2004

The Spirit of Giving

We appreciate every contribution to United Way but, every so often, we receive a donation that really exemplifies the spirit of giving. Those gifts are the ones that make us smile and remind us that there is a lot of good in the world. Sometimes, it is a dollar or two from a senior citizen (we guess from the handwriting). Recently, we received this letter and contribution from a local teenager.  She and her friend truly gave from the heart.

December 8, 2004

United Way Hires Contractor for New Success By 6^tm Initiative

Just like more than 300 United Ways in cities and counties across the nation, United Way of St. Croix County's Success By 6tm initiative will unite caring communities to ensure that all children have the support that they need to succeed. No two Success By 6tm efforts are exactly alike; each collaboratively creates their own community-wide vision for early childhood.

Last May, United Way convened a group from throughout St. Croix County with expertise in early childhood issues. They determined that there were gaps in services that could be provided or expanded. The stakeholders also noted that there is a lack of coordination of both information and services.

To build on the groundwork done by the early childhood group, Mary Sue Ash has been hired By United Way of St. Croix County to identify community assets and shortcomings and develop a first year strategic plan for Success By 6tm. Ash says that her first challenge will be to form a steering committee to set community priorities that could impact all families.

"It really does take a whole community to grow healthy kids. It's critical, then, to identify a list of willing people that represent a cross section of this community-business, education, parents, media, faith, government. All the stakeholders are needed to create the best community-wide vision for early childhood."

Ash is not new to United Way. She was an active member of the United Way of St. Croix County Board for six years. This year, Ash and her husband Chuck, Plant Manager of Donaldson Company in Baldwin, have served as United Way campaign co-chairs.

Retiring this past year from her position as Director of Pupil Services for the Baldwin-Woodville School District, Ash is currently a Disability Consultant for CESA 11's Head Start programs. She is serving on the Hudson School District Facilities Task Force, is a founder of the St. Croix Family Resource Center and the St. Croix County Early Childhood Interagency Council. Ash is also former Director of the second largest Head Start program in Iowa.

United Way of St. Croix County is committed to focusing on issues that impact children, the future of our communities," said John Coughlin, United Way's Executive Director. "We are pleased that Mary Sue Ash, someone with a commitment to young children and their issues, has agreed to help us launch the Success By 6tm initiative.

For more information about United Way of St. Croix County and Success By 6tm, contact Coughlin or Vivian Hart at 715-377-0203.

School District of Somerset Bumps Up Campaign

This year's enthusiastic United Way Workplace Campaign Coordinator for the School District of Somerset was Brad Nemec, Athletic Director.  This successful campaign grew by more than 40% from last year's $3240 to $5657. In an email to District staff, Nemec thanked them for their kindness and generosity and assured them that their contributions would "make a difference in someone's life."

Thank you Brad and School District of Somerset staff! Your extra efforts this year will help us improve lives and build a stronger community.

  County Market in Hudson, owned by Jerry's Foods, ran its first United Way campaign this year with outstanding results. The campaign r

aised over $5,200 from employee gifts, payroll pledges and special events.  Thank you to all those who contributed to the campaign and the employees that helped coordinate it. 

Although it takes the efforts of many to make a great campaign, we would like to recognize some of those that helped coordinate this campaign.  They are: Cindy Cameron (Event Coordinator), Dave Olson , Bruce VanDerWerff, Brenda Wold, Paul Whiteside, Sharon Peetsch, Dean Faust, and Dana Glade (Store Manager).

Together we address what impacts our community!

United Way Kicks Off Local Campaign

September 17, 2004

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Hudson, WI--United Way of St. Croix County kicked off its annual local fundraising campaign with a presentation on Monday, September 20 at the Rotary Club of New Richmond luncheon.  Tracy Davis of the St. Croix County Department on Aging was the featured speaker, highlighting programs funded by United Way.  Other scheduled kick-off events include the Hudson Chamber of Commerce Business Spotlight on September 22; the September 28th Baldwin Area Chamber of Commerce Business Showcase; and a Workplace Campaign Coordinators lunch and orientation on September 29th at the St. Croix Family Resource Center in Baldwin.  The kick-off events provide an opportunity for campaign chairs, United Way staff, board members and volunteers to celebrate the start of the annual community campaign.

Governor Jim Doyle recently designated the months of September and October 2004, as  months in Wisconsin in recognition of the start of fall campaigns by United Ways throughout the state. The Governor’s proclamation highlights the United Ways’ role in Wisconsin as the primary private providers of funds to measurably improve lives and build stronger, healthier communities. Doyle urged Wisconsin citizens to contribute generously. United Way of St. Croix County makes the maximum impact in addressing human care needs by investing contributions in local programs and services that impact one in four people. 

“United Way has moved beyond its traditional role as primarily a fundraising organization,” said Board President Mark Keller. “We bring people together from all across the community to tackle the issues that matter most. When we identify a community need, United Way works to find long term solutions to address the issue.” 

United Way’s Success By 6 program is currently forging community partnerships with a long-term goal: helping kids succeed for life.  Working with United Way, program partners will provide children with the necessary physical, mental, emotional and social development necessary for growth and learning. After identifying Shelter for All as a critical community need, United Way lead efforts to open a transitional housing facility for homeless families. Grace Place in Somerset provides short-term housing, counseling and other services for people turning their lives around.  United Way’s housing partnership supports both existing efforts and innovative new ideas for building affordable housing.

 In order to meet the increasing needs of a rapidly growing population, United Way of St. Croix County has announced a campaign goal of $925,000. “Results from a late-September mailing to homes and businesses requesting donations as well as workplace giving campaigns sponsored by employers are key to meeting this record high goal,” stated Executive Director John Coughlin. “St. Croix County communities have a history of helping United Way reach its goal and make a lasting impact on people’s lives.”  Donaldson Company Plant Manager Chuck Ash agreed and said, “We work with United Way of St. Croix County, where it's one-stop giving with the most effective and accountable charity in our community."                                                                        

Last year’s campaign allowed United Way to continue purchasing automatic heart defibrillators for local police fire and rescue services.  Support was provided to the YMCA, American Red Cross, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Big Brothers Big Sisters, FamilyMeans and Operation HELP and many other important programs. Meals on Wheels, disabled recreation, senior citizen center activities and large print books assist older adults and special populations. Campaign Manager Vivian Hart noted, “Your gift to United Way does make a difference.  When you invest in United Way of St. Croix County, you’re making an investment in your community.”

Local campaign co-chairs will assist the annual fundraising effort. Mike and Renee Sellman will lead the drive in Hudson.  Mike is CEO of Hudson-based Nuclear Management Company (NMC) and Renee served on the task force that worked to open the transitional housing shelter, Grace Place.  NMC has become United Way of St. Croix County’s largest local employee giving campaign.  Company employees are also active community volunteers.  Jim and Connie Counter will spearhead the New Richmond area campaign.  Jim is the President of J.A. Counter and Associates and sits on the Board of FamilyMeans, a United Way funded counseling service.  Connie has served New Richmond through her involvement in the Rotary Club and other volunteer activities.  Chuck and Mary Sue Ash will spearhead the Baldwin area campaign.  Mary Sue recently retired as Director of Pupil Services for the Baldwin/Woodville School District and Chuck manages the Donaldson Company plant.  “United Way of St. Croix County is honored to have the support of these community leaders as we work to build a stronger community,” said John Coughlin.

The official timeframe for this year’s annual fundraising campaign is September 20 to November 19.  United Way of St. Croix County works throughout the year on community priorities. For additional details about the campaign, to make a contribution, to volunteer or for general information contact United Way at 715-377.0203 or www.unitedwaystcroix.org

Ninth Bristol benefit golf tourney raises $42,000

Thursday, August 26, 2004

One of the area's biggest fund raisers, the RE/MAX benefit golf tournament was held Aug. 3 at Bristol Ridge in Somerset. The tournament and live auction produced and estimated $42,000.

Sponsored in part by RE/MAX Team 1 Realty, Somerset, the tournament drew 160 players from throughout the Twin Cities metro area, according to organizer Mike Germain.  

Half the proceeds go to Grace Place,a transitional housing project in Somerset operated by the Salvation Army and supported in part by United Way of St. Croix County. 

The other half of tournament proceeds benefits Children’s Miracle network, a program offered in this area out of Gillette Children’s Hospital, St. Paul, Minn.

Gillette is one of 170 Children's Miracle Network hospitals helping kids overcome disease and injury, from asthma and broken bones to cancer, sickle cell anemia, pediatric AIDS, muscular dystrophy and serious injuries.  At the tournament, there were 40 foursomes, 160 players, and more than 50 hole sponsors, an average of about three on each hole.  

Chances were sold for a riding lawn mower worth about $2,000, which was won by Mike Mezur, a banker with Wells Fargo in the Twin Cities.

The winning foursome was Gavin Langer, Kyle Martin, Trent Bauer and Blake Gillen, with a combined score of 57.

The biggest drawing was a car raffle, won by Rob Beauvais, who had his choice of a vehicle from Cox Motors, Bernard’s Northtown or Denny Hecker of Hudson, or a Harley-Davidson motorcycle from St. Paul Harley, or cash. He chose the cash -- $12,000.

Admission fees and a live auction (featuring many Green Bay Packer items) produced additional revenue. Germain canvasses area businesses for donations each year.

Next year’s 10th annual tournament is already scheduled on Aug. 2, 2005. And Germain has already begun to look for auction items. For more information, call 247-4449.

Donations pay to stock county food shelves.

 August 26, 2004

BALDWIN -- With the help of United Way of St. Croix County, Nelson’s Super Valu, Baldwin, and private donations, families in St. Croix County will get assistance with food items, according to the County Land & Water Department.

The department, together with UW-Extension, were able to purchase items with funding received from United Way and private donations.

“We are thankful to John Coughlin and the committee of United Way to allow us to use the funding in this worthwhile cause,” said Jonna Fedie, spokeswoman for the Land and Water Conservation office.

Discounts from the food store enabled the two county departments to purchase more items.

For more information, contact your local food pantry. To donate to the Protein Project, mail contributions to LWCD, 1960 8th Ave., Suite 141, Baldwin 54002. Deer hunters are asked to plan to donate venison for the 2004 Feed the Hungry Program.

United Way launched a major new initiative designed to ensure that all children will succeed when they begin school.  Plans for Success by 6^tm were unveiled at a half-day planning meeting in late May, 2004.  Local educators, nonprofit leaders, county and healthcare professionals and others joined United Way staff to discuss the needs of area children.  A steering committee was established and will begin meeting regularly in the fall.  The steering committee will review existing programs and look for gaps in services.

United Way of St. Croix County plans to double its current $25,000 annual investment in young children.  United Way funds a variety of early childhood programs ranging from parenting newsletters and home visits for new parents, to Head Start’s First Books program.   The St. Croix Family Resource Center is a key partner in United Way’s effort to help every child be successful in school.

Viking Middle School Fun Run Supports 2004 -2005 Campaign.

Once again, Viking Middle School students kicked off our 2004 -2005 campaign. Viking Middle School donated $2,500 from their annual Syttende Mai Fun Run. Last year Viking Middle School donated $2,200 to United Way. United Way salutes tomorrow's community leaders. 

United Way Distributes Funds

Press Release - April 2004

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United Way of St. Croix County recently hosted a reception for representatives of local nonprofit agencies prior to the April meeting of the Board of Directors.  Board members presented checks to the agencies selected through the citizen review process.  The check distribution is the final step in the United Way cycle that begins with the annual fall campaign.

Executive Director John Coughlin asked those in attendance to recognize the hard work of the campaign co-chairs and volunteers, board members and Campaign Director Mark Kristensen.  The campaign was co-chaired by John and Tini Soderberg of New Richmond, Baldwin residents Jon and Jean Mentink and Mark and Maeta Gherty of Hudson.  The annual campaign topped the $750,000 campaign goal. United Way uses approximately 85 cents of each dollar raised to fund programs that have a positive impact in St. Croix County communities. “We’ve come here this evening to celebrate a campaign that was successful because of the compassion shown by community residents and area businesses,” said director Coughlin.  “Their support means that we can partner with agencies to build stronger and healthier communities,” he continued.  

Over $541,000 in grants will be distributed by the United Way of St. Croix County.  An additional $96,000 will go to specific agencies or other United Ways designated by individual donors.  Agencies meeting basic needs like Food, Shelter and Clothing will receive $117,600 (18.5%).  United Way continued its leadership support for Grace Place, the transitional housing facility in Somerset by committing $25,000 in support.  Child and Youth Development programs were awarded $113,405 (17.8%).  Support for programs that improve Health will total $29,950 (4.7%).  Nonprofit organizations working to Resolve Personal and Family Crisis will receive the largest distribution totaling $123,500 (19.4%). Programs serving Older Adults and Special Populations received grants totaling $111,390 (17.5%).  First Call for Help and Community Volunteer Service grants totaled $6,400 (1%).  Funds to providers of Emergency Services total $22,100 (3.4%).  Agencies in Burnett and Washburn Counties will receive $17,900 (2.7%) entirely from funds contributed by local residents and employees at Nexen Group, Inc. in Webster and matched by the company.  Donor designations to specific nonprofit agencies accounted for the remaining 15% of the funds being distributed.  Anyone with questions regarding the grant awards is encouraged to call the United Way office at 715-377-0203.  The cycle will begin again on September 15th with the kick-off of the 2003 - 2004 campaign.

At the Board meeting following the reception the newly elected officers of the Board took over for the coming year.  New Richmond resident Mona Flanum will serve as President.  St. Croix Central Middle School Principal, Mark Keller, took over as Vice-President.  Jim Vigars (S & C Bank) and Jerry Bauer (3M) were reappointed as Treasurer and Secretary.

The Board welcomed three new members. Theres Heimel (Express Personnel, River Falls), Joseph Solymossy (NMC, Hudson) and JoAnn Wrich (The Deerfield, New Richmond) will serve three year terms.  Holy Family Hospital employee Laurie Harvieux and Gary Dockter from the Baldwin Medical Center were recognized for completing their years of service on the Board.  

In other business, the Board set May 20th as the date for a strategic planning retreat.  The Board will meet at WITC to establish priorities and goals for the next couple of years.  United Way recently revised its mission statement.  Members will discuss United Way’s mission “to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities.”  The Board will plan how to expand United Way’s influence in crafting human care agendas and how to bring people and resources together to address priority issues.