about any challenge or concern. This service is free and confidential. Additional mental health resources are available on the DHS website at:

• Mental Health: Healthy Living
• Resilient Wisconsin

The governor and first lady’s video message is available here, and a transcript of the video message is available below.

Governor: Hey there, folks. Governor Tony Evers here.

First Lady: And I’m First Lady Kathy Evers, and we wanted to take a moment to wish every Wisconsinite a happy Thanksgiving.

Governor: With so much going on across our country, it’s a good time to take stock of what we’re grateful for this holiday season.

First Lady: Tony and I have so much to be thankful for.

Governor: We’re thankful for our kids, grandkids, siblings, and good health.

First Lady: We’re grateful for each other and for 53 incredible years of marriage together, along with our three kids and nine grandkids.

Governor: And we’re grateful for our friends, our staff, and of course, for you.

First Lady: It’s the people who make Wisconsin the special place it is.

Governor: And as we wrap up 2025 the Year of the Kid, we’re also so grateful for all the heroes who are on frontlines doing what’s best for our kids across our state every day.

First Lady: The teachers, librarians, administrators, child care providers, school bus drivers, food service staff, custodians, and so many other heroes who help make sure our kids can be their best and full selves—both within our classrooms and beyond them.

Governor: And we’re incredibly thankful for our service members and the Wisconsin National Guard members, and state employees who work hard each and every day to serve the people of Wisconsin and our state.

First Lady: All of these folks represent our Wisconsin value of kindness, compassion, empathy, and respect. And during the holidays, it’s a great time to remember how important it is to check in and take care of each other.

Governor: Folks, Wisconsinites are helpers by nature. Whether that’s volunteering at a food pantry or dropping off a meal for a neighbor, shoveling their driveway, or donating items for those in need and supporting a nonprofit organization in your community.

First Lady: This holiday season, let’s be sure to reach out to one another, check in with your neighbors, and take good care.

Governor: Any Wisconsinite who needs additional food or baby formula, help with utility bills, or access to any number of resources to be safe and well can reach out to 211 Wisconsin either by dialing 2-1-1 or by going online to 211wisconsin.org.

First Lady: And if the holidays are a tough time for you, or you or your loved one is struggling, know that help and hope are always available.

Governor: The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential, and available 24/7 to anyone who needs it by calling or texting 9-8-8 or by visiting 988lifeline.org.

First Lady: We are so grateful to get to spend another holiday season with you, Wisconsin.

Governor: And however you end up celebrating this season, we hope you’re healthy, safe, and taking good care of yourself and each other.

First Lady: So, with that, from our family to yours—

Governor and First Lady: Happy Thanksgiving, Wisconsin!

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.