APRIL 2024 NEWSLETTER
DOWNTOWN WINE & BEER WALK 2024

Experience the fun with friends, family, and our vibrant community while shopping and enjoying a variety of wine or beer samples. Explore fantastic downtown locations serving as sampling locations - there's something for everyone to enjoy. This self-guided walk takes place from 11am to 2pm, offering the perfect opportunity to experience downtown Marshfield's charm.

After the walk, unwind with delicious food from Kambray’s Mobile Restaurant and Razor Jay's Old-Fashioned Hamburgers and Kettle Corn. Take advantage of raffles and live music by The Jerry Schmitt Band at the plaza. So grab a lawn chair and join us for an afternoon of relaxation and entertainment!

Event Details
Date: Saturday, May 11, 2024
Tickets: ON SALE NOW!

*MUST BE 21 TO PARTICIPATE*
You may choose to sample wine or beer. You may not choose both.
Wine & beer sampling locations will have the same route, so those with wine tickets and those with beer tickets can enjoy the walk together.
Purchase tickets below!
VOLUNTEER RECEPTION CENTER
2024 Volunteer Reception Center Spring Training
When: Tuesday, April 9, 2024, 5-6:30pm
Where: Forward Bank Community Room

Volunteer Reception Centers (VRC) are a critical component to managing a spontaneous volunteer workforce in emergency response and recovery. When natural disasters occur, oftentimes people come from all over the country to offer their time and skills to help rebuild communities affected by the devastation. Volunteers come with diverse skills and ability levels and there is sometimes confusion as to how best to utilize these human resources. A VRC screens and organizes volunteers during this time to maximize the productivity of the generous people offering to help as well as keep communities safe during the recovery and rebuilding process.

We need your help in building a team of community members with the ability to work together and turn a crowd of spontaneous volunteers into an asset and a workforce. Join us for the Volunteer Reception Center Spring Training to learn about this process, and, if you choose, become a member of this vital team.

Training includes a basic overview of the volunteer reception center, a mock exercise, and a brief discussion.
Dinner will be provided.
Please RSVP by calling the office, emailing, or scanning the QR code
by Monday, April 8th at Noon.

Please note: Those interested in joining the VRC team for North Wood County must attend the training, even if you have attended them in the past.
Questions? Call our office at 715-507-5005 or email info@marshfieldareaunitedway.org
CELEBRATE VOLUNTEER MONTH
We're kicking the month off with our Volunteer of the Year, Melissa Barnes.
We asked Melissa to share some of her thoughts on volunteering. Here's what she had to say.

Question: What motivates you to volunteer?
"I've always been passionate about volunteering. It's ingrained in me, thanks to the inspiring examples set by my mother and grandmother. From a young age, I helped my grandmother at her local food pantry, not fully realizing her pivotal role in its creation. Volunteering was just a part of our regular routine, a way to strengthen our community by lending a hand to our neighbors."

Question: Can you share your favorite volunteer activity?
"For me, participating in the Marshfield Area United Way (MAUW) allocations committee has been incredibly impactful. It provides a complete picture of how the funds entrusted to MAUW make a difference in our community. While the stories shared by partner programs can be heart-wrenching, it's immensely rewarding to witness the positive impact on people's lives. These experiences motivate me to continuously improve my company's campaign efforts each year."

Question: What message would you like to share with others about volunteering?
"Volunteering is about so much more than just giving money (though donations are crucial). It's about investing your time and feeling the genuine satisfaction that comes from helping others. It's like removing blinders and truly seeing the needs and struggles of those around us, knowing that we can provide some level of relief. Volunteering truly feels good!"

Let's continue making a difference together!

Join us on our social media every Tuesday in April as we highlight our community's quiet heroes and their efforts to make a difference.
UNITED WE CAN
Thank you to all the businesses and organizations that participated in our United We Can event helping to fill our local food pantries! Congratulations to all the 2024 winners of the United We Can Sculpture competition!
 
Fan Favorite (251 items or more) - Forward Bank

Fan Favorite (250 items or less) - Brock and Decker

Tallest Sculpture - Forward Bank 

Sculpture with the Most Items Used - Nelson Jameson

In 2023, we received incredible support here in the community, from individuals and businesses alike. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who supported our efforts and also recognize some who went above and beyond.

We are so grateful to welcome new partners and congratulate the great accomplishments of business participants. We are proud to recognize businesses who have received awards for Campaign of the Year, Increased Campaign Participation, Increased Campaign Giving, as well as individuals awarded Employee Campaign Coordinator of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.

Click the link below to view all 2023 campaign award recipients
NOW PROGRAM NEWS
A big thank you to Marshfield Middle School's MAPLE 7th grade for their commitment and support of our NOW program! It's been a joy to witness the passion and dedication demonstrated by your students as they actively engage in learning about the power of giving back to their community. Their contributions, both in terms of donations and time, have made a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
Earlier this month, Ashley and Sarah had the opportunity to present at UW-Madison as part of the Wisconsin Community Health Empowerment Fund - Community Health Shark Tank Event. The event included four different Wisconsin United Ways pitching a proposal for community health programs focused on hunger, nutrition, and health.
Thanks to the Wisconsin Community Health Empowerment Fund, Inc. for the opportunity!
The Nutrition On Weekends (NOW) program is a collaborative, community effort targeting childhood hunger. The program provides healthy, ready-to-eat nutritious foods for children during the weekend, providing a safety net for children when they are not in the classroom and able to access school meals.
 
EACH CHILD RECEIVES A WEEKLY FOOD PACK CONTAINING:  
  • Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
  • Cereal
  • Snack Mix
  • 2 Pieces of Fruit
  • Veggies
  • Granola bar
  • Fruit snacks
  • Applesauce or fruit cup
  • Mac & cheese or oatmeal
  • String cheese
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United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. We have one life. To live better, we must LIVE UNITED®.