The Marathon County Hunger Coalition is planning activities at the Wausau Farmers' Market on Wednesdays, beginning June 15. You'll find activities for kids and families related to foods that are seasonally available at the market. For example,on July 6, kids will be able to make "Berry Magnets" at a time when the local strawberries are ripe for the picking. Later in the summer there will be activities focused on beans, apples and pumpkins. Several local chefs will also be doing food demos, using whatever produce is available that week. Learn how you can get creative with seasonal fruits and veggies and make your meals more interesting and healthy. You can find the schedule on our website, or download the flyer and keep it handy.
After 33 years with United Way of Marathon County, including 30 as Executive Director, Joanne Kelly has announced her plans to retire at the end of the year. “While it is difficult to leave, it’s at a time when the organization has exceptional staff and volunteer leadership. It’s been a privilege to serve a great community with people who are so willing to step up and make a difference,” stated Kelly. “With my husband’s retirement a few years ago, the time is right for me and I’m looking forward to serving the community in a volunteer capacity in the future,” she added.
Board President Jim McIntyre commented, “Joanne has been a tremendous leader, steering us to be one of the top performing United Ways of our size over the past three decades. The board will sincerely miss her, but we recognize this as a great time for Joanne to enjoy the next stage of her life.”
This announcement also comes at a time the organization has celebrated great achievements, such as being named the 2015 Small Business of the Year by the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce, receiving Charity Navigator’s highest 4-star ranking and achieving campaign growth.
“Our United Way is strong and has a bright future,” said McIntyre. “We have a very experienced and capable staff, a dedicated and diverse board of directors and strong relationships within the community. Through United Way we are joining together to make a greater impact on our priorities.” The United Way of Marathon County Board will select a search committee at its June meeting to begin a national search for the next executive.
On June 21, the longest day of the year, United Ways across the country will be encouraging people to volunteer in their local community. This is the 9th annual Day of Action and over the years hundreds of people have participated. Not sure what you might be able to do? Check out the Day of Action flyer, or the Volunteer Connection website for some great ideas. Then take some photos and share them on the United Way Facebook page!
Women in Action's Power of the Purse raised over $25,000 this year--a record breaking amount for this event! With almost 250 women in attendance and hundreds of raffle items and silent and live auction packages, there was something for everyone.
Proceeds from this event fund special projects or programs that help low-income women become self-sufficient. In 2015-16, funding has been provided to Wheels to Work, Rebecca's Closet, Project Step Up and scholarships at UW-Marathon County and Northcentral Technical College.
On Thursday, May 12, United Way Partnership for Youth hosted an inaugural Youth Employment Fair at the Boys & Girls Club which was met with great enthusiasm from local school districts and businesses! Twenty-two companies/organizations and more than 200 high school students from area schools attended to fill part-time, seasonal and full-time employment positions or youth apprenticeship opportunities.
Students met with employers, completed applications, and some did on-site interviews. Students also had the opportunity to take part in a presentation on interview tips and cover letter and resume writing, as well as other apprenticeship offerings.
Partnership for Youth's Action Team is already brainstorming ways to improve this event in the future!
United Way Emerging Leaders' second annual SmackHunger&SayCheese event on May 17 was twice as successful as last year! Almost 300 people volunteered to package 60,000 servings of vitamin fortified pasta for distribution to area pantries, Blessings in a Back Pack and the Boys & Girls Club by the Marathon County Hunger Coaltion. To add variety to the meals offered, both tomato/basil pasta and mac & cheese were included this year. The WPS Health Solutions "Cheez Pleelz" team took home the Golden Noodle for raising the most funds via crowdfunding, while the Associated Bank "Queso Crushers" were awarded the 2nd place Cheesy Noodle.
Corinna and her husband have two children and are expecting their third. Several years ago Corinna started taking classes to obtain a degree as a substance abuse counselor. With only her husband’s income, tuition costs and child care for her two children were a struggle. Fortunately, she learned about Good Start Grants funded through United Way and found she was eligible for assistance.
Corinna attended the Parent Power Hour series sponsored by the Early Years Coalition and Partnership for Youth. She found the presentations and referrals to other resources very helpful and learned practical parenting tips from others.
Corinna will soon complete her studies and is looking forward to the birth of their third child. The help she received from United Way programs helped her finish her degree and move forward with plans to help others in our community who are struggling with addiction.
In April, United Way of Marathon County hosted its first annual Community Baby Shower with great results. Many companies and organizations collected needed items, and a few held a traditional shower with food, games, prizes and gifts that were then donated to United Way. More than 2700 diapers, 4000 baby wipes and almost 100 sleepers/onsies, as well as bottles, shampoo, lotion and other baby supplies were received at our office. Several gently used strollers, high chairs and pack n' plays were also donated. All of the items will be distributed through various organizations serving low-income families in our community. While the Community Baby Shower is over for this year, Rebecca's Closet, a project of United Way Women in Action, accepts new or gently used clothing (newborn to size 14), shoes, boots, and baby equipment throughout the year. Donations may be dropped off at the United Way office during regular business hours.
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The Marathon County Hunger Coalition is planning activities at the Wausau Farmers' Market on Wednesdays, beginning June 15. You'll find activities for kids and families related to foods that are seasonally available at the market. For example,on July 6, kids will be able to make "Berry Magnets" at a time when the local strawberries are ripe for the picking. Later in the summer there will be activities focused on beans, apples and pumpkins. 
After 33 years with United Way of Marathon County, including 30 as Executive Director, Joanne Kelly has announced her plans to retire at the end of the year. “While it is difficult to leave, it’s at a time when the organization has exceptional staff and volunteer leadership.
On June 21, the longest day of the year, United Ways across the country will be encouraging people to volunteer in their local community. This is the 9th annual Day of Action and over the years hundreds of people have participated. Not sure what you might be able to do? Check out the 
Women in Action's Power of the Purse raised over $25,000 this year--a record breaking amount for this event! With almost 250 women in attendance and hundreds of raffle items and silent and live auction packages, there was something for everyone. 
On Thursday, May 12, United Way Partnership for Youth hosted an inaugural Youth Employment Fair at the Boys & Girls Club which was met with great enthusiasm from local school districts and businesses! Twenty-two companies/organizations and more than 200 high school students from area schools attended to fill part-time, seasonal and full-time employment positions or youth apprenticeship opportunities.
United Way Emerging Leaders' second annual SmackHunger&SayCheese event on May 17 was twice as successful as last year! Almost 300 people volunteered to package 60,000 servings of vitamin fortified pasta for distribution to area pantries, Blessings in a Back Pack and the Boys & Girls Club by the Marathon County Hunger Coaltion. To add variety to the meals offered, both tomato/basil pasta and mac & cheese were included this year. The WPS Health Solutions "Cheez Pleelz" team took home the Golden Noodle for raising the most funds via crowdfunding, while the Associated Bank "Queso Crushers" were awarded the 2nd place Cheesy Noodle.
Corinna and her husband have two children and are expecting their third.
In April, United Way of Marathon County hosted its first annual Community Baby Shower with great results. Many companies and organizations collected needed items, and a few held a traditional shower with food, games, prizes and gifts that were then donated to United Way. More than 2700 diapers, 4000 baby wipes and almost 100 sleepers/onsies, as well as bottles, shampoo, lotion and other baby supplies were received at our office. Several gently used strollers, high chairs and pack n' plays were also donated.