Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield Close to Hitting Fundraising Goal

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025 -- 12:00 PM

(Erik Pfantz, Marshfield News-Herald) The Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield is approaching a significant milestone in its goal to raise $1 million in operating funds to provide a safe and engaging place for young people to “learn, grow, and thrive,” according to a news release from the organization.

According to Erik Pfantz with the Marshfield News-Hearld, only $50,000 is left to be raised to meet the youth empowerment club’s goal to support at least its first two years of operation, according to the release.

The funds will be used in part to cover club start-up expenses including recruitment and training of staff, supplies for programs and to begin development of a standalone center.

“We’re so close to the finish line, and this final stretch is where every community member can make a lasting difference,” Danielle Belsky, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County, said in the release. “This isn’t just about keeping the doors open. It’s about building something strong and sustainable for Marshfield’s youth for years to come.”

The Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield is approaching a significant milestone in its goal to raise $1 million in operating funds to provide a safe and engaging place for young people to “learn, grow, and thrive,” according to a news release from the organization.

Only $50,000 is left to be raised to meet the youth empowerment club’s goal to support at least its first two years of operation, according to the release. The funds will be used in part to cover club start-up expenses including recruitment and training of staff, supplies for programs and to begin development of a standalone center.

“We’re so close to the finish line, and this final stretch is where every community member can make a lasting difference,” Danielle Belsky, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County, said in the release. “This isn’t just about keeping the doors open. It’s about building something strong and sustainable for Marshfield’s youth for years to come.”

Specific needs that will be addressed by a Marshfield branch include addressing gaps in afterschool and summer programs, building community and workforce connections, and creating safe and positive environments for young people, according to the website.

A majority, or 71%, of child care programs in Wood County have a waiting list for services. Area philanthropists Jon and Annette Vandehey committed $500,000 toward the project, according to the website.

Several other individuals and organizations contributed to join the Vandeheys in the project’s “Great Futures Founders” group, including Felker Brothers Corporation, Marshfield Area United Way, Marshfield Community Foundation and Nasonville Dairy.

“Every donation, no matter the size, directly supports a safe, engaging place for local youth to go after school and during the summer,” the organization said in the release. “This is more than a campaign, it’s an investment in the future of Marshfield’s youth.”

More information on the fundraising initiative, including a link to give monetary donations, can be found on the Portage County branch website, or bgclubpc.org/marshfield, or by contacting Kaitlyn Konrardy, Boys & Girls Club of Portage County director of community outreach, at [email protected].

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.