Sharing Success Program Awards Grant to Support Marathon City 2020 LTD’s The Power of Community Camp

CoBank’s Sharing Success Program has contributed $2,000 to the Marathon City 2020 LTD’s The Power of Community Campaign benefiting the Heritage Center and building project.

CoBank is a cooperative bank serving agribusinesses, rural infrastructure providers and Farm Credit associations throughout the United States. Their Sharing Success Program is a cornerstone of CoBank’s corporate citizenship efforts, which matches donations by the bank’s cooperative and other eligible customers to nonprofit organizations in their communities. Marathon City 2020 was eligible for financial assistance through the Sharing Success Program because Marathon Feed and Grain is a business member with CoBank. Christine Heise from Marathon Feed and Grain applied for a grant from Sharing Success on behalf of Marathon City 2020 LTD earlier this year.

According to the Sharing Success Program’s award letter, the grant is “designed to celebrate the vital role that Marathon Feed and Grain plays in the community. Sharing Success partners with Marathon Feed and Grain to support the causes and organizations they care about and make a positive impact and fulfill its mission to service rural America.”

Christine Heise from Marathon Feed and Grain presented Marathon City 2020 with the $2,000 check in May. MC2020 has allocated the funds for The Power of Community Campaign which includes Heritage Center repairs, a Heritage Center sign, and a new park outside the center.

“Marathon Feed and Grain recognizes the impact that local businesses like us have in communities,” says Christine Heise. She adds, “We are proud to help Marathon City 2020 build a vibrant and thriving community and give back to preserve our quality of life and continue to improve it for future generations.”

The contribution from the Sharing Success Program supports 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 Marathon City 2020 board is extremely grateful to Marathon Feed and Grain for applying for a grant on our behalf and recognizing the value of our downtown improvement efforts. We also thank the Sharing Success Program for selecting us as a recipient of this grant because it will directly support ‘The Power of Community’ fundraising campaign,” said Edee Zuleger, president of Marathon City 2020 Ltd.

Zuleger encourages community members to donate online and show their spirit for Power of Community Campaign.

The Power of Community Campaign kicked off on October 26, 2017, and will continue throughout 2018. The organization’s goal is to secure necessary funds and 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.

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 their 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.