FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PHOTOS ATTACHED
Contact:
Kimberly Brink Smith
218-999-7570 / Kimberly@unitedwayof1000lakes.org
United Way Celebrates Successful Campaign and Other Milestones
United Way 2012 campaign results were announced at a recent United Way Campaign Celebration at the Timberlake Lodge in Grand Rapids. The event kicked off United Way’s 50th anniversary year and celebrated successes of the 2012 “The POWER of WE” campaign, which topped $303,175, surpassing the goal and increasing $17,175 over last year.
“We are humbled by and so very grateful for the incredible support of our donors,” said Kimberly Brink Smith, United Way Executive Director. “Because of their trust in United Way, more children are meeting key milestones in school, more families are achieving financial stability, more seniors are getting the support to remain independent, and more individuals are empowered to rebuild their lives.”
As part of the evening, the organization transitioned Board President from Guy Clairmont, President of Guy Clairmont Financial, to Laura Connelly, Director of Programming with Advocates for Family Peace. Madelen Schuemann, Minnesota Power retiree, was named Vice President and Guy Clairmont was named Treasurer. Others serving on the volunteer Board of Directors include: Wendy Uzelac, RE/MAX; Linnea Soular, Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital; Justin Fischer, Terex; Ryan Davis, Davis Chiropractic; Wade Fauth, Blandin Foundation; and Ann Saxhaug, Target Corporate retiree. Leaving the board after six years of service were Diane Weber, Blandin UPM retiree and Wade Fauth, Blandin Foundation.
“The vision I have for United Way is to enrich the life of everyone in our community,” said Laura Connelly, United Way’s Board President. “Whether you are on the giving end or the receiving end, we will work together to make sure everyone in our community can access the information, inspiration, and resources they need to live a full, prosperous life.”
The evening program featured music provided by the Itasca Youth Orchestra. This year’s keynote speaker was Grand Rapids Mayor Adams, who shared highlights from the past 50 years and United Way’s impact in the community. Adams also announced, “To date, the United Way Community Campaigns has raised $10 million over the past 50 years.”
Other program speakers included: past United Way Board President, Karen Karls followed by an Advocates for Family Peace participant, who shared her story and triumph over domestic abuse.
United Way recognized individuals who have been instrumental in improving the lives of people and advancing the common good in the community through volunteerism. This year presenting two recipients with Community Volunteer Awards for their dedication to helping youth and aging adults in the areas of education, income and health.
The first Community Volunteer Award was presented to ElderCircle volunteer, Lloyd Adams. Lloyd has been volunteering for more than 60 years and currently serves on the ElderCircle volunteer Board of Directors. An ElderCircle RSVP member for over six years, he has humbly provided more than 5,666 hours of community services through RSVP programs in Itasca County. Valerie Cromell, who nominated him said, “To us here at ElderCircle, Lloyd’s volunteer service is invaluable. The world is truly a better place because of our friend and volunteer. We are proud and privileged to nominate him.”
The second Community Volunteer Award was presented to Joe W. Rust, who is making a difference in the lives of youth in the area of Education through his work with the Itasca Youth for Christ. Joe has dedicated over 30 years of his life to volunteerism in our community is the Treasurer of Itasca Youth for Christ’s volunteer Board of Directors. In that role, he is helping to maintain the organization’s financials, as well as, supporting the organizations fund development efforts.
The evening concluded with an awards presentation to recognize outstanding efforts of individuals and businesses to improve their community through giving, advocating and volunteering. Campaign Highlights and Awards include:
- Madelen Schuemann, 2012 Campaign Chair, led a cabinet of 30 volunteers, which was supported by an additional 180 volunteer workforce campaign coordinators.
- Minnesota Power was presented the 2012 Pacesetter Award for setting the pace for the entire campaign and generating momentum.
- In all, 1,500 individuals and 200 businesses contributed to this year’s campaign.
- 87 people participated as Leadership Level Donors, pledging over $61,000. The gifts comprise 20% of the total campaign.
- Small business and corporate gifts make up one third of contributions received during the campaign.
- Corporate Giving Awards were presented to business that made significant community investments through the 2012 campaign. This year’s recipients in three categories are: Lake Country Power (bronze); Wal-Mart (bronze); Lakehead Construction (bronze); Liberty Mutual (silver); UPM Blandin (silver) and Blandin Foundation (gold).
- In the fall, DINING UNITED partners pledged a portion of their proceeds towards the 2012 campaign, raising $1,400. Partnering restaurants included: 17th Street Grill, Applebee’s, Forest Lake, Pokegama Grill and Toivo’s Restaurant and Sports Grill.
- Each year, United Way relies on workforce campaigns to help achieve the annual goal, with more than 1,000 individuals pledging through the 2012 payroll deduction program.
- $6,000 was generated from six companies that ran successful workforce campaigns for the first time.
- Employee Giving Awards were presented to businesses that have conducted successful workforce campaigns. This year’s recipients in three categories are: Lake Country Power (bronze); Wal-Mart (bronze); Target (bronze); State of Minnesota (bronze); Itasca County (bronze); Essar Steel (bronze); American Bank (bronze); UPM Blandin; Blandin Foundation (silver); Essentia Health (silver); Grand Rapids State Bank (silver); ISD 318 (silver); ISD 318 Retirees (silver); UPS (silver); Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital (gold); and Itasca Area Schools Collaborative (gold).
- The LIVE UNITED award recognizes businesses that exemplify United Way’s spirit of Give, Advocate and Volunteer. This year’s award went to Minnesota Power, whose partnership with United Way spans more than 40 years. Minnesota Power employees and retirees pledged $45,736 to the 2012 campaign. Minnesota Power Foundation donated an additional $32,100, for a combined total of $77,836.
The annual event was sponsored by Minuteman Press. Additional support was provided by John Connelly Photography and Staging by Kathy. For more information about United Way of 1000 Lakes or its annual campaign efforts visit www.unitedwayof1000lakes.org or call 218-999-7570.
ABOUT UNITED WAY OF 1000 LAKES
Since 1963, United Way of 1000 Lakes has been advancing the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all, focusing on helping children to thrive, providing basic human needs, and promoting independence and community wellness. United Way recruits people and organizations that bring the passion, expertise, and resources needed to get things done. Everyone is invited to be part of the change by giving, advocating and volunteering. That’s what it means to Live United. United Way of 1000 Lakes is a locally based organization serving Itasca area communities.
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EVENT CUTLINES:
Minnesota Power was awarded the 2012 Pacesetter and LIVE UNITED awards (Rhonda Munger, Minnesota Power (left); Kimberly Brink Smith, United Way Executive Director; and Paul Undeland, Minnesota Power.
United Way’s 2012 Board President, Guy Clairmont, Guy Clairmont Financial, announces newly elected 2013 Board President, Laura Connelly, Advocates for Family Peace.
Mayor Adams and United Way Executive Director at the 2012 United Way Campaign Celebration: Celebrating 50 Years of Generosity.
Mayor Adams presented the keynote address, which highlighted the community’s generosity of the past 50 years.
Kimberly Brink Smith United Way Executive Director at the 2012 United Way Campaign Celebration at the Timberlake Lodge Hotel.
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