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2004 Archives
- The Spirit of Giving
- United Way Hires Contractor for New Success By 6 Initiative
- School District of Somerset Bumps Up Campaign
- County Market Contributes to United Way
- United Way Kicks Off Local Campaign
- Ninth Bristol benefit golf tourney raises $42,000
- Donations pay to stock county food shelves
- United Way is focusing in on our community's youth with the Success By Six program
- Viking Middle School Fun Run Supports 2004 -2005 Campaign
- United Way Distributes Funds
- Teens Helping Teens, One Skit at a Time
- United Way of St. Croix County Reaches Goal
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.
United Way Hires Contractor for New Success By 6 Initiative
DEC. 8, 2004--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 Contributes to United Way
County Market in Hudson, owned by Jerry's Foods, ran its first United Way campaign this year with outstanding results. The campaign raised 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
SEPT. 17, 2004--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
AUG. 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
AUG. 26, 2004--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 is focusing in on our community's youth with the Success By Six program
United Way launched a major new initiative designed to ensure that all children will succeed when they begin school. Plans for Success by 6tm 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
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.
| Food, Shelter and Self-Sufficiency | ||
Shelter for all |
$118,000 |
|
| American Red Cross | $9,000 | Emergency Food and Shelter |
| Grace Place/Faith House | $25,000 | Emergency Shelter |
| Operation HELP | $29,000 | Emergency Shelter |
| The Salvation Army | $30,000 | Emergency Assistance |
| WestCAP | $25,000 | Emergency Assistance |
General |
$4,500 |
|
| Love Baskets - New Richmond | $1,500 | Emergency Food |
| Love Baskets - Roberts | $1,500 | Emergency Food |
| St. Croix County - Land & Water Conservation | $1,500 | Emergency Food |
Subtotal |
$122,500 |
|
| Child and Youth Development | ||
Success By 6 |
$23,700 |
|
| Association for Home and Community Education | $1,950 | Parenting Newsletters |
| CESA 11 Head Start | $1,500 | First Books |
| Community Preschool - Baldwin | $1,250 | Financial Aid |
| Healthy Communities/Healthy Youth | $1,500 | Asset Building Blocks |
| Spring Valley Community Preschool | $500 | Financial Aid |
| St. Croix County DHHS - Public Health | $2,000 | Children's Medical Assistance |
| St. Croix Family Resource Center | $15,000 | Parent Support Visits |
School Programs |
$22,000 |
|
| Baldwin-Woodville School District, Viking Middle | $2,500 | Youth Program |
| Hudson E.P. Rock Elementary | $1,500 | Youth Mentoring |
| Hudson H.S. Peer Helpers | $5,000 | Peer Mediation |
| New Richmond Elementary - FAST | $3,000 | Family/Youth Counseling |
| New Richmond Middle School - FAST | $1,500 | Reading Program |
| New Richmond Elementary - RIF | $2,000 | RIF Book Program |
| New Richmond Schools - SPARK | $1,500 | Peer Tutoring |
| St. Anne School | $500 | Family Math Nights |
| St. Croix Central - Kid's Writes | $1,000 | Reading/Writing Program |
| St. Mary's School - RIF Program | $500 | RIF Book Program |
| Somerset Elementary School | $1,500 | Book and Health Fair |
| Somerset Middle School | $1,000 | Homework Assistance |
General |
$76,930 |
|
| BICEP/NR Chamber | $1,000 | Asset Fair |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters | $15,810 | Youth Mentoring |
| Boy Scouts – Indianhead Council | $11,220 | Youth Programs |
| Girl Scout Council of St. Croix Valley | $14,535 | Youth Programs |
| Skits Outreach Services | $8,500 | Prevention Theater |
| St. Croix Valley YMCA (Hudson) | $18,365 | Youth and Family Programs |
| St. Croix Valley YMCA (New Richmond) | $7,500 | Youth and Family Programs |
Subtotal |
$123,630 |
|
| Health | ||
| Heartland Home Care Network | $10,000 | Hospice Care |
| Hudson Hospital - Health Resource Center | $1,000 | Resource Materials |
| Lakeview Hospice | $1,500 | Hospice Care |
Subtotal |
$12,500 |
|
| Personal and Family Crisis | ||
| Community Action, Inc. | $8,500 | Teen AODA Prevention |
| FamilyMeans | $69,000 | Mental Health Counseling |
| Lutheran Social Service of WI & Upper MI | $7,500 | Mental Health Counseling |
| PATH Wisconsin | $5,400 | Special Foster Care |
| Positive Alternatives, Inc. - TeenCare Youth Crisis | $3,365 | Teen Crisis Counseling |
| St. Croix Valley Restorative Justice Program | $2,000 | Drunken Driver Program |
| St. Croix Valley S.A.R.T. | $8,000 | Sexual Assault Care |
| Turningpoint for Victims of Domestic & Sexual Violence | $29,000 | Domestic Abuse Shelter |
| Youth Service Bureau | $12,000 | Youth/Family Counseling |
Subtotal |
$144,765 |
|
| Older Adults and Special Populations | ||
| Aging & Handicapped Transportation | $5,370 | Vehicle Upgrade & Repair |
| Baldwin Public Library | $1,000 | Large Print Books |
| Bridge for Hudson Youth | $1,000 | Disabled Recreation |
| Center for Independent Living for W. WI | $4,000 | Disability Services |
| Christian Community Home | $5,000 | Hygiene Chair |
| Courage Center | $23,000 | Disability Services |
| Epilepsy Foundation of Western Wisconsin | $9,000 | Epilepsy Services |
| Have-A-Heart, Inc. | $8,500 | Respite Program |
| Holy Family Hospital - Meals on Wheels | $1,000 | Meals on Wheels |
| Hudson Hospital Nutrition Services - Meals on Wheels | $3,000 | Meals on Wheels |
| New Richmond Community Education - ADDRP | $2,000 | Disabled Recreation |
| Research & Development in Pediatric Therapy | $4,500 | Camp Avanti |
| River Falls Area CFS/FMS Support Group | $1,000 | Operating Support |
| St. Croix County - DayAway Clubs | $3,720 | Caregiver Support |
| St. Croix County - Faith in Action | $1,950 | Caregiver Training |
| St. Croix County - Family Support | $3,450 | Special Needs Camp |
| St. Croix Health Center | $3,750 | Assistive Lift |
| St. Croix Valley Disability Coalition | $6,120 | Transportation Coordinator |
| St. Croix Valley Disability Coalition | $4,050 | Disability Services |
| Senior Center Board Coalition | $13,500 | Senior Centers |
| The Deerfield | $1,000 | Senior Wellness Brochure |
| United Cerebral Palsy | $9,000 | Cerebral Palsy Services |
Subtotal |
$113,910 |
|
| Services to the Community | ||
| North Hudson Police | $3,000 | Community Strengthening |
| Community Volunteer Service | $1,500 | Volunteer Workshops |
| First Call for Help - Menomonie | $4,000 | I&R |
Subtotal |
$8,500 |
|
| Emergency Services | ||
| Baldwin EMS - Ambulance | $2,200 | Defibrillator |
| Central Basketball Association (St. Croix Central H.S.) | $2,000 | Defibrillator and Training |
| Deer Park First Responders | $1,530 | Pulse Oximeter, 3 Oxygen Kits |
| Glenwood City Ambulance | $1,110 | Stretcher |
| Hammond Police Department | $2,200 | Defibrillator |
| New Richmond Area Ambulance & Rescue Service | $2,220 | Defibrillator |
| North Hudson Police-Emergency Services | $2,200 | Defibrillator |
| River Falls First Responders | $1,625 | 5 Oxygen Kits |
| Somerset Police Department | $2,200 | Defibrillator |
| St. Croix EMS | $2,500 | Training |
| Star Prairie Police Department | $2,200 | Defibrillator |
| Town of Hudson First Responders | $1,000 | 2 Emergency Medical Kits |
| Woodville Area Ambulance | $1,600 | Medical Equipment |
Subtotal |
$24,555 |
|
| NORTHERN WISCONSIN CAMPAIGN | $24,625 | |
GRAND TOTAL |
$574,985 |
|
Teens Helping Teens, One Skit at a Time
HEATHER SCHONHARDT
Learning Service Student
MARCH 15, 2004--Children today are growing up with more pressures and temptations then ever before. There are many ads and campaigns that try to help children know what path to take; unfortunately they often have little impact on the decisions of today’s youth. There is another way to reach area youth and it is found in a small theater in downtown Hudson. An organization called S.O.S. Players communicates face-to-face with kids. S.O.S. (Skits Outreach Services) is a group of teen actors from area school districts. By performing skits, they show the consequences of dangerous actions and give their peers reassurance that they are not alone in whatever situation they may be in.
June Erdman founder of S.O.S. Players had worked at the Phipps Center for the Arts. She started to work with youth in the summers and established S.O.S. Players in 1990. The first group was Artistic Director, Greg Lanier and a group of children from the Phipps’ Children’s Theater. They worked as a group to create and perfect the skits. Erdman started to use her basement as a place for rehearsals. Erdman describes the rehearsals as, “wonderful and creative, the most fun.”
In their first year, S.O.S. did 32 shows and every year they keep increasing the number of shows that are performed. They are now up to 145 - 150 shows a year. When S.O.S. began to grow, the basement started to get a little crowded and they started using churches, empty warehouses and the Masonic Lodge in Hudson for rehearsals. In 1999, the group was able to buy a small church near downtown Hudson and turn it into a rehearsal area downstairs and a theater upstairs. General Manager Jennifer Hedin says that, “compared to what we were working with before -this is like a castle to us!”
S.O.S. has 48 actors in the performing company. A group of 10 kids at a time travel to schools in the surrounding area and elsewhere in the Midwest to perform. They rotate the actors so that nobody misses an excessive amount of school. Each person that is involved in S.O.S. has to sign a contract saying that they will maintain good grades and stay drug, alcohol and tobacco free. S.O.S. is known in Wisconsin and Minnesota but is slowly getting national attention. The group has traveled to North Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Vermont and Texas.
The actors and actresses that are part of S.O.S. are energetic and enthusiastic about what they do. There are auditions at the beginning of the summer for new actors. Many of the teens that start off with S.O.S. have little or no acting experience. The reasons the teens give for joining S.O.S. are as varied as the people – ranging from getting away from negative issues like drug or family problems to observing the impact that S.O.S had in changing a sibling’s life. Intern Simon Fuerstenberg got his start by just hanging around.
He said, “My sister was in S.O.S. They got tired of asking me to leave and told me to just be in the skits since I was always around. I never had to try out!” After joining S.O.S., the main reason that the actors continue is because they know that they are making a difference in young people’s lives. Brandon Roberts says, “You know you are making a difference.” Jaima Solie agreed when saying, “I just love helping people.” S.O.S. doesn’t just do a skit and leave. The performers continue to be there for their peers after they leave the school. All of the actors have an e-mail address on the S.O.S. website and are required to answer any e-mails that they receive from their audiences. They keep in contact with anybody that needs their support.
This group of actors and actresses are truly a light of hope in today’s society. S.O.S. has a great message for all - “Everyone has an opinion but you need to sort through these voices and find the truth.”
The mission of the United Way of St. Croix County is to improve lives by bringing people and resources together to create sustainable changes in communities. United Way of St. Croix County is proud to support the work of the talented and caring teens of the S.O.S. Players.
United Way of St. Croix County Reaches Goal
JAN. 27, 2004--The United Way of St. Croix County has announced that it will exceed the $800,000 campaign goal. Campaign co-chairs Bill and Mary Ann Derrick of New Richmond, Harvey and Sue Hielkema of Baldwin and Gary and Sandy Griswold of Hudson posted the final heart on the campaign thermometers in their communities. “The generosity of county residents is very gratifying,” said United Way Executive Director John Coughlin. “We should end up at around $825,000 by the time everything is reported,” he continued.
Mona Flanum, chair of the United Way Board, admitted that the Board had struggled over the decision when setting the campaign goal. She said, “We increased the goal by $50,000 but some members of the Board felt that it should be higher given the needs of the communities that we serve. ”Virtually every one of the eighty nonprofit organizations funded through the campaign has requested additional funding to offset either decreased support from other sources or to allow more clients to be served.
“The importance of the United Way campaign to nonprofit groups is significant because of our special relationship with area employers,” said former Campaign Director Mark Kristensen. “Strong company campaigns are vital because over 80% of the money raised comes through payroll deduction by employees and from matching gifts donated by employers,” he continued. Kristensen was recently named the Executive Director of the United Way in Stillwater.
Andersen Corporation in Bayport was the largest source of support for United Way of St. Croix County. The total from employees and the dollar for dollar company match exceeded $255,000.The second largest United Way donor was Hudson-based NMC, New Richmond’s SIG Pack – Doboy Division was third and Donaldson Company in Baldwin was fourth among local companies. St. Croix Press in New Richmond had the strongest new campaign.
The United Way Board is laying the groundwork to reach the one million dollar mark within the next three years. The rapid influx of new residents is placing ever greater demands on cash-strapped nonprofit agencies. “The businesses and individuals who support the campaign understand the need and give generously – our challenge is to continually broaden the base,” said Treasurer Jim Vigars.
The United Way of St. Croix County is the result of the 1999 merger of the United Ways that were based in Hudson and New Richmond. The campaign goal that year was $450,000. The goal has grown by $350,000 in the five campaigns since the merger, a 78% increase. “The foresight of the Board members who brought the organizations together positioned us to be able to respond to the demand,’ explained director John Coughlin.
The United Way of St. Croix County has begun the fund distribution cycle for the money raised during the annual campaign. Agencies have submitted applications based on United Way’s community impact goals. Volunteers are needed for the citizen review panels. The panels provide an opportunity for county residents to participate in the process. Agency representatives present their case for support to panelists and answer questions. Following the presentations, the panel deliberates and makes a funding recommendation to the United Way Board. Panel reviews will be held starting at 7:00 p.m. on March 1st in Hudson and March 3rd in New Richmond. Interested volunteers should call 377-0203 or send an e-mail to givehope@unitedwaystcroix.org to participate.