History

1946

• 17 physicians at the Marshfield Clinic
• First case of polio in Marshfield reported on 8/12/46
• 45 citizens attended the first organizational meeting of the Community Chest
• Agnes Noll pointed out that no women had been appointed to the Board of Directors

1947 

• Marshfield Brewing Co contributed $150

1948 

• JCPenney was involved in providing winter clothing to the needy

1951 

• $1500 was designated to the PeeWee Baseball Club-Organizers were,
• Fred Rhyner, Elmer Martin, Steve Miller, Andy Felker and French Mierschaime

1952 

• First contribution from the Miller Foundation for $1000
• American Red Cross joined the Community Chest as an agency

1953 

• Roddis Plywood had their first payroll deductions of $53 weekly

1955 

• By Laws committee was appointed--Steve Hopkins, Thomsen, Cooper
• The first organizational meeting of the Emergency Relief Fund Committee was held:  Melvin Goeres, Clarence Folz, Mrs. Cleo Reese, Rev. Oyan, Father Dillenburg

1956

• It was suggested that the campaign letter include a rural solicitation

1957 

• First audit was completed by Alfred Hill and Company
• First Divisions were distinguished--Special Gifts, office payroll, factory payroll, retail, professional and general
• 11 Citation Merit Plaques were handed out: 
  

  • Best General Increase--Felker Brothers

  • Best Professional Increase-- Mfld Clinic

  • Best Employee Campaign--Mfld Milling

  • First Div. completed--Judge Ken Pucker

  • First Team completed-Jerry Heinzen and WJ Uthmeier-completing their calls in 1 hour and 20 minutes

  • Best Solicitation Team-Sam Josephs/Glen Madison and Pete Baxter/Blackie Marvin

  • Outstanding Leadership--Vern Breitenbucher

1958 

• 25 agencies belonged to the Community Chest

1961 

• On opening day of the drive at 9 a.m., the Community Chest Volunteer Band played

• Marshfield Campfire was established

• “Travel fund” to aid transients that happen to stay overnight in Mfld was established 

1962

• $2,000 was allocated for the Mfld Open Heart Research

• Advance gifts were established (our pacesetters)

• An increase of 14 percent was encouraged for the goal

1963

• WA Uthmeier completed 17 years of service

• 15 as executive secretary and two as publicity chair     

1964 

• Education was added as a division with John Bittrich as chair

• Weyerhaeuser Company gift was 19 lots to be sold as a unit; 10 had water and sewer

• There were 66 two-person teams that made campaign calls

• Allocations totaled $21,522

1965

• Labor Union was added as a division

• USO allocation was increased because of the Vietnam War

1967

• In February, $3,000 was offered by Frank Shortner for Weyerhaeuser lots

• 8 percent increase in campaign goal

1970

• Kathy Schwellenbach was hired as secretary at $2 per hour

• It was suggested that the campaign solicit employees as well as management

• The name was changed to the Marshfield Area United Fund

1971 

• Big Brothers/Big Sisters auction was approved

• Girl Scouts were authorized to hold the candy drive

1972 

• Film by Loretta Lynn (Video Here) and one by Johnny Cash (Video Here) were reviewed to use during campaign; Loretta Lynn was approved; Johnny Cash (PSA video here)was purchased for future years

• Name was changed to the Marshfield Area United Way

1974

• Plaques and awards were presented to companies

1975                     

• Uthmeier Advertising built the first thermometer to be used during the campaign

1977            

• Payroll deduction was added to the pledge cards

• The first radio interview was given on United Way; however, no phone calls were allowed

• The first slide presentation of United Way in the Marshfield area was used in the campaign

1979

• Theme was “If they didn’t need it--we wouldn’t ask”

• A fly-a-thon was held

1981

• Goal was set at $105,010                           

1986 

• JC Pfeiffer hired as the first paid Executive Director

1987  

• Goal was set at $204,000

• The first office was rented at Central Plaza

• Betty Ptacek was hired as Executive Director

1988

• The Board was increased to a minimum of 12 members and a maximum of 18

• Student Assistance Program was introduced at Columbus

1989

• Mission Statement was adopted

• Ann Boson hired as first full-time Executive Director, recommended by Marty Reinhart

1990

• Gungor Productions produced the first video for United Way

• Brian Noble was the spokesman for Marshfield Area United Way

1991 

• First Call was in its infancy

• Michelle Boernke was hired as the first paid Communications Director

• United Way moved to 206A East Upham

1992 

• Jeanne Denk hired as administrative assistant

1993

• The first United Way newsletter was published

1994  

• Ann Boson named as Board President of United Way of Wisconsin

• The first pacesetter campaign was run

• Robert Ian, magician and motivational speaker, was the kick-off speaker

1995 

• Stacy Mara hired as Communications Director

• Mfld Clinic was the first and only company to give over $100,000

• Development of the Family Resource Center was begun

• John Ivan Palmer, hypnotist, was the guest speaker at the kick-off

1996  

• United Way’s 50th year of service to the community

• $500,000 goal set

• The first leadership giving campaign was undertaken

• Scott Burton, juggler/comedian, was the entertainment at kick-off

• The Marsh Society is developed to recognize individual gifts of $500 or more

1997 

• Stacy Mara was promoted to first full-time Executive Director

• Marsha Bell was hired as Communications Director

• “The Power of U” theme was used to campaign for $546,000

• The jazz sounds of River City Six kicked off the community drive

• United Way moved to 101 W. 29th Street, Suite 104

• First Annual Marshfield Area Volunteer of the Year and Volunteer Group of the Year

•  Awards Celebration established, joint project with Marshfield News-Herald

• ”The Power of U” campaign theme held for second year

1998

• Campaign goal set at $600,000

• Kick-off held as an outside tailgate party; the speaker was former Green Bay Packer Blaise Winter, who shared his story of “Power of Mind, Body & Spirit”

• United Way and First Call for Information each went online with websites; the First Call database was uploaded

• 26 agencies received funding

• First Annual Restaurant Week was established, where local eateries donate a portion of their proceeds to United Way

• First Annual Student Penny Campaign, where third-grade students collect pennies

1999

• Theme was “Everybody needs a helping hand…thanks for caring”

• Goal set at $630,000

• Kick-off featured Rusty Wallace NASCAR, hosted by Pacesetter companies and V&H, Inc.

• The campaign video featured just one agency story: Big Brothers Big Sisters

• First regional year-round PSAs for television produced and aired on channels 7 & 9

• United Way Race Night at Marshfield Super Speedway, where a portion of admission sales and driver collections from the grandstands were donated

• Skate Night at Melody Gardens, where a portion of admissions was donated

2000

• *Theme-Regional with South Wood County and Marathon County “The Way We Care for our Community”

• Goal set at $649,000

• Kick-off featured recording artist Pamela McNeill

• First annual Riveredge Golf Outing

• Sharla Dreikosen hired as Executive Director

• The Communications Director position open from July-December

• ViewPoint Program on Channel 2 hosted the Executive Director, Co-Drive chairs, and 3 agency directors for the first time.

• New Website developed via effects donation--Adam Hable and Ben Kubs

• Leadership giving increased 26 percent and totaled 15.5 percent of the campaign. Terry Frankland, Leadership Chair 

• $700,000 raised

• Jean and Bob DeVita were drive chairs

2001

• May 7--Michelle Boernke hired as Executive Director

• Communication Director open from March 17---June 1

• Lora Lyon (Wagner) hired as full-time Communications Director

• Won 3 Communication Awards

• Leadership Giving increased by 30 percent and totaled 20 percent of the campaign, 77 new people.    Terry Frankland, Chair.

• $733,527 raised

• Theme – Regional carried again with “The Way We Care for our Community”

• Changed the format and criteria for all campaign awards.

• Campaign-based around the baseball theme, kickoff at Fairground, one day after 9/11!

• Wonderful turnout at Victory Celebration held at Wildwood station at noon.

2002

• Drive Chairs…Police Chief Joe Stroik and Fire Chief Gregg Cleveland

• Marsh Society contributed 22 percent of total campaign dollars, chaired by Mike Schmidt

• Goal $770,000, total raised $771,134

• County-wide theme “United We Can!”

• Happy Hours for a total of $1,650

• First Call for Information became the county-wide program

• Mary Friesen hired as Volunteer Center Coordinator

• First Make a Difference Day held in Marshfield

• The Allocation Committee was changed to the Community Impact Committee

• Initiated Vision Council

2003

• Drive Co-Chairs: Jerry and MaryAnn Lippert

• Regional Theme “True Superheroes Share”

• Marshfield Clinic is the first company to raise over $225,00

• First regional campaign video

• Boost America. For free booster seats

• Goal $788,000, total raised $826,001

• Marsh Society contributed 24 percent of total campaign dollars, chaired by Mike Schmidt

• Make a Difference Day tripled its numbers

2004

• Drive Co-Chairs Dan and Cindy Burns

• Theme “what matters” – United Way of America adopts as Tagline

• United Way of America releases new logo, institutes Brand guidelines

• First Annual Early Bird Special: friend-raiser for retiree-senior division, Ralph & Diane Mueller chairs

• Goal $858,000; raised $884,300

• Marsh Society contributed 25 percent of total campaign dollars, chaired by Mike & Ann Schmidt

• Stacey Schultz hired as first Community Impact/Volunteer Center Coordinator

• Make a Difference Day has 384 volunteers and 64 people served

• First Call moved to South Wood County United Way

2005

• Drive Chair Jim Coleman

• Regional Theme: Opening Doors … to a Caring Community

• Second Early Bird Special 44 attendees, Ralph & Diane Mueller, chairs

• Goal $906,000 raised 950,113

• Hurricanes devastate the Gulf Coast, most notably Hurricane Katrina; New Orleans evacuated

• Marsh Society contributed 26 percent of total campaign dollars, chaired by Cindy Burns

• First Alex de Tocqueville Leadership Giver, Anonymous from Stratford

• Communications Director position open March-May

• Stacey Oelrich hired as Community Relations Development Coordinator, May 3

• Community Kids Campaign raises $302.71

• Restaurant Week raised $1524.29

• Happy Hours raised $915.42

• Marshfield Clinic raises over $280,000

• First Call for Information evolves to First Call 2-1-1—one toll-free number, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Night Call Center Racine Safe Haven

• Executive Director position open August-December, Stacey Schultz named Interim Director

• Kim Baltus hired as Executive Director, December

• Sarah Krenn hired as Community Impact/Volunteer Center Coordinator, December

2006

• Drive Chairs Bill & Darlene Berry

• Regional Theme: Opening Doors  … You’re the Key to Our Success

• The Marsh Society contributed 27 percent of the campaign; Leadership Chair: Sue Decker and Tom Lenard

• Allocations granted in the amount of $ 688,313

• Goal set at $1,001,219

• Amount raised $ 1,001,250

• Community Kids Campaign raises $294.81

• Restaurant Week raised $2,507.20

• Make a Difference Day has 348 volunteers and 69 people served

•  National Youth Service Day has 120 volunteers

2007

• Drive Chairs John Baur and Kathy Rhyner

• First themed Pacesetter Campaign of Financial Institutions

• No Theme – United Way of America encourages local United Ways to focus on impact, results, and need messaging

• Goal set at $1,016,269

•  Amount raised $1,017,707

• The Marsh Society contributed 27.5 percent of the Campaign, Chairs: Bill & Darlene Berry

• Allocations total: $713,316

• Supplemental Funding was granted to seven current Partner Programs for a total of $14,840, increasing their allocation amounts because the amount raised was more than our total budget

• Community Kids Campaign raised $383.67

• Restaurant Week raised $2,283.15

•  Make a Difference Day has 295 volunteers and 52 people served

• Marshfield Clinic’s first campaign to raise more than $300,000

• National Youth Service Day has 75 volunteers

2008

• Andy and Kris Keogh Drive chairs

• Paula Jero hired as Executive Director  

2009

• First House raffle, winner was Vicky Peterson of Marshfield

• New website launched

• Drive Chairs Joe & Ginny Mazza

• Because of economy campaign raised $900,000

• No pacesetter campaigns; instead, TLC (Touching Lives Campaign) was initiated

• Family Wize prescription card was initiated

• Tracking of loyal contributors started

• First Day of Action

• Money Smart week

2010 

• Moved to new location at 156 S Central Avenue

• Video added to website

• Partnered with City for free tax preparation

• Record number of backpacks collected (over 500)

•  Over $100,000 in prescription drug savings with Family Wize

2011

• Ashley Winch hired as Campaign/Marketing Coordinator, 2-1-1 coordinator

• Marshfield Clinic issues $25,000 challenge

•  Backpack extended to include Loyal, Neillsville, Granton & Greenwood area

•  Keep Warm project launched with Mfld. Community Foundation

2012

• Schwan Truckload Sale for United Way

• Reach Out and Read launched

• House raffle expanded to include a car (2013 Mustang from V&H Auto)

• Give Back Marshfield launched as Volunteer Day with Leadership Marshfield group

• Wipe-Out challenge

2013 

• Nutrition on Weekends Started (October)

•  Job Center, NCCAP, AARP tax prep, W2 all moved into United Way offices

•  First 5K for United Way (July)

• Children’s Book Swap (June)

• Summer Intern for United Way

2014 

• Snap Challenge Held

• Circle of Caring Women’s Group started

2015

• Mary Wolff hired as CIC/Volunteer Center Coordinator

• 5K Name changed to Run for Hunger

2016

• Wine Walk

• Lang Furniture donation/fundraiser

•  New mobile response website

• Greenwood and Loyal added to NOW program

• Green Bay Packer Foundation grant received for R2P4

• Holm Family was first family to lead Drive Chair for Campaign

2017

• Simplicity Credit Union hosted wine/cheese/grub at Oven above the Pub for NOW

• Jeanne Denk retired in October after 25 years 

• Green Bay Packer Foundation grant received for NOW Program

• Jason, Kim, and Angell Family were Drive Chairs

• Schalow’s Nursery hosted Patio Nights to support NOW and Backpack Drive

• Campaign Goal was $800,000.00 and we raised $804,212.33

•  There were enough NOW Sponsorships to fund the 400 Students for the school year

2018                  

• Marty, Jennifer, and Anderson Family Drive Chair

• Krystal Bowman hired as Resource and Office Manager

2019               

• Paula Jero retired in May after 11 years as Executive Director

• Ashley Winch promoted to Executive Director

• Krystal Bowman promoted to Communications Director

• Cassie Zopfi hired as Resource and Office Manager

• First LIVE UNITED 365 Golf Scramble held at Riveredge Golf Course

• First Dueling Pianos event held at Riveredge Golf Course

• Heidi Heckel (Nancy Heckel estate) donated a house to Marshfield Area United Way

2020

• COVID-19 Pandemic

•  Emergency Food Boxes, Safer-at-Home, Hygiene Kits, Partnered with MACF for COVID Relief Fund, Wine Walk, and Dueling Pianos events canceled; NOW and Supplies4Success had different distribution methods to comply with social distancing recommendations

• Dargenio Family named 2020 Campaign Drive Chairs

• Joe G. held virtual concert to raise funds for United Way

• Ashley Winch named WAOW Hometown Hero

•  Recipient of the Forward Bank $10,000 Facebook Contest

•  Raised over $90,000 for Heckel House Renovations

• Selected as a recipient of Festival Foods icon sale

• Moved out of 156 S Central Ave. (to temporary location at 331 S Central Ave)

•  Held a Holiday Raffle to give locally and to support local small businesses

•  Both Campaign Goal and NOW Sponsorships were met and exceeded before year-end

2021

• Moved into our forever home at 612 W Blodgett St (The Heckel House)

• Cassie Zopfi promoted to Marketing and Development Manager

• Sarah Chy hired as Resource and Office Manager

• Ashley Winch 10th anniversary

• Ribbon Cutting and Open House held to celebrate our new home and our 75th anniversary

• A tree with a time capsule buried with it was planted as part of the anniversary celebration

• United for Community Wellness collaboration with the school district, Children’s Wisconsin, and the Marshfield Area Community Foundation continued to help provide information to the community about mental wellbeing

2022

• Restated bylaws adopted.

• Instead of traditional campaign drive chairs, featured businesses were selected to help lead the campaign.

• The Downtown Wine Walk became the Downtown Wine & Beer Walk. The event also added live music at Wenzel Plaza. These changes doubled the fundraiser’s proceeds.

• United for Community Wellness collaboration focused on kindness. A series of videos launched, along with yard signs strategically placed throughout the community, posters, and window clings that allowed businesses and organizations to join the kindness movement.

•  A Badger party event was held at the American Legion to celebrate the annual giving campaign.

•  Hump Day Happy Hours were held throughout the campaign featuring local guest bartenders.

•  United Way received a $4000 grant from the Green Bay Packers Foundation for the Right 2 Play 4 All program.

2023 

• Sarah Chy was promoted to Resource and Development Director.

• Jenni Smith was hired as Marketing and Events Manager.

• Jessie Rasmussen was hired as Resource and Office Manager.

• Community Diaper Drive was revived as a Community Baby Shower. Collected over $1,700 in monetary donations & grants and over $2200 worth of donated items, including 3,400 diapers and a wide variety of other items requested by participating agencies.

• Little Free Library was installed with the We Belong Books initiative launched. We Belong Books fosters a more inclusive and equitable world by offering a wide range of children’s books that celebrate diversity and promote understanding.

• NOW storage space built out in part of the garage for storing donations.

• United Way partnered with regional United Ways for a month-long advertising campaign to promote awareness and support of local United Ways during the annual fundraising campaign

2024

• Welcomed Jordan Gaiche and John Baur to our Board of Directors.

• Ashley Winch was named Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s

• Leadership Marshfield Alumnus of the Year.

• Ashley and Sarah participated in the Wisconsin Community Health Empowerment Fund’s

• Shark Tank event at UW-Madison presenting on the Nutrition On Weekends program.

• Jenni Smith graduated from Leadership Marshfield and, along with her team, launched the Sunflower Project, a community awareness project in support of mental health.

• Sarah was a panel facilitator at the Mid-State Technical College’s SPARK Conference.

• The United Way Retiree Coalition launched to help those 55+ stay active & engaged in the community. United Way received a $50,000 grant to support the coalition’s launch.

• The NOW summer program expanded to include Granton and Pittsville schools.

• The Retiree Coalition hosted a community garden to help provide produce for the NOW summer program and Soup or Socks food pantry.

• The Right 2 Play 4 All program received $14,550 from the WHO (Women Helping Out) annual golf outing for program scholarships.

• Fresh Start for Kids hygiene supplies initiative was launched as part of a Leadership Marshfield group project.

• Colby School District was added to the NOW (Nutrition on Weekends) program.

• Forward Bank was the featured business for the “Leading the Way” annual fundraising campaign, helping raise $828,548 to support community programs in 2025. 

• Mary Besler joined the staff as Finance and Administrative Assistant

2025

• Welcomed Chris Damerell, Janet Kleinschmidt, Stacie Lecker and Vicki Selz to our Board of Directors.

• Invested $534,875 in community programming, including $40,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield as part of an operational campaign to begin programming in the community.

• Completed the Thriving United Way self-assessment to shape and guide Marshfield Area United Way’s strategic plan by identifying areas of strength and opportunity.

• Successfully integrated the United Way global brand refresh as a way of strengthening recognition and reach for our local United Way and as a member of our global network.

• Hosted Bestie Bingo alongside the 9th Annual Downtown Wine & Beer Walk, bringing community members and local businesses together in support of United Way and of our charming downtown.

• Hosted a sold-out Annual Golf Scramble, raising $38,000 to support local programs and services.

• Collaborated with United Way of Wisconsin in the statewide Techquity Wisconsin initiative to improve digital access, distributing laptops to underserved households.

• Adopted a five-year strategic plan to help focus, guide, and shape the future of United Way’s work and impact in the years to come.

• Achieved 100% of our annual campaign fundraising goal through workplace campaigns, corporate partnerships, and community giving.