OSHKOSH – XRoads41, a three-day music festival in Oshkosh, saw $111,100 raised by non-profit organizations this year.
The festival, held in August, relied on volunteer groups for 25% of its on-site labor, according to a community announcement. These groups received donations based on the number of volunteer hours contributed, creating a sustainable model that benefits both the festival and local causes.
Redemptions Recovery, the largest volunteer group at the event, provided about 60 volunteers and raised enough money to reach a critical goal.
The Castellows performed on the Festival Foods Second Stage after a severe thunderstorm prevented their Bank First Main Stage performance during the XRoads41 festival in Oshkosh Aug. 9, 2025.
“The funds raised at XRoads helped push us past the finish line in regards to acquisition of a home and moving forward with our mission,” said Trevor Fenrich, a Redemptions Recovery team member. “In addition to raising substantial funds, the XRoads41 project provided a focus for our team — a tangible way to work together toward our goal.”
Redemptions Recovery, established in September 2024 in Appleton, aims to establish safe, affordable housing for people in recovery. The funds earned at XRoads41 accounted for about 10% of the overall capital needed to acquire their first house.
Other organizations benefited from the festival
Heating & Housing for Heroes, a veteran-focused organization, raised funds by providing volunteers to work guest services positions and by raffling off an autographed guitar at their on-site booth.
Impact Elite Athletics and the Oshkosh North football team were among the student volunteer groups that helped staff essential festival operations and received booster funding in exchange.
All XRoads41 bars were staffed by volunteer organizations, who were able to fundraise by keeping all tips received. Volunteer bartender groups included UWO Softball, St. John’s Catholic Church, Ripon Men’s Basketball, UWO Women’s Basketball and the HUHS Football Booster Club.
The community giving spirit extended to XRoads41 sponsor Rosenow Customs. The Neenah-based home remodeling company provided “Rides from Rosenow,” giving patrons golf cart rides from the parking lots to the festival entrance in exchange for a donation. All proceeds, totaling $5,000, were donated to Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin.
In addition to the funds raised by non-profit organizations, XRoads41 donated ticket packages valued at more than $50,000 to 35 local charitable fundraisers throughout the year.
The festival’s volunteer partnership program addresses two critical needs: providing essential staffing for festival operations while creating unique and meaningful fundraising opportunities for local organizations. XRoads41 plans to expand its volunteer labor force in 2026.
How to get involved
XRoads41 is seeking volunteer organizations for its 2026 festival, which will take place Aug. 6-8. Positions include guest services, ticketing assistance, setup, grounds crew, parking attendants and hospitality. Interested organizations can sign up for more information at https://bit.ly/XRoadsVolunteer.
This story was created by reporter Nida Tazeen, ntazeen@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on Oshkosh Northwestern: How a Wisconsin music festival raised $111K for nonprofits