Justin Vernon shakes hands with US Bank Regional President Mark Degner (with JAMF Software's Zach Halmstad looking on) after his announcement of a $100,000 pledge to the Confluence Project.

Joining other companies like RCU and JAMF Software, US Bank pledged $100,000 to The Confluence Project Tuesday at an afternoon pep rally that brought a couple hundred supporters to the State Theatre. Regional President Mark Degner joined Justin Vernon and JAMF Software's Zach Halmstad on stage to make the announcement.

Along with the contribution, organizers announced a new fundraising campaign called 40 Under 40, which encourages entrepreneurs under the age of 40 to pledge $10,000 each to the project, all of which will be matched by a private donor.

The party kicked off at 5pm on Tuesday, with speakers ranging from UWEC Chancellor Dr. James Schmidt, members of the university's Student Senate, performances by the Blugold Marching Band and Sue Orfield as well as appearances by other local business owners and community leaders. (For the record, V1's Action Squad joined the fun with the V1 Van and t-shirt gun to pump up the hundreds in attendance).

The current push of the project is to increase the private donations that must be collected, both from individuals, corporations and non-profits.