CONTRIBUTED PHOTO — Marshalltown Area United Way 2023-2024 Campaign Co-Chair Kyle Martin, left, receives a speedo from Executive Director Kendra Sorensen, right. He will run down Main Street on Wednesday at 10 a.m. to celebrate hitting the fundraising goal.

Marshalltown Area United Way Executive Director Kendra Sorensen presented one of this year’s Co-Chairs, Kyle Martin, with a loaned Speedo at KFJB’s Man on the Steet on Friday, Jan. 5 as she reported that they exceeded their 2023-2024 annual campaign goal and raised a total of $826,265. Early in the campaign, Sorensen had joked with Martin that if they were able to achieve their goal, then he should run down Main Street in a fashionable Speedo.

“With charitable giving showing a downward trend this year, we weren’t sure if we could make it. However, with the support of our generous donors and others we accomplished raising the funds,” she said.

As expected, Martin was a good sport and is excited to fulfill his promise on Wednesday, Jan. 10 at 10 a.m.

“I’m happy to do it for a good cause! But you might want to shield your eyes. Ha! Nobody wants to see a middle age bald man in a Speedo,” he said.

The run will take place from KFJB studio down to Center Street. Anyone interested in witnessing this historic event is encouraged to be there.

Martin’s campaign co-chair Carrie Barr shared her own reflections on hitting the annual goal.

“As a lifelong resident of the Marshalltown area, I thought I had an understanding of the challenges and benefits of life here. Seeing the United Way staff in action and observing the myriad of dilemmas they and their 28 partner agencies handle with such care taught me there are greater daily struggles than most of us can imagine,” Barr said. “I am grateful for the good-hearted helpers and the benevolent donors who support them. I appreciate this opportunity to work alongside some pretty fantastic people. There cannot be a more effective place to donate your time and treasures.”

Kendra added that she was blown away witnessing many donors making a second contribution for the same campaign year/

Nonetheless, it wasn’t necessarily surprising, as she said that is just what the community does.

“Whenever there is a vital need presented, residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations, etc. step up and get behind the cause,” Sorensen said.