For the City Times

MARSHFIELD – Area non-profit groups are sharing in the proceeds from Wisconsin Farm Technology Days, held near Marshfield this summer. The Wood County FTD Food Committee dispersed a total of $103,360 to the 31 organizations which operated six food tents, three ice cream stands, and other beverage areas during the July 10-12 exposition.

“Our volunteers, along with those working in the distribution area fed over 42,000 people during the show,” said Food Committee Liaison Dawn Vruwink. “A total of 687 volunteers helped with our meal operations throughout the three-day event. Our show would not have been nearly as successful without them.”

Food Committee Chairperson Sarah Salewski adds that nearly $57,000 in food products were donated by more than two dozen vendors, which helped boost the total profits being shared with the volunteer groups. Many of those items were produced in Wood County.

”Cranberries were incorporated into four menu items and local dairy was highlighted through cheese curds, grilled cheese sandwiches, milk and kefir,” Salewski said. “In fact, almost as much chocolate milk was consumed as Pepsi.”

Each of the groups was presented with a check during a volunteer appreciation celebration in Pittsville on Oct. 25. The payouts were calculated based on the number of people and total volunteer hours each group provided during their shifts.

Of the groups receiving proceeds, 19 were from Wood County, six traveled from Marathon County, two from Clark County, one came from Portage County, and three statewide groups also volunteered their time.

Also this week, a check for $10,880 was presented to athletic students at Marshfield Columbus High School for their volunteer efforts in parking cars at the show.

Meanwhile, the Executive Committee is in the process of determining how to disperse the other projected profits from the event. Those details should be announced before the end of the year. All proceeds will stay in the local area.

Wood County Farm Technology Days was hosted by D&B Sternweis Farms and Weber’s Farm Store/Heiman Holsteins in July.