Hope's Chest
Hope's Chest, An Evening for Women in Two Acts, was performed earlier this year in Weston. Attended by more than 200 people, this first-time event featured a collection of original plays (written for Marshfield Clinic) built around the theme of breast cancer and hope. Part education, part real life and several parts humor, the evening was designed to break down barriers, entertain and inform.
This event was an entirely new endeavor for Marshfield Clinic. The goal for the event was to create an original play that would entice people to listen and enjoy themselves, and at the same time learn important information about breast cancer. Organizers sought to blend entertainment with information to reach a younger audience of women. Hope's Chest raised more than $11,000 to support the Wausau/Weston Cancer Patient Care fund.
Marshfield Clinic owns the rights to the script, so this engaging event may also be brought to other Marshfield Clinic communities in the future.
Pianos for the Gardens
On July 16, Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos took the stage at The Campanile Center for the Arts in Minocqua for an evening of comedy, music and improvisation.
The event was a benefit performance for Horizons Gardens, a healing garden renovation on the campus of Marshfield Clinic Minocqua Center. Organized by a small but dedicated group of volunteers, this event – attended by more than 200 – raised over $10,000, helping the garden project reach its fundraising goal of $35,000.
Aim for a Cure
The second annual Aim for a Cure event, celebrating the life of Richard Lepak, was held in August at the Blackhawk Archery Club in Custer.
Lepak spent a lot of time with a bow in his hand, enjoying the art of archery, and he worked very hard to build the Blackhawk Archers Club as it stands today. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with cancer and was taken from his family and friends much too early.
In his honor, Blackhawk Archers take pride in hosting a public archery shoot. Organized by archer and Marshfield Clinic employee Laura Lauer, this fun family event once again designated its proceeds to Marshfield Clinic Cancer Research in hopes of someday finding a cure for cancer. The proceeds from this year's event were $1,295.
Fore A Cure
Fore a Cure raises money for breast cancer awareness and prevention programs at Marshfield Clinic. The tenth anniversary of Fore a Cure presented by Furniture & ApplianceMart, was held in August at the Wausau Country Club.
Proceeds support mobile mammography, the Catherine Fonti Angel Fund and juvenile diabetes. Through the generosity of sponsors, participants and volunteers, this event raised more than $170,000 this year. Over 10 years, this event has successfully raised more than $1 million to benefit Marshfield Clinic.
Mike's Run
Rain failed to dampen the spirits of more than 250 people who splashed through puddles at this year's Mike's Run, raising more than $40,000 for mental health services at Marshfield Clinic.
Mike's Run is a five-mile run and two-mile fun run/walk, honoring the memory of Marshfield native Mike Hackman, who suffered from mental illness for years.
This year's race funds are anticipated to be used for a conference about bullying. The proceeds for Mike's Run in previous years went toward the purchase of hundreds of books, videos and resources on mental health issues for the Marshfield Public Library. The event has also supported a conference educating the public on the signs and indications displayed by a person considering suicide, and an all-day professional conference.
Hub City Days Duathlon
More than 400 participants braved the unseasonable chilly temperatures on Saturday, July 27, in Marshfield to compete in the Hub City Days Duathlon.
Participants completed a two-mile run, followed by a 14-mile bike ride and two-mile run.
This challenging and family fun event raised more than $50,000 and continues to grow in popularity. Proceeds from the Duathlon benefit Marshfield Clinic's Youth Net Program and the Marshfield Child Advocacy Center.
Golf for Research
"Mom, mom, mom!" were the three words that Theresa Lassig said used to be annoying to her – until the day when she thought she would never hear them again.
Lassig's now 17-year-old daughter, Kelsey Hunter, was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age 14. As they addressed the crowd of 150 golfers and 35 volunteers at Lake Arrowhead golf course at Marshfield Clinic's 15th annual Golf for Research event, it was made incredibly clear what impact research has on families like theirs.
Pediatric cancer survivor Kelsey Hunter tees off for the honorary swing at Golf for Research. Kelsey's family knows firsthand the trials and tribulations of a terrifying cancer diagnosis and believes whole-heartedly that Dr. McManus and Marshfield Clinic's oncology team and research saved her life.
This year's Golf for Research generated more than $61,000 for adult and pediatric cancer research at Marshfield Clinic. Dr. Robert Steiner, executive director of Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, attended his first Golf for Research.
"Golf for Research is a very special event. Great strides have been made in adult and pediatric cancer research since this event started 15 years ago, but there is a long way to go," he said. "It's through research that we will continue to find effective treatments and ultimately cures for cancer."
Breast Cancer Awareness Ride and Run
What a day it was as the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Ride and Run raised awareness for breast cancer prevention, screening, and treatment. Women and men of all ages and abilities joined forces to ride, run or walk on the same day, at the same time, all over the country, in the name of breast cancer detection and research.
The local annual Breast Cancer Awareness Ride and Run, sponsored by The Sports Den, Trek Bicycle Company and Marshfield Clinic, raised $ 33,047 to support Marshfield Clinic's mobile mammography services.
This year, individuals and teams came decked out in pink breast cancer awareness attire, building team camaraderie and supporting loved ones who are breast cancer survivors.
Cruise for a Cause
Traveling the country and setting up booths at events with his 2010 Shelby GT500 parked right next to him, Cruise for a Cause organizer Dan Neve continues to deliver hope wherever he goes.
Neve started Cruise for a Cause in 2010 when both his wife and mother were diagnosed with breast cancer within months of each other. Proceeds generated from this event support breast cancer research being done at Marshfield Clinic Research Institute.
His annual Wisconsin Dells Cruise for a Cause event grew again this year with the addition of a golf event, car show and banquet, held in conjunction with the cruise at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells.
The event raised more than $31,000 from their events and raffle sales this year.
Marshfield Clinic Creative Services at their iPink sale. Pink Days
Marshfield clinic employees raised money through the month of October for Breast cancer initiatives. More than 50 departments in 10 different Marshfield Clinic centers participated. The Clinic's Plastic Surgery Department has held its annual "Walking Taco" fundraiser for three years.
"Part of the reason we got involved is because we see a lot of breast cancer patients who have had surgery and need reconstructive surgery," said Tanya Wilke, aesthetic surgery coordinator. "We also all know people who have had breast cancer." Over three years, the event has raised $2,526 to support breast cancer
The Clinic's Creative Services team is thrilled to have donated more than $3,000 over the past four years for Marshfield Clinic's WINGS cancer survivorship program.
"Our "iPink" bake sale has become an annual tradition for our team, in which we bond over the creation and distribution of delicious pink sugary treats," said Manager Todd Stensberg.
Softball and Bean Bag tournament
The 9th Annual Tossing for Breast Cancer Softball and 5th Annual Beanbag Tournament took place at the Marshfield Fairgrounds on September 21. The event also included a coin find for the kids, cake walks, raffles and new this year – lawn bowling.
The event proceeds support research and assists with medical expenses of a softball player undergoing treatment. This year the proceeds went entirely to research as, thankfully, no player was being treated for breast cancer at the time. The tournament raised $4,767, up from last year.
Connie Greenwald was the lead organizer and committee members included Bob and Dawn Chaffin, Sue Leahy, Tammy Livingston and Connie Wavrunek. Mark the date for next year, September 20.
Sharing the celebration
Kim Van Asten of Rudolph was married on Sept. 28, but her wedding guests had to pay up to see her pucker up to her new husband, Matt.
Van Asten was 16 in 2002 when her mother, Alice, lost her battle with a rare bone cancer. Van Asten was the oldest of four siblings who pulled together with the support from their family to cope with the loss.
For her wedding, Van Asten asked her guests to make a donation in Alice's name to Children's Lives Include Moments of Bravery (CLIMB), a Marshfield Clinic program that gives emotional support to children who have a parent or loved one diagnosed with cancer. Instead of clinking glasses during the wedding reception dinner, guests came forward with donations to see the new couple kiss. About $1,500 was raised for CLIMB.
"It was emotional and moving to see how after losing mom 11 years ago, people are willing to go above and beyond to help other people in her name," Van Asten said. "Matt and I are not benefiting from this generosity, but there are other families out there who will benefit some day from this kindness."
Retiree gifts benefit Oncology Angel Fund
After more than 20 years at Marshfield Labs, Mary Griepentrog retired in July, 2013. Mary's tireless efforts and dedication to her job as operations manager had been critical to the success of the veterinary laboratory. As a tribute to her many accomplishments, Mary's friends, family, and colleagues created a fund at Marshfield Clinic, where gifts could be given in her honor.
Overwhelmed by their gifts, Griepentrog teared up at her retirement celebration when she learned of the fund and the generosity of her friends and colleagues. Gifts given in her honor totaled $3,150, which Mary designated to the Oncology Angel Fund.
Play 4 Pink
The University of Wisconsin Marshfield/Wood County women's volleyball team held their third annual Play 4 Pink game, raising $638 to benefit the Catherine Fonti Breast Cancer Angel Fund and Women Living With Hope – both breast cancer initiatives that were chosen specifically by the team.
The University of Wisconsin Marshfield/Wood County women's volleyball team Head Coach Brittany Lueth said, "I started Play 4 Pink three years ago because I wanted our team to give back to our community through a sport that they are passionate about. We invite local high school volleyball teams to come and join in our efforts as a way to promote continued participation in athletic events and demonstrate the importance of helping others. It has been a true passion of mine to help others and engage our current athletes in our community."
These listings represent volunteer fundraisers from June to October, 2013.