By Amber Leifheit

MACF Executive Director

The most generous people in central Wisconsin trust the Marshfield Area Community Foundation as their partner in philanthropy. Together, we are improving the quality of life in our community now and for future generations. It has been our mission for more than 23 years. John Harrington was one of those generous people.

John was married to Susan Harrington. John and Susan had three boys and lived and worked in Marshfield. John dedicated his life to inspiring and motivating his students and athletes to reach their potential. John began teaching, coaching, and advising students at the UW-Marshfield/Wood County in 1968, where he stayed until he retired in 2006. John continued to teach and coach tennis for the UW-Marshfield/Wood County through 2013.

During his life he coached baseball, basketball, and tennis. He was tireless in improving the community through his volunteerism and building local recreational facilities. He designed the UW athletic fields and tennis courts, organized the Wellness Run, and was a volunteer on the Healthy Lifestyle Committee.

John died on Sept. 26 after a long battle with cancer. John was very dedicated to the UW and to the city as he set up funds at the Marshfield Area Community Foundation to support the things he loved forever.

One fund will support the Marshfield Area Community Foundation, the United Way, the YMCA, the Marshfield Area Friends of the Trail, the Marshfield Ski Touring Foundation, the food pantry at St. Vincent de Paul, and the grant program at Wesley United Methodist Church. A new fund of his will support youth, family, or silent sports. The fund will accept grant applications, which will be found on the Marshfield Area Community Foundation website soon.

Susan also made arrangements in her will to start a legacy fund to support the projects near and dear to her heart. To learn how to start a fund to help the causes you love, please contact us.

All contributions are tax deductible, and with the holidays and the end of the year quickly approaching, it is an ideal time to establish or add to a fund at the Marshfield Area Community Foundation. Your end-of-year gift will ensure you realize maximum tax benefits from your generosity.