MEQUON - James Kacmarcik launched a program Monday at Concordia University patterned after Oprah Winfrey’s "Big Give."

Kacmarcik, president of Kapco Inc., a metal stamping and fabrications company in Grafton, met with six groups of students and handed each of them $1,000 and a challenge - make the most positive impact with his donations. It’s aptly named the "Kapco Charitable Give."

"This will be a great opportunity for all of us involved to give something back to the community," said junior Nick Biederer. "The company could’ve done it themselves, but, instead, gave us the challenge to help someone in need."

The rules state that the groups cannot give the money to individuals they know. The groups must also find someone in need with the donations staying in Ozaukee, Washington, Milwaukee, Waukesha and Racine counties.

"I wanted to do this because our company enjoys helping other people, and we think that more corporations should be stepping forward to help our community and serve as role models in this capacity," Kacmarcik said. "I picked Concordia to help with this idea because our company was the first recipient of their Business Ethics Award in 2005, and because one of our vice presidents has a son who is enrolled at Concordia. I know that Concordia works hard to develop students in body, mind and spirit so I thought this concept would blend well with their mission."

Concordia President Patrick T. Ferry agreed.

"This is a program that fits in very well with our students," Ferry said. "It’s a community-minded venture that will have a very strong impact on our surrounding area."

On Monday, April 28, the student groups will make presentations on their efforts to a panel of judges that will decide which two groups have made the best use of their donated money. The two most deserving groups will move into the second round where they will receive an additional $2,000 and another week to make a positive impact with the money. During the last week of classes the winner will be announced.

"It doesn’t seem like it’s a lot of money, but whether we try to raise additional money with it or give the money to someone in need of it we’re in this to see the joy on the person’s face," said senior Sam Kuerschner. "The expression on his or her face will certainly be worth the effort we put into this unique project."

Kacmarcik plans a similar charitable giveaway through the Salvation Army, based in Milwaukee.