Your Top FIVE to THRIVE

December 2024

#1 15th Annual Turkey Trot Breaks Record Raising $86,000

We did it again and broke a Turkey Trot record – $86,000 raised and 2,202 participants!

The hard work leading up to the event paid off and our Hunger Coalition will use ALL of the funds raised to provide healthy food to the community throughout the year.

A huge thank you to all those who ran, to those who took time out of their day to volunteer either at packet pick-up or the day of the race, and to our dedicated event sponsors. It takes all of us to pull this off!

• WAOW
• Grand Theater
• UMR
• 95.5 WIFC
• 101.9 WDEZ
• Crystal Finishing
• Cloverbelt Credit Union
• Marathon Cheese
• Great Lakes Cheese
• Eye Clinic of Wisconsin
• Edgar IGA 

#2 Giving Tuesday - There's Still Time to Keep Feet Warm

Although Giving Tuesday ended yesterday December 3, the need for winter boots has no expiration date.

We're hoping the community can help us out by keeping our Community Closet stocked with kids and toddler size snow boots.

Please consider purchasing from our Amazon wish list...or donate a new or gently used pair.

#3 Summit League Members Choose ECDC to Receive $10,000

Summit League members voted for ECDC Multicultural Community Center to receive a $10,000 grant for the nonprofit’s Driver Empowerment Program.

The vote took place at the exclusive Summit League Celebration on Wednesday, November 7 at the beautiful Grand Theater, downtown Wausau.

After hearing presentations from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northcentral Wisconsin, Boys & Girls Club of the Wausau Area, and ECDC, members cast their ballots for the nonprofit program they chose to receive the $10,000 grant.

Boys & Girls Club took second place and was awarded $4,000 for a Career and Workforce Readiness program for teens and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northcentral Wisconsin took third place with a $1,000 grant for Operation Stock our Shelves.

Summit League members are those who donate $600 or more annually. 

#4 Top Reasons to Give Before the Year Ends

1.     You will automatically be entered into our campaign sweepstakes! Donate at least $1 per week ($52 plus per year) during our campaign and you are entered for a chance to win one of the amazing prizes shown in the photo above. PLUS, new donors and previous gifts increased by $13 earn DOUBLE entries!

2.     Tax deduction – giving to United Way is a tax-deductible activity. BUT, to enjoy the deduction in the current year, the donation must be made before January 1, 2025. 

3.     Knowing that you are making a lasting impact and helping your community thrive!

#5 Save the Date: Annual Celebration, Meeting Set for January 30

Join us Thursday, January 30 at the Elks Lodge in Wausau to celebrate our 2024 accomplishments, acknowledge key players and find out who the sweepstakes winners are!

Our annual meeting will also take place.



Enjoy sweet desserts, a cash bar and socializing. Event starts at 4pm.

Thank you to Marathon Cheese Corporation for generously sponsoring this event!

Calendar of Events

• Friday, December 13: Emerging Leaders Jingle & Mingle Casino Night!
• Tuesday, December 24: Christmas Eve Office Closed
• Wednesday, December 25: Christmas Office Closed
• Wednesday, January 1: New Year's Day Office Closed

Save the Date

• Thursday, January 30: End-of-Year Celebration!