Your Top FIVE to THRIVE

February 2024

#1 Mobile Community Closet Pops-Up at Community Partners Campus

Matt, a Wausau resident, walked into Community Partners Campus (CPC) January 11 wearing a lightweight jacket peppered with holes. The temperature was a chilling 34 degrees. He was there that day to receive services from the many non-profits housed in the building.

Matt was pleasantly surprised to see the Mobile Community Closet had set up shop inside the CPC and when he left, he had a new jacket and bag of winter clothes to take home with him.

This is just one resident out of 71 that were served that day and Matt couldn’t have been more grateful.

“God is good,” he said.

The Mobile Community Closet’s next trip is to Abbotsford Thursday, Feb. 8. It takes the work of many volunteers to get the truck prepped, loaded, unloaded and to set up shop.

Members of Impact 100 Greater Wausau helped with the CPC visit and employees from The Boldt Company helped to load the truck for the Abbotsford visit.

If you or your company would like to volunteer, please contact Carly Hanney at channey@unitedwaymc.org.

#2 United Way receives BIG surprise at Annual Celebration Event

It’s not every year that a cash sweepstakes winner gives the funds back to United Way – but this year, that is exactly what happened.

Donors Steve and Donna Schmidt were the $7,000 grand prize winners for the 2023 campaign. The couple attended the annual celebration event on January 25 at the Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co. where they decided to donate their winnings to United Way.

Sweepstakes prizes are funded by sponsors and not United Way, meaning the donation from the couple is a true gift.

“This is a very generous and unexpected gift, and we couldn’t be more thankful,” said Amanda Flannery, Director of Resource Development.

At the annual event, awards were handed out and the annual meeting took place with the election of new board members.

#3 Marathon County Hunger Coalition – Egg Project Expands!

The Marathon County Hunger Coalition is investing $20,000 to supply local food pantries with fresh eggs this year.

The coalition teamed up with Wausau Early Birds Rotary Club, Kwik-Trip and Ninepatch Farm to make three purchases each month.

The Egg Project, started in 2015, has purchased and distributed over 16,000 DOZEN eggs to our neighborhood pantries in Marathon County.

#4 Jeff Sargent Serving as Chair on United Way of Wisconsin Board of Directors

We’re excited to announce that our very own Executive Director, Jeff Sargent, was voted to serve as the Chair on the United Way of Wisconsin Board of Directors.

Not only is Jeff an amazing leader, but he is also active in the community. In the photo, Jeff visited the DCE Evergreen Elementary Be Amazing Club where he engaged club members in ways they can “be amazing” in their daily lives.

Congrats Jeff!

#5 Celebrating 211 Day on February 11

February 11 marks 211 Day where we recognize the service as well as those behind-the-scenes taking the calls.

211 is a voice of support at the other end of the line, helping individuals navigate challenges and finding the assistance they need. 211 helps eliminate barriers by connecting people with services.

In 2023, United Way’s 211 answered 4,675 requests for help from Marathon County residents, providing 10,854 referrals to community resources.

A big shout out goes to our 211 specialists for your dedication, compassion and hard work.

Lastly, let's not forget about our 211 resident dog Lizzie for making everyone's day a bit brighter!

Hi, I'm Lizzie and I love treats!

Save the Date

• Thursday, March 25: Lunch, Learn and Do (Behavorial Health)
• Thursday, June 6: Power of the Purse by Women United
• Saturday, August 27: Second Annual Farm to Feast!