Happy Wednesday! In this week's Big I Buzz, we are sharing the Thanksgiving travel predictions you need to know and how to give back this holiday season.

AAA: Thanksgiving Travel in Wisconsin Could Reach Pre-Pandemic Levels

Are you planning to travel for Thanksgiving? If so, you're not alone. AAA predicts around 54.6 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from their homes this year for Thanksgiving. According to AAA, "Despite higher gas prices this year, 89% of all Thanksgiving travelers will drive." While there will be more people on the road next weekend, Spectrum News has released a list of the best and worst times to travel: 

Wednesday, Nov. 23

Best Time: Before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m.

Worst Time: Between 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 24

Best Time: Before 11 a.m. and after 6 p.m.

Worst Time: Between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 25

Best Time: Before 11 a.m. and after 6 p.m. 

Worst Time: Between 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

Saturday, Nov. 26

Best Time: Before 2 p.m. and after 8 p.m.

Worst Time: Between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 27

Best Time: Before 11 a.m. and after 8 p.m.

Worst Time: Between 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Read more here. 

2022 Emerging Leaders Fundraiser

The IIAW Emerging Leaders annual fundraiser is back, and this year we are supporting three humane societies across Wisconsin; Dane County Humane Society, Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin and Fox Valley Humane Society. 

Last year, we surpassed our initial fundraising goal of $500, donating an incredible total of $5,725 to the American Family Children's Hospital! This year, our fundraising goal is $1,500, and we are accepting both monetary and physical donations to the chosen humane societies. 

How to Donate: 

Credit Card: Go to IIAW's Fundraising Page

Check: Mail a check made out to the IIAW, 725 John Nolen Dr., Madison, WI 53704

Physical Item Donations: Each humane society has its own list of physical donations they are accepting such as specific pet foods, cleaning supplies, pet toys, treats and more. These physical donations can be dropped off at the IIAW office (Contact Evan, evan@iiaw.com, to let us know you're dropping items off) or you can bring them to the Emerging Leaders Holiday Party. The party is happening from 1 to 5:30 p.m. on December 15th at the IIAW office. RSVP for the holiday party at bit.ly/2022ELHolidayParty. You can see the donation list for each humane society here. 

For more news, check out the Action News section of our weekly e-newsletter, Big I Buzz. If you aren’t subscribed, click here to add your email to our emailing list. Additionally, we send out monthly newsletters with content curated just for you and your role. Make sure you're on the list to receive our communications by heading to bit.ly/industrynewsforyou to stay in the loop!