OCTL
The Outagamie County Tavern League (OCTL) has long been committed to supporting our local communities—not only through responsible hospitality, but also through meaningful programs that promote safety and education. Two of the League’s most impactful initiatives are the SafeRide Program and the Scholarship Program.
SafeRide Program: A Commitment to Responsible Choices
OCTL’s SafeRide Program continues to play a vital role in keeping our roads safe by providing free or low-cost rides to individuals who have had too much to drink and need a safe way home. This program reflects the League’s strong belief that responsible alcohol service extends beyond tavern doors and into the well-being of the entire community.
From July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, the SafeRide Program provided 927 safe rides at a total cost of $11,585.18. In the following period, from July 1, 2025, through November 30, 2025, the program delivered an additional 472 safe rides, at a cost of $5,923.22. These numbers represent more than just statistics—they represent hundreds of potentially dangerous situations avoided, countless families spared worry, and a community made safer through proactive action. The OCTL is proud to support this program as a practical, proven way to reduce impaired driving and promote responsible decision-making.
Supporting Education Through Scholarships
In addition to promoting public safety, the OCTL is deeply invested in supporting local students through its scholarship programs. Over the years, these scholarships have helped ease the financial burden of education while encouraging students to pursue their academic and career goals.
-Fox Valley Technical College Scholarship
In partnership with Fox Valley Technical College, the OCTL offers a scholarship designed to support students pursuing technical and career-focused education. Over the past seven years, this scholarship program has awarded a total of $5,475 to seven recipients, helping students gain the skills needed to succeed in the workforce.
-Outagamie County Tavern League Scholarship
The League also administers its own independent scholarship program. Over the last five years, this scholarship has awarded $10,000 to 16 recipients. This program reflects the League’s ongoing commitment to giving back to the community and investing in the next generation of leaders, workers, and community members.
A Strong Community Partnership — and an Invitation to Join
Through programs like SafeRide and its scholarship initiatives, the Outagamie County Tavern League continues to demonstrate that tavern owners and operators are dedicated community partners. By promoting safety, responsibility, and education, the League is proud to make a lasting, positive impact throughout Outagamie County.
Today, the OCTL is made up of approximately 150 members, a number that has remained relatively stagnant in recent years. Our goal is to grow that membership to 200 members, strengthening our collective voice and expanding our ability to support programs like SafeRide and local scholarships. Membership in the OCTL is more than just belonging to an organization, it is an investment in the safety, education, and future of our community. With increased participation, the League can continue to grow these programs, reach more people in need, and ensure that responsible tavern ownership remains a cornerstone of Outagamie County.
Local tavern owners, operators, and industry partners are encouraged to learn more about joining the Outagamie County Tavern League and becoming part of a group that believes in giving back, supporting one another, and making a real difference right here at home. League meetings are held every other month on the second Tuesday of the month at a member establishment that is in good standing. Meeting locations are selected by luck of the draw, and the hosting member or a representative of the establishment must be present. This rotating format allows members to showcase their businesses while strengthening connections across the county.
League Contacts
For more information about the Outagamie County Tavern League or its programs, community members and prospective members are encouraged to reach out directly:
SafeRide Coordinator: Karen Blodgett – 920-702-0134
Scholarship Coordinator: Brian Striegel – 920-450-2863
Membership Coordinator: Mark Mader – 920-585-8930
OCTL President: Marty DeCoster – 920-716-7484
Those interested in learning more are invited to attend the next OCTL meeting, which will be held at Sherrytown Station, 432 Sherry St., Neenah, WI, at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 13. Updates and additional information can also be found on Facebook by following OutagamieCounty TavernLeague.
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