Marathon Lions Club presents $5000 Grant to Marathon City 2020 LTD’s The Power of Community Campaign

The Marathon Lions Club presented a $5,000 grant award to the Marathon City 2020 LTD board to support The Power of Community Campaign, a fund-raising effort by Marathon City 2020 to raise $80,000 to construct a new Heritage Center Park and complete building renovations. The Marathon Lions committed to match $1 for $1 up to $5,000 raised by The Power of Community Campaign within a 60-day timeframe.

Representatives of the Marathon Lions Club presented the check to Marathon City 2020 President Edee Zuleger on Wednesday, May 9th. Club representatives included President, Dave Tylinski, Vice President, Chris Freund, Treasurer, Keith Paul and Secretary, Ed Gibbons.

“The Marathon Lions Club enthusiastically supports The Power of Community Campaign for the Heritage Center Park project,” said Keith Paul. “We feel the park will be an important gathering space in our Village. Our organization wants to see the park project come to fruition because it shows a visible commitment to neighborhood stabilization, community pride, and growth and development in the Village of Marathon.”

The grant will substantially support Marathon City 2020’s efforts to raise funds for The Power of Community Campaign. Marathon City 2020 plans to transform the worn-out parking lot and abandoned bank drive-thru on the Heritage Center property into an environmentally friendly and inviting greenspace. This “pocket park” will feature a covered stage, raised planting beds with built-in seating, a transitional area for additional seating or entertainment, bike racks and more so it can serve as a multifunctional place for education, relaxation, entertainment, and cultural attractions. Additionally, they plan to correct issues with the Heritage Center's front cornice and install a new visually appealing sign.

The Power of Community Campaign kick-off on October 26, 2017, and will continue throughout 2018. The organization’s goal is to secure at least $80,000 to begin construction in 2018, with anticipated completion by late summer so a grand opening can be scheduled by Labor Day weekend 2018 during the annual Fun Days community-wide event.

The Lions’ matching grant helped to spark additional community support for the project. During the 60-day matching grant period, the campaign raised more than $16,000. Board President Edee Zuleger encourages community members to help Marathon City 2020 achieve the fund-raising goal of $80,000 by donating online or submitting contributions through the mail.

“The Marathon City 2020 board is extremely grateful to the Marathon Lions Club for their generous and timely donation to support our organization’s fund drive efforts and ultimately our community,” said Zuleger. “The Marathon Lions Club and Marathon City 2020 LTD share a mission of helping the local community thrive by creating welcoming gathering spaces like the Heritage Center Park; it will be a vibrant resource and place where people can celebrate community pride.”

Contributions to Marathon City 2020 Ltd. (TIN: 47-5638829) are tax deductible as charitable nonprofit contributions under code section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. To donate online, visit the website at www.marathoncity2020.com. Donations can also be payable to the Marathon City 2020 and mailed to: Marathon City 2020 Ltd., PO Box 423, Marathon, WI 54448.

About Marathon Lions Club:

Members of the Marathon Lions Club are dedicated to the advancement of the values, goals and humanitarian services of Lions International in our community, our country and throughout the world. The club supports numerous activities and programs within the Village of Marathon and surrounding communities. Their efforts are focused on programs that engage youth, support vision and eye-related services, relieve hunger, and protect our environment. Meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month at local businesses; a social starts at 6:30p, dinner is at 7p, followed by the meeting. The Marathon Lions Club was chartered in 1964. For more information, contact Dave Tylinski by calling 715-443-2098.