Your Top FIVE to THRIVE

May 2025

#1 Support United Way in Wake of Unprecedented Funding Requests

Supporting United Way’s giving campaign is essential now more than ever.

In today’s environment, we are seeing tremendous needs for residents in our community go unmet. Your support today will help programs serving families in our community who live paycheck to paycheck.

Through our most recent program funding application process, United Way of Marathon County received 60 applications for funding requests totaling an unprecedented $4.4 million.

Currently, we do not have the dollars needed to fund all of these requests. Please help us continue to be a stable, supportive source of funding for local non-profits in a time of uncertainty. Our direct service programs are also seeing more community members looking for assistance.

Please consider donating today.

#2 15th Annual Power of the Purse - Bring Your Favorite Things!

Join Women United for their 15th annual Power of the Purse fundraiser Thursday, June 5!

NEW – For the first time ever, attendees are being asked to join Women United in creating a unique live auction item called “Favorite Things."

Please bring one new item to the event that you can’t live without. Items brought in will be placed in a designer bag before being auctioned off. Some examples include nail polish, lipstick, cash, a gift card to your favorite place, or sunglasses.

This will be a live auction item that you and other attendees will build together and have the chance to win.

Power of the Purse offers live and silent auctions as well as an amazing collection of curated bucket raffles.

Reserve your spot now and get ready to raise funds for programs that support women in our community.

DATE: Thursday, June 5

TIME: 5-9 p.m.

LOCATION: Central Wisconsin Convention & Expo Center

#3 We collected LOTTSA PASTA!

We did it – we beat last year’s Lottsa Pasta drive by 1,000 pounds!

About 4,000 POUNDS of pasta and rice was collected from March 20-April 30 among community members and local businesses during our second annual pasta drive.

Our Hunger Coalition spent hours sorting the pasta and getting it ready for distribution. More than 20 businesses joined the drive as well as organizations and community members.

#4 Spread the Word – Pregnancy & Postpartum Resource Fair May 22

We’re teaming up with The Babies’ Place again for the second annual resource fair for expecting and postpartum parents.

The event takes place at Community Partners Campus, Thursday May 22 from 3:30p.m.-6p.m.

Our Mobile Closet will offer free maternity and baby clothing (sizes 0-12 months). Additionally, families can receive a starter pack of diapers from The Babies’ Place. Eligible families may qualify for full packs of diapers based on their income. We will also have free infant care kits available.

Various support programs, including WIC, Childcaring, Healthfirst, Nurse-Family Partnership, and more, will be present to provide information and assistance. Registration is not needed.

#5 Emerging Leaders Capture a Full House for Supper Club Tour

By Dylan Weiler

Emerging Leaders Chair

Last week, over 45 members of Emerging Leaders participated in our annual Supper Club tour. Every year we visit new locations, try new foods, and get to meet new people within our community.

I'm excited to share that this year's event was once again completely sold out! Events that we host like this are not only fun ways to build better professional and personal connections, but we also use them to raise money for a good cause. Emerging Leaders is an affiliate group of the United Way of Marathon County. Our focus is to empower those entering the workforce to achieve financial stability by building job skills and accessing resources that help them thrive.

Thank you Sconni's Alehouse and Eatery, Greenwood Hills Country Club, and Palms Supper Club for being amazing hosts! We all appreciated the delicious food, the great service provided by the wonderful staff, and excellent atmospheres!

Special thanks to Ryan Pudelko, Matthew Michalski, and Chelsea Brusky for all the work you did to plan such an excellent event!

Calendar of Events

• Tuesday, May 13 - Retiree Summit (registration still open)
• Thursday, May 22 - Pregnancy & Postpartum Resource Fair
• Monday, May 26 - Office & Community Closer Closed
• Thursday, May 29 - Mobile Closet & Mobile Food Pantry in Mosinee
• Thursday, June 5 - Power of the Purse!

Save the Date

• Campaign Kickoff Event! Registration Open