Heart A Rama

Remembering the wonderful, Tom Drill.

Truly, this was a Good Man. ❤

From Manitowoc Mayor, Justin Nickels:

"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
More Information on the Celebration of Life and Legacy of Tom Drill
The Manitowoc community is invited to come together to celebrate the extraordinary life, generosity, and lasting impact of Tom Drill during a community Celebration of Life on Sunday, November 22, 2026, at the Capitol Civic Centre, 913 South 8th Street in Manitowoc.
Doors to the Capitol Civic Centre will open at 12:00 noon, with the Celebration of Life program beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the theatre. Admission is free and all are welcome. Seating is first come, first served and limited to the capacity of the Capitol Civic Centre.
Guests are encouraged to arrive early, visit with friends and neighbors, and enjoy fellowship before the service. The Mertens Lounge will be open before and after the program, and a cash bar will be available for those who wish to purchase beverages.
Organized by members of the community who were touched by Tom's life, the event will honor a man whose kindness, service, enthusiasm, generosity, and unwavering commitment to helping others left a lasting mark on Manitowoc and far beyond.
The Celebration of Life service will begin at 1:00 p.m. and will be led by Pastor Matt Sauer, with remarks from Mayor Justin Nickels and several individuals whose lives were significantly impacted by Tom. Special musical selections will be performed by local musicians and community groups. The service is expected to last approximately ninety minutes.
The program will also include an announcement about plans for a permanent memorial honoring Tom and his extraordinary contributions to the Manitowoc community. The memorial will stand as a reminder of the countless lives Tom touched and the example he set through a lifetime of generosity, compassion, and service. Additional details on the permanent memorial will be shared during the program.
While the Celebration of Life will not be livestreamed, the service will be professionally recorded for those who are unable to attend in person. A link to view the recording will be made available following the event so that family members, friends, and community members can experience the program at a later time.
Following the formal program, attendees are encouraged to remain in the Capitol Civic Centre's Mertens Lounge and lobby to visit with one another, share stories, reconnect with friends, and continue celebrating Tom's life.
In keeping with the spirit of service that defined Tom's life, attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate. Collection containers will be available throughout the lobby for donated items. Food donations will be distributed to local nonprofit organizations serving individuals and families in need. Monetary donations are also welcome, and community members are encouraged to support nonprofit organizations and causes that reflect Tom's lifelong commitment to helping others.
"Tom spent his life lifting people up, bringing people together, and finding ways to make our community stronger," organizers said. "One of the most fitting ways we can honor his memory is by continuing that work and helping others in need."
Organizers wish to express their sincere appreciation to the Capitol Civic Centre for generously providing the theatre and hosting this community celebration. The Capitol held a special place in Tom's heart, making it a fitting venue for the community to gather and honor his life.
Event Details
Celebration of Life for Tom Drill
Date: Sunday, November 22, 2026
Doors Open: 12:00 p.m.
Program Begins: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Capitol Civic Centre, 913 South 8th Street, Manitowoc, WI
Admission: Free and open to the public
Seating: First come, first served and limited to venue capacity
Mertens Lounge Opens: 12:00 p.m. and remains open following the service with beverages available to purchase (no food)
Ways to Honor Tom's Legacy
Bring non-perishable food items for distribution to local nonprofits serving individuals and families in need.
Consider making a donation to a nonprofit organization or cause that reflects Tom's lifelong commitment to helping others.
Sign the guestbook and share a memory or personal reflection.
Stay after the service to share stories and fellowship with fellow community members.
Live your life with the same humility, generosity, and compassion that Tom demonstrated every day.
“Tom showed us what it means to care deeply about our community and the people around us,” organizers said. “This celebration is not only an opportunity to honor his life, but also a chance to carry forward the values he lived every day. We hope everyone leaves inspired to follow his example, to perform acts of kindness, help a neighbor, support a local cause, and continue to make the Manitowoc community an even stronger and more compassionate place for everyone."

Big News! 2027 will mark Heart-A-Rama's 55th season of entertaining audiences and raising money for AEDs locally and for the American Heart Association Wisconsin! Since it's an anniversary year, we'll be bringing back some favorite audience skits and musical numbers. AND, our theme for 2027 will be: Stayin' Alive @ 55! Mark your calendars for April 22-24 and April 29-May 1 for Heart-A-Rama 2027! You Gotta Have Heart!

Our sympathies to Pete and to Chris's other family and friends. What a wonderful lady who was a key contributor to Heart-A-Rama!

Obituary for Christine "Chris" Marie (Chermak) Honzik | Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes

Obituary for Christine "Chris" Marie (Chermak) Honzik | Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes Celebrate the life of Christine "Chris" Honzik and join others in sharing memories, stories, and condolences.

Wishing everyone a beautiful and happy AUTUMN, from your friends at Heart-A-Rama!

It's official! This year, Heart-A-Rama raised over $95,000 which went toward 10 donated AEDs locally and a healthy donation to the American Heart Association Wisconsin! And, we couldn't have done it without YOU!! Thank you to all of our sponsors, volunteers, special guests, cast, crew, audience members, and anyone who donated to our cause! Your generosity is saving lives! And, we have now raised over $3.4 million since 1971! That's awesome! You Gotta Have Heart!

Jill was a wonderful Heart-A-Rama volunteer who will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.

Jill R. Backus Obituary (2026) - Cato, WI - Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory - Manitowoc View Jill R. Backus's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

Diane had been a part of Heart A Rama for a long time from dealing black jack on stage to ordering many AEDs for all the requests we get.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Diane's family.

Please, share some memories with us here.

Diane M. Hansen Obituary Aug 15, 2026 - Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home View Diane M. Hansen's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.