An event you don't want to miss

I'm brainstorming ways we can get people to United Way's Kick off this year. Kick off is the BIG event for United Way every year.

It's the event where we make an effort to get everyone together...our Board members, Partner Programs, CEO's, the wonderful people who coordinate their company's campaign (we call them ECC's), the volunteers to go into the community with five packets to ask businesses to contribute to the campaign (we call them Community Campaign Volunteers) and all our other friends that give, advocate and volunteer for the common good.

This year it's even BIGGER because we're also combining the Kick off with the Training for all these wonderful people who help us raise money (because, we couldn't do it without them!).

And more so, it's about 100x BIGGER because we have a fantastic guest speaker Paul Wesselmann. Some of you may be familiar with Paul because he's The Ripples Guy. Paul is a corporate trainer and motivational speaker and creator of The Ripples Project. The Ripples Project includes a weekly e-mail with a quote, point to ponder and a reflection from Paul to how we can take this information and put it to practice (fondly referred to as Pebble, Stone and Boulder).

We saw Paul speak at our annual United Way conference ... and we LOVED him. So much he was all we could talk about for the rest of the conference, the ride home and the next staff meeting. HOW COULD WE GET PAUL TO MARSHFIELD?

Well, our passion for Paul's message of positive ripples paid off ... because he's coming. And we're so excited. But, we want as many people who need positive ripples ... or want to learn how they can make the world a better place with small actions (sound familiar, like LIVE UNITED?).

Earlier I said how can we get people to Kick off. Because I can communicate until I'm blue in the face (and that shade would be of course, United Way blue) ... newspaper, radio, web site, blogs, e-newsletters, posters, and on and on and on ... it's just like you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. You can tell people but you can't make them come.

I want to show you how awesome Paul is ... watch Paul's 5 Actions When Stressed! on You Tube. This is one of the things Paul did at our conference. Now, I'm not into audience participation activities, but by the end, I was totally into it.

Also, here's Paul's Channel on You Tube.

The best part of all of these clips? If you come to Kick off ... you'll see even more new information because creating ripples isn't covered on You Tube.

I dare you to watch 5 actions and not laugh. I watched it again just now ... and remembered how great Paul is and I cannot wait for August 6!

You can also check Paul out on his web sites: Paul's site, The Ripples Project, Paul's Facebook, Paul's Twitter.

And after all of that, RSVP to reserve your spot at our Kick off. Everyone is welcome, but seating is limited. And Paul is so awesome, we hope to pack the house.

Want more information about Kick off? Click here. Hope to see you there!

Help us spread the word! Let your friends know you're attending on Facebook: United Way Kick off

Thursday, August 6, 2009
Kick off: 7:30 to 9 a.m. - Training: 9-10 a.m.

$5 suggested donation

Holiday Inn & Conference Center -750 S. Central Avenue, Marshfield

Please RSVP by July 29.

Available resources reduces stress in tough times

Our budgets are tightening with an uncertain economy and the rising cost of living. It’s easy to become overwhelmed trying to make everything fit. There are resources available to residents to help relieve some stress of making ends meet.

Prescription costs can quickly drain a budget, but with the FamilyWize prescription drug discount card families and individuals can save up to 30 percent on medications. Marshfield Area United Way announced this discount card in April as an option for everyone in the Marshfield area—people who do not have insurance, those whose medication is not covered by insurance, Medicaid, Medicare or other benefit plans or for people who have not reached their plan’s minimum deductible.

There are no age or income restrictions, no limit on how many times you can use it and no personal information collected. Through May, the FamilyWize card has already lowered the price of 418 prescriptions in the Marshfield area with a total savings of $6,441.48. To get your card, call United Way, 384-9992 or visit www.marshfieldareaunitedway.org.

For some, the cost of preparing for school can stretch an already tight budget. To help families and children start the school year with new supplies, the Volunteer Center is holding Fill a Backpack Fulfill a Need backpack drive. Every child should have the opportunity to be prepared each school year. Having new school supplies may seem small to adults but to a child it can be everything.

If your child receives free or reduced lunch, or if you are experiencing a financial hardship, please contact us to register to receive a backpack, distributed in August. Businesses and individuals can help by donating supplies.

The job market is also a stress many of us are facing. If you are unemployed or a student and want to utilize your skills or gain experience, contact the Volunteer Center. Many nonprofits can use the help of volunteers for various projects: Web site development, construction projects, development of marketing materials, assisting with programming and special projects.

These are only a few of the programs in our community that reach out to people in need. More resources can be found in United Way’s 2-1-1’s Help for Hard Times guide at the United Way web site or by dialing 2-1-1.

The whole family feels the stress of tough times, but help is out there. To learn more visit www.marshfieldareaunitedway.org or call 384-9992.

Sarah Krenn, Marshfield Area United Way’s Community Impact and Volunteer Center Coordinator can be reached at 384-9992 or unitedway.sarah@tznet.com

Community resources available for residents in need

Every hour of every day, someone in the United States needs essential services—and the Marshfield area is no exception. A single mom is looking to secure adequate child care, a family is searching for social options for a disabled relative or an adult son needs help caring for his aging parents.

In these uncertain economic times the need for information about our local programs is even more important. It's not always obvious where to turn when you or someone you know is struggling. It could be due to job loss, illness or simply stressful and uncertain economic times, but help is available.

Take out the confusion and start with the Help for Hard Times Guide at www.getconnected211.org.

This guide was compiled by United Way’s 2-1-1—putting common resources in one place so residents can start to find solid footing. The guide outlines information about resources like food banks, rent assistance, utility assistance, support groups, counseling, financial assistance, transportation information and more.

Rather speak to a person than read? Or you have additional questions? Dial 2-1-1, you will be connected to a trained and friendly operator who has a database of community programs at his or her fingertips to help you find what you’re looking for.

When you call 2-1-1 you receive confidential information or referrals to human services for every day needs or more complex problems. With an changing amount of programs and services is available, it can often be confusing to know the right place to call. In many cases people end up going without necessary and readily available services because they did not know where to start.

School will be out in a couple of months and it’s a perfect opportunity for you to pick up the phone and utilize 2-1-1’s resources. You can learn about the range of age-appropriate activities for your children. This may include your local library’s hours and how to get involved in its summer reading program or details about summer camp options and other local recreation programs.

Marshfield Area United Way and United Way of Inner Wisconsin partner to provide the Marshfield area 2-1-1 services, available 24 hours a day, everyday.

Get connected to the information you are looking for any time day or night by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting www.getconnected211.org.


Contributed by Stacey Oelrich, United Way’s 2-1-1 Program Coordinator and Communications Director

Books Are Fun book fair returns to Saint Joseph's Hospital

Quench your thirst for knowledge and help your community.

Mark your calendar and plan to stop by the “Books are Fun” book fair. The event will be held in Saint Joseph's Hospital Lobby (by the gift shop, 1N).

Monday, May 18: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Tuesday, May 19: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Wednesday, May 20: 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Choose from a wide variety of books, games and gifts for all ages at prices up to 70 percent off. All proceeds from the book fair will benefit the United Way.

Accepting payment of cash and check

Congratulations Vicky Peterson of Marshfield, Winner of the Dare to Dream Raffle

With ticket number 3602 Vicky won the cash prize $42,678.

Thank you to everyone who bought a ticket, there were 1,796 tickets sold, a great start for our first annual raffle.

Special thanks to Wisconsin Homes for partnering with United Way to offer this unique opportunity and fundraising event. Thank you also to all the ticket locations, including Wisconsin Homes dealers across Wisconsin and Iowa. We appreciate your support.

United Way and Wisconsin Homes plan to hold our Dare to Dream Raffle again next year. Look for more details here as they become available.

Chase away Spring Fever with Happy Hour for United Way

United Way invites residents to welcome spring with a special fundraising event. Gather with family and friends and give back through Happy Hour for United Way, running through May.

Join host Sue Decker and guest bartenders at these fine Marshfield area taverns:

April 30 from 4-8 p.m. at Someplace Else
May 7 from 7-9 p.m. at Bakerville Sports Bar & Grill
May 20 from 5-8 p.m. at The Rose Bowl

Percent of proceeds from the evening will benefit United Way.

Thank you to everyone who stopped out for Happy Hour at Mr. G's. We hope everyone had a great time.

Thanks also for Mr G's for helping sell House Raffle tickets. We draw on Wednesday, time is running out to get your ticket. Call 384-9992 today!

Volunteers Needed to Stamp Out Hunger

Be a part of the largest food drive in the nation, Saturday May 9. Join Marshfield Area United Way, National Association of Letter Carriers and the Marshfield Post Office for the 16th annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive.

Volunteers are needed from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to sort food and load trucks at the Marshfield Post Office. Any amount of time is needed: service can vary from 15 minutes to one or more hours.

To volunteer call the Marshfield Area Volunteer Center at 384-9992 or e-mail unitedway dot sarah at tznet.com.

On Saturday May 9, place a bag of nonperishable food by your mailbox. Please double check the items you donate to ensure they are not expired. Your letter carrier will pick them up Saturday morning for distribution to local food pantries, St. Vincent DePaul and Soup Or Socks.

Brighten your week

Do you need an extra spark to refocus and be inspired? Click here to find out more.

Use your green thumb to provide food for families

Every year the food pantry shelves go bare in the summer time. Every year gardens are overflowing with vegetables the grower can’t eat, can or freeze. It’s a summer tradition to bring the abundant zucchini, cucumbers and tomatoes to workplace break rooms, roadside stands or beg neighbors and family members to take the excess.

United Way has an idea for a way to use your green thumb to feed hungry residents in the Marshfield area this summer and fall. This spring when you plant your garden, plant an extra row of vegetables. Then, when it’s time to harvest, donate the fruits of your labor to our community pantries. Your efforts will put food on the table for families and provide them that building block to a good life they might not otherwise have had.

We don’t want to be over flowing with zucchini and tomatoes. Please follow the suggested guide below when planting.

If your birthday falls on an even date (example: April 14) plant: onions, leafy greens (such as lettuce or spinach), broccoli, carrots, melons, squash or zucchini.

If your birthday falls on an odd date (example: May 1) plant: peas, rhubarb, beans, beets, cucumbers, cauliflower, pumpkins or tomatoes.

So, as you harvest your garden, take the vegetables from your extra row to your local food pantry (for locations and hours, dial 2-1-1).

When the growing season is over, United Way will report back how much fresh food was donated and how many families were able to enjoy the results of the collective gardening community.

You can also help out by contributing your favorite recipes featuring the fresh fruits and vegetables. We will compile recipes, and provide to the food pantries to include as they distribute food. E-mail recipes to unitedway@tznet.com or mail to PO Box 771 Marshfield, WI 54449.

Don’t have the extra space to squeeze in one more row? Even if you donate a part of your harvest once a month it will decrease the burden the pantries are feeling.

So, think green and help United Way provide sustainable resources to help create opportunities for a good life for everyone. For more information, call 384-9992 or visit www.marshfieldareaunitedway.org. Give. Advocate. Volunteer. LIVE UNITED.

Stacey Oelrich, Marshfield Area United Way’s Communication Director can be reached at unitedway.stacey@tznet.com

Join us for an International Day of Youth Service

Marshfield Area United Way and the Volunteer Center will host our area’s “National Youth Service Day” celebration, Saturday, April 18. National Youth Service Day is a day of volunteering to rally the youth citizens of our local communities in an effort to improve the quality of life and encourage a spirit of giving. We are calling all youth and their families to join us for this worldwide event.

Together we planned an eventful morning that should be enjoyable for all who participate. The projects we’ve planned focus on, a food drive, cleaning up trash and debris at Braem and Wildwood Parks, planting trees, cleaning up in and around the Chestnut Center for the Arts. and the Youth Net site in the former Sacred Heart School on South Central Ave.

Those who volunteer can bring great things to a community. Marshfield area youth are a vital part of our community. They can express themselves and voice their concerns. They can also mobilize one another and join in on efforts that have potential to make great impact. Today’s youth are our next generation of volunteers and already they are paving a path of great service. Many youth in the Marshfield area are already involved in volunteer efforts. Before, during or after school they are donating their time to a service project. They realize they are vital members of our community and that they too have the responsibility to share their talents, skills and interests with others.

Why not plan to join us as Marshfield area youth will come together to join a worldwide effort to make positive changes in our world by participating in National Youth Service Day. They will meet community needs through their services of cleaning up local parks, walking trails and community centers, in addition to helping out our local food pantry. You’re asked to bring gloves and rake for park and trail clean-up duties.

So, what are you doing Saturday, April 18? To register, contact the Marshfield Area United Way Volunteer Center at 384-9992 or unitedway.sarah@tznet.com. Volunteers under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.

Come join us and be part of an event that helps change the world.

Celebrate Marshfield's Volunteers

SAVE THIS DATE!
WHERE: Marshfield Eagles
WHEN: Wednesday, April 29, 2009
TIME: 4:30 p.m. – 5:45 – Complimentary appetizer buffet and cash bar
5:45 – 6:30 p.m. - Program
WHY: To Celebrate all Community Volunteers!

The impact of volunteers in the Marshfield area is immeasurable! Each and every day volunteers make a HUGE difference in the lives of others and for many organizations.

Marshfield Area United Way, Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Main Street Marshfield, Saint Joseph’s Hospital and the Marshfield Public Library are hosting “Celebrate Volunteers, a Community Appreciation Event!” in order to recognize your volunteers.

Please plan on attending and invite your volunteers as well. We would like to honor ALL adult and teenage volunteers who donate their time and talents to the many non-profit organizations located in Marshfield and surrounding communities.

Also, we would like to express our appreciation for their priceless gifts of loyal, dedicated service. This event offers the opportunity for all volunteers to receive a heartfelt “thank you”, to give themselves a “pat on the back” and to encourage others to become involved as well.

We also invite area non-profits to host a display table showcasing their organization and VOLUNTEERS!

To register to attend this FREE event and/or sign up to host a display table, please RSVP by April 20, 2009 for yourself and the number of your volunteers who plan to attend to: Call Sarah Krenn, at 384-9992 or e-mail unitedway dot sarah at tznet dot com. Seating is limited.

Need help with your budget or finances? Attend these free sessions in March

Need help with your budget? Having troubles with your current finances? Your money matters and we can help you!

“Money Matters,” a FREE four session workshop to help you manage current finances, grow your assets, build a savings, shop smart and save on home energy costs. Sign up for one, two or all four sessions.

Money in Motion
A two session course designed to improve your financial literacy. How to get ahead, develop a budget, improve your credit, take action for your money!

• First Session: Thursday, March 5 5:30 – 7:.30 p.m. at MidState Technical College, Room 126 (2600 W. 5th St, Marshfield)
• Second Session: Thursday, March 26 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at at MidState Technical College, Room 126 (2600 W. 5th St, Marshfield)

S - T - R - E - T - C - H that dollar
Is your food budget not going as far? Come and learn to s -t - r - e -t - c - h that dollar and provide nutritious meals for you and your family. We will learn to plan menus, use money saving strategies at the grocery store, and other helpful tips to provide quick, nutritious meals without breaking the bank!

• Thursday, March 12 5:30—6:30 p.m. at MidState Technical College, Room 126 (2600 W. 5th St, Marshfield)
  
  

What is e+? It's "Energy Smart" Plus a whole lot more!
This session will help you save energy, water and money by providing information on programs, easy to use tools and technology.

• Thursday, March 12, 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. at MidState Technical College, Room 126 (2600 W. 5th St, Marshfield)
  
  

Presented by Marshfield Area United Way, Marshfield Utilities, Catholic Charities and UW Extension. Registration is required; call Sarah Krenn at 384-9992 or click here to e-mail Sarah.

Seven Ways to give without breaking your budget

In these tough economic times every dollar counts, both in your budget and donations to non-profits. You want to give back to help improve lives and make your community a better place to live. Did you know you can do just that without stressing your budget.

Area businesses provide options to make charitable contributions based on percentages you spend or invest with them. Don’t forget online options that offer similar reward programs.

Below are the Top 7 ways to give to United Way and create opportunities of a better for everyone--without impacting your budget.

Pick ‘n Save: Advantage Saver’s Card: Specify 488233 on application or with customer service.

Kwik Trip: Kwik Card: Designate Marshfield Area United Way on application or with an inside cashier.

Marshfield Savings Bank: Charitable Money Market Account, Open account with Marshfield Savings Bank for a minimum of $500, designate Marshfield Area United Way.

GoodSearch for United Way: Search the internet and donate. Set GoodSearch as your default search engine, download the toolbar or simply bookmark www.goodsearch.com and use it for all your Internet searching needs.

Select United Way—Marshfield Area where it asks you to select an organization. Each search donates approximately one penny—Click here to start searching and earning money for United Way. You can also track our progress by clicking Amount Raised! In 2008, GoodSearch donated $44.65 to United Way.

GoodShop for United Way: From the creators of GoodSearch, GoodShop allows you to shop at your favorite online sites and stores (more than 700 available) and make a donation to United Way. Browse the list of stores on www.goodshop.com, select United Way—Marshfield Area, then click the store or company to shop with and you’ll be redirected to its site. Shops sites like Amazon, Avon, Best Buy, Macy’s and more.

Walk with a Purpose with Okobos Shoes: Okobos Shoes is a footwear company that is giving back through donations of $15 per shoe purchase. Visit www.okobos.com, at check out, enter UNITED in the promotional code box and Okobos will make a donation to United Way. The donation will be sent to the United Way assigned to serve your zip code.

Banks & Credit Cards: Earn reward points? Visit customer service or the Rewards section of your card’s web site to give to United Way!

Realizing the Dream

"Everybody can be great because everybody can serve," Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today marks the 23rd anniversary of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. This day should mean much more to people than no mail delivery. Many Americans across the country use today to celebrate and honor the life of Dr. King by dedicating their time to a service project.

A noted theme for the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday has become “A Day On, Not a Day Off.” People of all ages are encouraged to set aside time to participate in service projects in their communities. This further commemorates the legacy of Dr. King by meeting local community needs, tolerance, peace and equality for all.

During his lifetime, Dr. King sought common ground on which people from all walks of life could join together to address important community issues. Service, he realized, was the great common ground.

There is no time like the present to seek out your community’s needs, and to honor the work of Martin Luther King Jr. It is a time to take action, and a time to make the change in our communities. United Way's focus is on creating opportunities of a better life for everyone, and volunteerism is a major component of that focus.

Our community is a generous one, through monetary gifts, but also through volunteer efforts. I challenge you to continue Dr. King's mission throughout the year. There are so many ways to get involved!

You can help in annual events like Make A Difference Day in the Fall and National Youth Service Day in the Spring. But it doesn't stop there. Programs across the community have many projects, committees and other needs where you can lend your time, talents and service.

To see a list of current opportunities, click here. You can also subscribe to the Volunteer E-Updates, an email notification about opportunities as they become available (sign up information below).

Please contact the Sarah Krenn at the Marshfield Area United Way Volunteer Center at 384-9992 or e-mail Sarah for more information about listed opportunities or to subscribe to the Volunteer E-Updates.

Make LIVE UNITED a resolution you keep in 2009

It’s hard for me to make New Year’s Resolutions. I didn’t see the point because I could never find the motivation to keep them. Once March rolls around, I have a hard time even remembering what they were.

So last year I did something different. I asked myself what small steps I could take to create change in myself and the world around me. I wanted to focus on clear efforts that would have long-term benefits. Each step had a specific goal and several ways I could practice new habits every day.

In the spring of 2008 United Way of America rolled out a new focus for the United Way Brand and Impact System: LIVE UNITED and Advancing the Common Good. And oddly enough, when I learned more about these ideals, they paralleled my thought process of small actions to create change.

LIVE UNITED is call to action for individuals across the community to unite and create a better tomorrow. When we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all—creating positive ripples out to the community as a whole. When we think of our lives as connected to the lives of others around us, we have the power to create opportunities for everyone to have a better life.

So this year, I challenge you to LIVE UNITED. Here are eight easy ways to get you started:

1. Attend Vision Councils or any of the other action committees throughout the Marshfield area.

2. Give generously to organizations close to home and close to your heart.

3. Open doors for others, say please and thank you, and smile.

4. Learn about community needs, then advocate for those that you think take priority.

5. Tell people you know to dial 2-1-1 when they are having a hard time or don’t know where to turn for community services and programs.

6. Lend a Hand through local nonprofits, service clubs, school organizations or church functions.

7. Double check your nonperishable food items to make sure they’re not expired before you give to food drives throughout the year.

8. Write a letter to your congressional or local representative. If you don’t let them know what’s important to you, no one will.

Make LIVE UNITED a resolution you’ll keep (and remember past March). Learn more about United Way and how you can Give. Advocate. Volunteer. click here to visit our Web site or call 394-9992.

You can change the community’s course of action with your contribution

United – relating to or produced by joint action. Way - a course of action. If there was ever an agency that was perfectly described by its definitions, it is United Way.

United—relating to or produced by joint action. That describes the volunteers who have strived to raise funds this year, in spite of tough economic times. It also describes everyone who gave, because together we produce the joint action of providing needed services in our community.

In these tough economic times, donors have chosen to reduce or even eliminate their charitable giving. What joint action is produced? This is a short-term move with long-term implications.

Campaign is significantly down which means United Way is faced with significantly less resources to respond to significantly more needs. United Way volunteers will be faced with tough decisions. Where can we make cuts? Should it be youth programs? Programs for families? Services for seniors? How do we cut the services of food, clothing and shelter during this economy? I know our tough decisions will be repeated by 38 organizations throughout our community. They too will cut budgets internally and then make the hard decision of who can’t be served.

Way – a course of action. During these unsure economic times, what is our course of action as a community? Just like doing the preventive maintenance on our car avoids costly repairs later, investing in your community now avoids costly services later.

Mentoring youth, helping seniors remain in their homes and helping families work towards financial stability are just a few examples of the cost effective programs supported by United Way. And like costly repairs for our car, the alternatives of involvement with social services and juvenile justice, nursing home care and bankruptcy are all expensive outcomes when compared to offering affordable community based services.

You can change the course of action. There is still time to give, and your donation is urgently needed. Take a moment to read the editorials and Letters to the Editor written recently by United Way funded programs to understand more about what is at stake for people if funding decreases because of decreased giving.

Be a part of changing our course of action. Contribute today. Visit www.marshfieldareaunitedway.org to download a pledge form or mail your donation to Marshfield Area United Way, PO Box 771, Marshfield WI 54449. All donations, regardless of the amount, are welcomed and needed.

Contributed by Paula Jero, Marshfield Area United Way’s Executive Director

Your contribution is needed to help residents

What do you do when everyone is hungry and no one can decide on one snack? Hailey wants M&M’s. Erika wants toffee. Courtney wants chocolate. Mom wants pretzels and I want something with nuts. Emma can’t decide between sweet, salty, crunchy or gooey—but she knows she wants something!

We went to the pantry, dug out our snack of choice, poured them into bowls and realized what we each had was too little to satisfy our hunger. Finally it came to us—take the half full bags and combine them to make a “seven layer” bar. It hit everyone’s craving, and we all got a lot more to eat than if we had only eaten one snack food.

I bet you never thought a little of something would make such a difference. Well, I can give you one more example—and it’s more fulfilling than the most delicious dessert. It’s your contribution to the United Way campaign. Every gift has a huge impact because it creates opportunities for people to have a better life.

If contributions don’t continue, United Way volunteers must make tough decisions on where to decrease funding. So many programs already operate on very bare bone budgets. It’s amazing to see what they do with so little. Mary’s Place: Genesis Room gave 50 people a place to live—a chance to get off the street, out of their car or off someone’s couch and transition to steady employment and housing. All for only $6.68 per night.

Many people in our community face difficult challenges. There are older adults fighting poverty, teens in conflict with their parents or unemployed fathers wondering how they’re going to feed their family. We all feel the rising costs of living expenses, but we don’t have to choose between heat and groceries like some people.

Please make a contribution within your budget: $10, $50, $100 or more. If you already made your contribution to change lives, thank you. You can take action by advocating for thousands in need. Ask someone you know to also give generously.

Get involved: Give. Advocate. Volunteer. LIVE UNITED. Call 384-9992 to give or print a pledge card by visiting www.marshfieldareaunitedway.org. Contributions can be mailed to Marshfield Area United Way, PO Box 771, Marshfield, WI 54449.


Contributed by Stacey Oelrich, Marshfield Area United Way’s Communications Director

Honest Abe promises a sleeper sofa in every living room

For the second year ghouls, goblins and characters of all kind have taken over Marshfield Furniture.

In the Halloween spirit employees of Marshfield Furniture are improving lives … through a costume contest coupled with their United Way campaign … showing that you can LIVE UNITED, even when you’re undead.

Enjoy the slideshow below with the 2008 Costumes


If you'd like to see costumes from 2007, click here.

Figi's, Inc. Chili Championship

Figi's, Inc. held another successful and creative fundraiser this fall. Two weeks of nearly 30 entries of different kinds of chili. From tradional chilies like Mom makes to the fantastic and tasty white chicken chili or margarita chili.

It all came together when the eight finalists cooked their best pot of chili and put together dazzling displays for judging.

Each team was judged on presentation, originiality and taste. It was a hard task for judges WSAW News Channel 7's Jeff Talen, WDLB/WOSQ Bob Meyer, UW-Marshfield/Wood County's and United Way Drive Co-Chair Andy Keogh and Mayor Chris Meyer.

While all presentations leap above and beyond the normal bowl, spoon and fixings--orginality and taste proved to help the judges make the final decision.

The ulimate Chili Champion was crowned and the trophy claimed by Monica Morzinski from Purchasing and her team: Cooks United to Make a Difference with the White Christmas Chicken Chili.

A big thank you to all the chefs and Figi's employees who tasted at each level of judging and the panel of celebrity judges for the Cook out Championship. It was another fun and exciting event--thank you for your hard work, creative spirits and generosity to help our community.

ODC pies another great campaign

Opportunity Development Centers always runs fun, informative campaigns. They have a small staff, but big hearts and even bigger imaginations. They utilize special events that can involve their clients, so everyone can be involved.

Far eclipsing their goal of $2,000 ... this was another successful year for ODC!

On October 30, ODC held a Chili Feed and encouraged employees to dress up for Halloween. Left: Lynn helps serve chili, dressed up as Sarah Palin for Halloween.

One special event was Pie in the Face. People could vote for who should receive pies. The top five votes won ... or lost, depending who talk to. Lucky for everyone, this November day was atypical of Wisconsin weather. 70 degrees makes even taking a pie in the face a little more pleasant. Enjoy the photo slideshow below, click on an image for a larger size.