HARIBO and Carthage announce partnership to benefit students and community

Carthage and HARIBO of America Inc. have announced a multi-year partnership that will establish the HARIBO Scholars Fund, which will provide financial support and educational opportunities for Carthage students who reside in Wisconsin and Illinois.

HARIBO, the original inventor of the gummi bear and maker of the classic “Goldbears,” has made a $250,000 gift to Carthage earmarked for annual scholarships for students who need financial assistance.

The gift is an extension of HARIBO’s commitment to the region, which includes an over $300 million investment — one of the largest direct investments by an international company in the state’s history — and a pledge to bring up to 385 jobs to the area with its first phase of construction. The 100-year-old candy company is now investing in the students of Wisconsin and Illinois with its financial support and promise of internships and career opportunities.

“I am so grateful to HARIBO for establishing the HARIBO Scholars Fund at Carthage College, and I am thrilled by HARIBO’s commitment to our community and its future,” said President John Swallow. “By making college more accessible to our region’s students, HARIBO will play a vital role in increasing the prosperity of southeastern Wisconsin.”

“We are honored to be a partner in providing access to excellent education for Carthage College students through the HARIBO Scholars Fund,” said Wes Saber, chief financial officer, HARIBO of America. “We believe in giving back to the places where we live and work, and we’re thrilled to be part of the Kenosha community for the long-term as we establish our first-ever manufacturing facility in Pleasant Prairie.”

The 10-year partnership with HARIBO was announced on Thursday, April 8 at the dedication of Carthage’s HARIBO Pool — newly renamed by Carthage to express gratitude for the generous commitment made by HARIBO to Carthage and the greater community.

“Carthage Athletics is excited to partner with HARIBO and grateful for their commitment to Carthage,” said Nate Stewart, Carthage’s director of athletics. “The HARIBO Pool provides a top-notch practice and competition facility for our men’s and women’s swimming and diving and water polo student-athletes. Both the men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams are the reigning CCIW Champions, and we look forward to continuing the tradition of excellence.”

Located within the Koenitzer Aquatic Center, the HARIBO Pool is also the site of a popular swim lessons program, which has helped hundreds of the community’s youth learn to swim and gain facility in the water.

Construction of HARIBO’s 500,000-square-foot manufacturing facility on 137 acres in the village of Pleasant Prairie is underway and will be one of the largest candy manufacturing sites in the U.S.

“We’re excited to see this impactful partnership with Carthage College come to life through giving new opportunities to students in southeastern Wisconsin, and we can’t wait to hear their success stories,” said Rick LaBerge, chief operating officer, HARIBO of America. “The state of Wisconsin and its local communities have been so welcoming to us as we make progress on our factory, and this is one of the ways we can pay it forward.”

View pictures of the HARIBO Pool dedication that took place April 8.