Each year, the Marshfield Area United Way provides financial support to dozens of community programs, including Personal Development Center, Home-Delivered Meals, Mary’s Place, YouthNet, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Pathway Partners, Nutrition on Weekends, and the Transitional Shelter. Annually serving more than 15,000 people in need, the Marshfield Area United Way depends on the generosity of the community to make these programs a success.
In September, the United Way will kick off its annual campaign, a key fundraising time for the organization.
“Without the annual campaign, the majority of these programs would not exist,” said Ashley Winch, Marketing & Campaign Coordinator.
“Without these programs, we are looking at a radically different community,” added Paul Jero, Executive Director. “When folks don’t have their basic needs met, they start seeking ways to get them. Without programs like ours, it can be through crime, and that creates a huge ripple effect throughout the community.”
Making sure the campaign is a success are the Campaign Drive Chairs, with this year’s honor being given to the Holm family.
“The Campaign Drive Chairs are basically the leaders of our campaign and the voice for the community. This is the first time it’s been a family, ” said Ashley Winch, Marketing & Campaign Coordinator. “Jay and Jill are two of the hardest-working people I have ever met. They bring so much energy.”
Jay and Jill Holm, and their children McKenzie (age 10), Max (8), and Madden (4) are excited to be serving the community in their role as Campaign Drive Chairs. Owners of RiverEdge Golf Course and Banquet Facility since 2009, Jay and Jill are no stranger to community support.
“With what we do on the banquet side of things, we deal with the majority of the charities that are around town over the course of time, in a different aspect,” said Jay. “We do whatever we can to help.”
Though longtime community supporters, the Holm’s have spent the last six months learning more about the United Way in preparation for their role. After taking tours of the various United Way- funded centers and doing hands-on work with the backpack drive, the family is ready and excited to start campaigning.
“The tours were pretty enlightening,” said Jill. “We had no idea how many programs were funded almost solely by the United Way.”
“With all of the different ages, from newborns to the elderly, it’s really impressive to see the many different programs that the United Way does fund,” added Jay. “A lot of the success that those programs have had, it’s absolutely awesome to see how they are growing.”
This campaign, the Holm’s hope to help raise the necessary funds to keep all of these programs thriving.
“Our hope is to be the best piece of the puzzle that we can be to create awareness around the community for people to know that this is here and that it’s a staple in our community and does so many great things,” said Jill.
Jay and Jill originally were hesitant to accept the position of Drive Chair in fear of letting down the organization, but ultimately decided to because of their children.
“They’ve had a chance to see a lot of things that I don’t think most children even realize is going on in our areas,” said Jill.
“We wanted to instill in them that giving back to their community is something that you need to give 100% and be a part of,” added Jay.
The Holm’s are eager to help launch the Marshfield Area United Way’s campaign this September, and to support this hard-working organization that does so much for the community.
“The staff at United Way are top-notch,” said Jay. “They do a wonderful job with a very small staff.”
The 2016 United Way Campaign Kick-Off will take place on Sunday, September 11 at RiverEdge Golf Course and Banquet Facility. This is a free event (with a suggested $5.00 donation) featuring family-friendly activities like bounce houses, baggo boards, lawn darts, and more. The Driving Range will be available at no charge to all Marshfield area residents and RiverEdge will offer ½ price green fees for the entire day. Following the meal at 5:00 there will be a short program. Hear from Jay and Jill and also from mentors and recipients of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Please RSVP to United Way at 715-384-9992 before September 2, 2016.
Donations to the Marshfield Area United Way can be made securely online through their website, or by mailing a check to P.O. Box 771. Donations can also be dropped off at their location at 156 S Central Avenue during open hours.
With the mission to increase the community’s capacity to care for one another, Marshfield Area United Way prioritizes and addresses human service needs by building partnerships, forging consensus, and leveraging resources to achieve a measurable, sustained, and positive outcome.
