Holms help United Way exceed fundraising goal

By Kris Leonhardt

Editor

MARSHFIELD — RiverEdge Golf Course will host its annual Winter Fest fundraiser Feb. 18.

The outdoor event began back in 2013 when RiverEdge owners Jay and Jill Holm were approached about hosting winter activities at the course.

“Our facility was approached by numerous customers regarding the possibility of using the property for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing,” said Jill. “At the time we had no real intentions of grooming a trail but saw no harm in allowing people to enjoy the golf course for their winter activities. Around the same time, we were having lunch with our friend Kevin Michalski, who presented the idea of offering a winter race. The idea snowballed from there, no pun intended.”

As the event developed, it soon became a fundraising vehicle that would benefit charities around the community.

“The Winter Fest event is unique in the fact each year the proceeds generated from the event benefit a different local cause or charity,” Jill explained.

Jill, Jay, and their three children served as United Way fundraising chairs for the fall 2016 season, so using the charity as this year’s beneficiary was a natural fit.

The Holms recently learned that they had assisted in exceeding the United Way’s fall fundraising goal.

“Last week, our family was invited down to the United Way office to meet with Paula Jero and Ashley Winch,” said Jill. “When we arrived, they surprised us with the incredible news that the Annual Campaign had surpassed its preset goal of $810,000. Words cannot describe how proud our family is to have been appointed to such a prestigious position. However, the businesses, local community members, Paula Jero, and Ashley Winch deserve all the recognition for their effort attaining this goal.”

This year’s Winter Fest kicks off at noon with event registration and a free youth 400-meter race. Other events include cross country skiing, 5K and 10K fat tire bicycle races, and 5K and 10K snowshoeing.

“Winter Fest is a great opportunity for anyone in our community and surrounding area to take advantage of a fun day outside with family and friends,” said Jill. “Some participants look to compete not only against others but even against themselves in hopes of trimming time off their previous year’s race results, and even though it is considered a race, many participants get involved with no intentions of being timed but more importantly to donate to a cause they believe in.

“We also have live entertainment starting at 3 p.m. with G-Man, followed by Elated Sun, and finishing up with The Big Deeks.”

For more information visit riveredgegolfcourse.com, or call 715-676-3900.