United Way Kick off focuses on small actions

The 2009 Marshfield Area United Way campaign kicked off this morning, not with a bang, but a ripple—with the power to create opportunities for everyone to live a better life. The Kick off Breakfast featured nationally known speaker Paul Wesselmann, creator of Stone Soup Seminars and The Ripples Project.  Since 1990, Paul has worked with hundreds of organizations to create dynamic presentations that inspire and inform. 

“We saw Paul speak at our annual conference in Madison this year.  He had such a huge impact on the staff that we wanted to share his enthusiasm and passion for being a positive force in your community,” said Paula Jero, United Way executive director.

The staff contacted Wesselmann after he announced his uRock Road Trip—a tour across the nation to collect smiles and create ripples.  Since he was already in central Wisconsin, Wesselmann is generously is donating his time.

Kick off also featured Drive Chairs Joe and Ginny Mazza who spoke of their passion to help others and the power every gift has to make a difference in creating lasting positive change.

Local Girl Scout Kelly Guden also spoke of her Gold Award Project: Pay It Forward, an effort to create a chain of small actions of kindness to make the world a better place.

The breakfast concluded with an opportunity for volunteers to pick up their campaign packets.  “Volunteers are our greatest resource—from deciding needs, where funding goes, guiding the focus of the organization all the way to raising money.  Each and every person here today has an essential role in serving residents in need in the Marshfield area,” said Jero.

United Way focuses on the building blocks for a good life.  United Way and it’s funded programs work to prepare youth for success in school and life, give people the tools to become financial stable and improve the health and well being of all residents.

Funds raised will be distributed to the 37 Partner Programs serving Marshfield area residents who live and work in Auburndale, Greenwood, Marshfield, Neillsville, Pittsville, Spencer and Stratford. 

Campaigning will continue through the end of December.  United Way staff and Drive Chairs are available for presentations at businesses.  For more information about Marshfield Area United Way or to schedule presentations call 384-9992 or visit marshfieldareaunitedway.org.

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