Marshfield (OnFocus) – A local fundraising campaign to surprise longtime Marshfield High School Drama Club director Jack Bittrich with a special memorial exceeded its fundraising goal in less than one week.
Bittrich, who directed the Marshfield High School Drama Club for more than 50 years, had a huge impact on the lives of many student actors and club members during his tenure.
Bittrich is also a Korean War Veteran, and on September 19 of this year, The Highground Veterans Memorial in Neillsville is scheduled to host ceremonies to honor Korean War Veterans. Don Patterson, former colleague and friend of Bittrich, organized a GoFundMe page to honor Bittrich through a legacy stone at the memorial.
“Jack and his wife, Karen, will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary in August, and I feel this will be a good time to present him with this honor,” said Patterson. “I know how much it will mean to him coming from all of the people that helped make the MHS Drama department so successful.”
The fundraising goal was exceeded and the stone located at the Korean War Memorial will honor Bittrich’s name forever.
“I’ve been really impressed with the generosity from the Marshfield High School community,” said Patterson. “We have already surpassed the goal, and even though we don’t need any more funds, I would like to encourage people to send Happy 50th Anniversary cards with a message about his surprise honor. I will make it known that his honor stone at The Highgrounds, was organized in support of his and Karen’s 50-year celebration.
Please send cards to Don Patterson, 300 E 9th Street, Marshfield WI 54449. This is a surprise! (Bittrich does not go online, so it’s safe to share on social media.)
To learn more about the memorial, click here.
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Author: Breanna Butler
Breanna Butler is an award-winning multimedia producer born and raised in Central Wisconsin. She enjoys exploring and writing about the community. She lives in Marshfield with her husband and furry family.
