MARSHFIELD – Marshfield Area United Way Executive Director Ashley Winch said that the organization is considering a new fundraiser this summer to help support local programming.
“All I can tell you at this time, because it is so new, is that it will be a fun run that will be family-friendly and promote a healthy community,” Winch said.
For those unfamiliar with the organization, United Way mobilizes community resources to address social service needs in the areas of education, income and health.
The new fundraiser would serve as another opportunity to raise money to support these focus areas.
“Every year we have an annual campaign to raise money for next year, and that is happening right now,” Winch explained.
The annual campaign consists of a series of events throughout the year that generate funding for existing partner agencies and potential new programs.
The amount of money raised determines how much can be distributed among these agencies.
United Way also accepts applications around this time from organizations seeking funding for new initiatives.
Applications are reviewed to determine if, and at what level, they will be supported.
Events such as the proposed fun run help provide more resources for both partner agencies and new programs.
Some of United Way’s current programs include Nutrition On Weekends (NOW), Retiree Coalition, Right 2 Play 4 All, Supplies 4 Success and United Way’s 211 service.
The NOW program supplies food packages to children who may not have enough to eat on weekends.
“We give out 550 to 600 food packages to kids every week,” said Winch.
Right 2 Play 4 All helps children participate in sports and summer camps by providing each participant with $100 toward registration fees.
United Way’s 211 is a 24/7 resource hotline that connects callers with local services and support programs.
The Retiree Coalition engages retired or near-retired individuals in volunteerism, advocacy, and philanthropy, offering ways to stay active and give back to the community.
These programs, and many others, are funded through United Way’s fundraising efforts, as well as food and monetary donations.
In addition to donations, United Way relies heavily on volunteers.
In 2024, more than 1,000 volunteers contributed nearly 10,000 hours to the community.
“Our organization really relies on people to keep us going,” Winch said. “Whether it’s attending fundraisers, donating money or food, or giving their time, it all helps people and children in need within the community,” Winch added.
“A lot of agencies struggle to get people involved. People in the community should think about what they are passionate about and then raise their hands to see what they can do to help.”
For more information about the Marshfield Area United Way, visit www.facebook.com/MarshfieldAreaUnitedWay.
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