Woodchucks Release 2023 Community Impact Report

Wausau, WI –Through partnerships with local businesses, donations in kind, and fundraising programs, the Wausau Woodchucks and team owners Mark and Donna Macdonald were able to give back to the community once again during 2023.

The Woodchucks partnered with TDS and Ruder Ware for Woody’s Reading Club, a reading program that local schools can participate in and earn a free ticket to a Woodchucks game along with other prizes such as a bookmark and ballpark snacks. Over 200 classrooms took part in Woody’s Reading Club this year!

Game-day initiatives through the Woodchucks raised money for certain causes in partnership with local businesses. In 2023 the Woodchucks raised over $12,000 for these causes, including $10,00 for JDRF through the Walk with the Woodchucks Partnership with Crystal Finishing Systems, which saw money donated every time a Woodchuck player drew a walk at home. Each home run scored by a Woodchucks player raised money for the Hagar House courtesy of K-Tech Kleening totaling $1,350. In addition, each time the clean-up hitter brought in a run, a donation was made to the Jireh Food Pantry through the Executive Cleaning Clean Up Hitter program, with a total of $1,450 being donated this season.

In addition, the Woodchucks put together a fundraising ticket package for several local youth sports teams, bands, and other nonprofit groups for fundraising efforts. Through these ticket packages over $8,000 was raised!

Many game day promotions were in place thanks to our partners to recognize local people and organizations. This included the WisDOT Hometown Hero of the game which brought local police, fire, first responder, Military members, etc. to games to be recognized for their service.  At every home game there was also a Cellcom Field of Dreams Team of the Night, providing local youth baseball, softball, soccer, and dance teams with the opportunity to attend the game free of cost and to join the Woodchucks players on the field during the pre-game ceremonies. There was the Connexus Credit Union Organization of the Night as well, which brought non-profit organizations such as the Community Center of Hope, Bridge Street Mission, and more to Athletic Park with complimentary tickets to a game.

The Woodchucks wore specialty jerseys two times this year, which were then auctioned and raffled off to raise money for the Safe Kids Program and KATS Over $4,000 was raised in total through the specialty jersey sales.

During 2023, the Woodchucks gave back to the community with over $1,500 worth of in-kind donations to various local causes. The team mascot, Woody Woodchuck, made multiple appearances to community events varying from fun runs, walks, school assemblies, community celebrations and more. The Woodchucks also hosted several field trips at the stadium for school and community organizations throughout the year. Additionally, Woodchucks players, coaches and staff helped to host four youth baseball clinics in partnership with Wisconsin Chevy Dealers, with over 500 youth baseball and softball players in attendance!

Thank you to the community, local businesses, our sponsors, and the Macdonald family for your support.