By Adam Hocking

Editor

MARSHFIELD — The Marshfield Area United Way exceeded its annual fundraising goal for this year’s campaign, making the announcement at their annual Thank You Celebration on Wednesday, Feb. 11. Drive Chair Brian Kief broke the good news to a crowd of hundreds, many of them from the businesses that directly contributed funds to the United Way campaign.

The total amount raised surpassed the $830,000 goal that was set at the beginning of the campaign.

“I am pleased to announce that the campaign closed this year at $833,136,” said Kief at the thank you dinner.

Brian Kief and his wife Beth, who was also a drive chair, said that there was both relief at reaching their goal and a letdown knowing the campaign is over.

“There is a sense of relief at having that responsibility be over with, but there’s a sadness to it too that it’s a chapter that you’re moving on. I think Beth and I just had a great time interacting with so many members in the community that maybe we won’t have that same opportunity for a while,” Brian Kief said. “It’s an indescribable experience.”

Beth Kief added, “It’s very humbling and uplifting, and it really goes to show how great of a community Marshfield is and how we support each other.”

United Way Executive Director Paula Jero said the evening was a chance to thank all those that donated.

“It truly is just a celebration and a great way to thank all the support in the community,” Jero said.

Numerous organizations and individuals were awarded for their participation and donations to this year’s United Way Campaign. Below is a listing of the entities that received awards at the Thank You Celebration.

Participation Award

Award for companies with the highest percentage of employees donating to United Way

Small Business: Heritage Bank

Medium Business: BMO Harris Bank

Large Business: Festival Foods

Increased Giving Award

Award for companies with the highest giving per capita and an overall campaign increase from last year

Small Business: Heritage Bank

Medium Business: BMO Harris Bank

Large Business: Nelson Jameson, Inc.

Achievement Award

Award for companies that took great strides to improve their workplace campaign

Recipients: Child Care Center of Saint Joseph’s Hospital and Target

Campaign of the Year Award

This award is based on several criteria. A company must make a corporate contribution and/or conduct an employee campaign, the total amount raised must be an increase over last year, and the business must have gone above and beyond expectations to raise money for United Way.

Small Business: Heritage Bank

Medium: Prevention Genetics

Large: Ministry St. Joseph’s Hospital

Employee Campaign Coordinator of the Year

Honors outstanding individuals who coordinate their workplace campaign

Recipients: Kristina Bohn and Heather Schmidt from Ministry St. Joseph’s Hospital

Volunteer of the Year Award

Honors a volunteer or volunteer group that has gone above and beyond expectations to serve Marshfield Area United Way

Recipients: AARP Tax Aide Volunteers