Local Business Leader Encourages Philanthropy
Building a community means giving to more than just your customers.
SHEBOYGAN, WI — April 14, 2026 — A business can only be as successful as the community that supports it, according to Lynn Potyen, the award-winning owner of The GameBoard in downtown Sheboygan. According to Potyen, that means giving back to the community, even when you’re impacting people who are not your customers.
“As we approach our 20th anniversary of serving customers across Sheboygan County and the region, I am increasingly aware of the importance of giving back to the community as often as possible,” Potyen said. “Just as the community’s small business owners work to remind local residents that their support of local businesses is important, we who own and run the shops that make our community special must do our part to support others where we can.”
In Potyen’s case, The GameBoard donated $1,000 to the Sheboygan County Food Pantry last November when its funding resources were limited. The contribution helped support local families during the holiday season, reinforcing the store’s ongoing focus on meeting real needs within the community.
More recently, The GameBoard has taken steps to support individuals experiencing homelessness by purchasing 200 rain ponchos that were donated to The Warming Center. By partnering with organizations equipped to distribute resources effectively, the store ensures its contributions reach those who need them most.
“Community has always been at the heart of what we do,” Potyen said. “We’re not just here to sell our wares. We’re here to build relationships, support families, and make a difference in the lives of the people who walk through our doors and those who may never have the chance to do so.”
That commitment extends to local schools as well. After welcoming the Female Leaders of Tomorrow group from Jackson Elementary into the store, The GameBoard continued that relationship by donating used games and puzzles to the school’s before and after school program.
Whether supporting food security, partnering with local organizations, or investing in youth programs, the store continues to find ways to give back in impactful and intentional ways. Potyen serves on the board of directors of a number of organizations in Sheboygan County, where she can often be found sharing this message with other business owners in the community.
When in Sheboygan, visit The GameBoard at 621 N. 8th Street in the city’s historic downtown or call (920) 453-4263.
About The GameBoard
The GameBoard was founded in 2006 by Lynn Potyen, an award-winning proprietor, after her son was diagnosed with a severe speech delay. Through his journey, she was able to connect his therapy to the games they played at home. Since then, studies have shown that playing games together enhances creativity, fosters communication and socialization, and builds emotional skills and cognitive learning ability. Potyen is an outspoken advocate for using board games in education, therapy, and corporate team building. Her story is archived in the Library of Congress and in the 2023 book “What Board Games Mean to Me,” where she is part of an anthology featuring 28 voices from around the world. For more information about getting Potyen to speak to your organization or to visit the shop, https://the-GameBoard.com.
