Mission, Vision & History

Marshfield Area United Way's mission is to increase our community's capacity to care for one another. 

We will do that by acting as a leading organization bringing our community together to prioritize and address human service needs by building partnerships, forging consensus and leveraging resources to achieve a measurable, sustained, positive outcome.

Marshfield Area United Way Highlights

1946     Founded as a Community Chest, community raised $15,161

1970    Changed name to the Marshfield Area United Fund, community raised $45,489

1972    Transitioned to a United Way

1986    JC Pfeiffer hired as the first paid Executive Director

1987    First office was rented at Central Plaza

1989    Mission Statement was adopted
           Ann Boson hired as first full-time Executive Director

1991    First Call begins as a collection of community information phone numbers in United
           Way office
           Michelle Boernke hired as the first paid Communications Director

1994    Pacesetter campaign established

1995    Marshfield Clinic first company to give more than $100,000

1996    United Way's 50th year of service, community raised $531,473
           First leadership giving campaign and The Marsh Society is developed to recognize
           individual gifts of $500 or more

1997    Marshfield Area Volunteer of the Year Awards Celebration held, a partnership with
           Marshfield News-Herald

1998    Restaurant Week established, where local eateries donate a portion of proceeds to United Way

2002    First Call for Information becomes county-wide program
           Mary Friesen hired as first Volunteer Center Coordinator
           Make a Difference Day held in Marshfield for first time
           Transition to “Impact Funding” begins: Allocation Committee becomes Community Impact Committee
                funding decided based on a focus on program results
            Initiated Vision Councils—for community human service programs network and problem solve together
                throughout the year

2005     First Call for Information evolves into United Way’s 2-1-1—one toll free number,
            operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

2006    60^th Anniversary: Drive Chairs Bill & Darlene Berry lead campaign that raises
           $1,001,250
           Make a Difference Day has 348 volunteers and 69 people served
           National Youth Service Day has 120 volunteers

2007    Marshfield Clinic first campaign to raise more than $300,000

2008    First year with no public goal, instead community focuses on people in need in the
           Marshfield area, a message made more poignant as the country fell into a
           recession.         

2009     Marshfield Area United Way launches first Dare to Dream House Raffle
            FamilyWize prescription discount cards made available: a free option to allow residents
            to save on prescription medication.
            Loyal Contributors, donors who have given to any United Way for 10 years or longer,
            tracking begins
            First Day of Action held
            Money Smart week launched

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