Latest News

• Online Auction Raises $3,516.82
• We Now Serve Polk County Communities
• United Way Extends Online Auction
• United Way Partners with FamilyWize
• United Way to Hold Online Auction Fundraiser
• Basic Needs Campaign Raises $3,797.30
• Dish and the Spoon Cafe to Hold United Way Fundraiser
• United Way Extends Basic Needs Campaign
• United Way Launches Give 10, Tell 10 Campaign
• "All Dressed Up" Prom Wear Program
• Knights of Columbus Sponsors April Food Shipment
• Donate to Recovery Efforts in Chile
• Haiti Recover and Rebuild: United Way's Response
• Volunteers Needed for United Way Citizen Review Panel
• MLK Day of Service Project a Success
• Donate to Recovery Efforts in Haiti
• United Way to Host MLK Day of Service Project

Online Auction Raises $3,516.82

United Way St. Croix Valley’s first online auction fundraiser raised $3,516.82 to support programs that provide basic needs such as food and shelter. The auction ran from June 1 to July 13 and featured items donated by more than 60 local businesses and community members.

One hundred items were up for bidding over the course of the first five weeks, and the final week featured a last call for purchases on a first-come first-serve basis at discounted prices. Items for sale included timeshare use in Mexico, a pool table, Apple River Country Splash concert tickets, a boat cruise on Lake Mallalieu and a variety of gift certificates.

United Way St. Croix Valley extends its thanks to the businesses and individuals who donated to the auction:

In-Kind Donors

• Alison Scott
• AmericInn – New Richmond
• Anytime Fitness – Hudson
• Apple River Country Splash
• Artful Décor
• Bob Smith’s Sports Club
• Bristol Ridge Golf Course
• Cara Bella Skin Care Studio & Day Spa
• Carlen Enterprises
• Cedar Lake Speedway
• Christine’s Jewelry
• Cold Stone Creamery - Hudson
• Diane K. Stewart
• Econofoods – River Falls
• Elliott Interior Design
• Family Fresh Market – Hudson
• Float-Rite Park
• Greaton’s Jewelers
• Green Bay Packers
• Gwen Gierke
• Hair Company Salon and Day Spa
• Heidi’s Hallmark
• Hudson Bagel & Coffee Co.
• Inspiring Actions
• John and Christine Weigel
• Kate Smith
• Kelley Gallery Art & Frame
• Lady Katherine
• Lillians
• Lori’s Massage and Day Spa
• Lynhurst
• Maria Emmerich
• Milwaukee Brewers
• Milwaukee Bucks
• Most Health Mart Pharmacy
• Nancy Smith
• Native Whispers Healing
• Neil Gaiman
• New Richmond Area Centre
• Nita Dusek Photography
• North Shore Retreat Massage & Day Spa
• Philander’s Grill & Bar
• Picture Perfect Studios
• Ptacek’s IGA
• River City Stitch
• Russell’s Sport ‘N Bike
• Ryan and Shelly Williams
• Saint Croix National Golf & Event Center
• Skits Outreach Services, Inc.
• Squeaky Clean Homes
• Subway – Prescott
• Sweet Butter Cakery
• The Bake Shop and More
• The Cobblestone
• The Vineyard
• Tractor Supply Company
• Treadmill Sports
• Valley Bar & Grill
• Wanken Family Chiropractic
• Warren Schneider and Linda Robertson
• Wild Mountain

Financial Donors

• Allied Chiropractic
• Kate Smith
• Prescott Chiropractic

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We Now Serve Polk County Communities

It is no secret that the St. Croix Valley has changed in recent years. The valley is growing, and changing, and nonprofit agencies are being asked to do more each year. As leaders in the nonprofit community, the three local United Ways serving the St. Croix Valley are committed to facing the challenges that lie ahead and continually ask, "How can we best benefit the communities that we serve?" The three United Ways serving the St. Croix River Valley examined that question and recently passed resolutions supporting the transfer of zip codes in Polk County, Wisconsin from the United Way of Washington County-East to United Way St. Croix Valley. As of July 1, 2010, communities in Polk County, Wisconsin will be served by United Way St. Croix Valley.

Each United Way organization is an independent nonprofit organization governed by local volunteers and charged with raising funds for programs that serve a specific set of communities. United Way of Washington County - East (UWWCE) based in Stillwater, Minnesota has had a long term and positive regional partnership with the United Way of Polk County (UWPC), serving Polk County Wisconsin. United Way St. Croix Valley (UWSCV) based in Hudson, Wisconsin serves an area in Western Wisconsin that overlaps Polk County. Meetings between the three local United Ways began over a year ago and the leadership of the organizations came to the conclusion that a realignment of service areas was the best way to meet the needs of Minnesota and Wisconsin communities.

"Our partnership with the United Way of Washington County-East has resulted in great progress in uniting the communities in Polk County and increasing the services available to those who need them most. Realigning with UWSCV is a good next step to be even more effective in delivering services," said UWPC President Steve Snell. "The administrative support provided by UWWCE through the years has really helped us increase our impact," he continued. Mel Sullivan, Board President of the United Way of Washington County - East affirmed that " our United Way continues to highly value the partnership with our United Way colleagues in Wisconsin, as we work collaboratively to strengthen communities throughout the St. Croix River Valley. "The vision of the community leaders who formed these United Ways will continue to guide us as we focus on building stronger communities in Washington County and Western Wisconsin," added Marna Canterbury, UWWCE Executive Director.

A key goal of this realignment is to increase community support for the programs and services in Polk County and create new efficiencies in delivering these services. "We are very committed to continuing our policy of making grants to agencies that help specific local communities; to the larger groups that serve the entire region; and for United Way initiatives such as Success By 6^TM," said United Way St. Croix Valley Board President Pat Powers.

UWSCV Executive Director John Coughlin said, "Letters were recently sent to the nonprofit agencies funded through the United Way campaign in Polk County to let them know that we believe this realignment will lead to broader support for the important work they do throughout the county."

New Board Members representing Polk County are Dan Draxler, Michael Hedges and Steven Snell.

Businesses and individuals who support United Way are encouraged to offer their guidance and support during the transition so United Way can continue to meet basic needs, strengthen children and families, improve health and independent living and help connect people with services. Call your local United Way or visit www.unitedwaystcroix.org for further information.

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United Way Extends Online Auction

United Way St. Croix Valley is extending its online auction fundraiser until July 13 due to the large number of donations from local businesses and community members.

Some of the items available June 29-July 6 include a $50 gift certificate to Hudson Bagel & Coffee Co., Alison Scott concert tickets, a performance for the school or organization of your choice from the SOS Players and a Swedish relaxation massage from Cara Bella Skin Care Studio & Day Spa.

July 6-July 13 will be the last chance to purchase items at discounted prices on a first-come first-serve basis.

To view items currently up for bidding, visit United Way St. Croix Valley's eBay page at http://myworld.ebay.com/unitedwaystcroixvalley and click "Items for sale."

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United Way Partners with FamilyWize

United Way St. Croix Valley is participating in the FamilyWize program by giving out free FamilyWize discount prescription drug cards. With this program, people who do not have health insurance, or who have to buy medicines not covered by health insurance, Medicare or other programs, can now purchase their medicine at a discount. For more information, contact Carol Sarafin at 715-377-0203 ext. 101. Check www.unitedwaystcroix.org in July for more information.

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United Way to Hold Online Auction Fundraiser

United Way St. Croix Valley will be running an online auction throughout the month of June to continue to make up a shortfall in last fall's fundraising campaign. Funds generated by the auction will be used to support programs that provide basic needs like food and shelter.

Each week in June United Way will post new exciting items and services donated by businesses and community members on eBay. There will be more than 50 items up for sale over the course of the month, including Apple River Country Splash tickets, Bristol Ridge Golf Course green fees, a pool/ping pong table, and a dinner and boat cruise for four on Lake Mallalieu.

Make sure to bookmark United Way's eBay page to see what is currently for sale: http://myworld.ebay.com/unitedwaystcroixvalley.

For more information, contact Kate at 715-377-0203 ext. 103.

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Basic Needs Campaign Raises $3,797.30

United Way St. Croix Valley is happy to announce that this spring’s Give 10, Tell 10 for Basic Needs campaign raised $3,797.30. The money raised will go toward funding United Way agencies and initiatives that meet basic needs such as providing food and shelter.

The campaign ran from April 8 through May 15 as part of a larger effort to raise money to close a $90,000 shortfall in last fall’s United Way campaign. In hopes of encouraging more community members to get involved, the United Way Board of Directors pledged a matching donation, which was met and is included in the final total of $3,797.30.

United Way St. Croix Valley would like to extend its thanks to all those who donated to the campaign, as well as the local businesses and school who helped raise money:

• Associated Bank
• First American Bank
• Hudson Bagel & Coffee Company
• M & I Bank
• US Bank
• Viking Middle School – Baldwin/Woodville School District
• WESTconsin Credit Union

“We are so thankful for the support that we received because it helped us avoid funding cuts to agencies that are feeding and sheltering people,” said United Way director John Coughlin. “The students at Viking Middle School did a fantastic job raising money that will be used to support area food pantries and shelters,” he continued.

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Dish and the Spoon Cafe to Hold United Way Fundraiser

Dish and the Spoon Cafe in River Falls will hold a United Way fundraiser Wed., June 2 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thirty percent of food sales will go to United Way St. Croix Valley.

Diners will be able to choose from four pasta dishes--chicken fettuccine alfredo, penne arrabiata with Italian sausage, meat lasagna with red sauce or vegetable lasagna with white sauce. Each meal includes soup or salad and bread. Cost is $10 for adults and $6 for children.

Dish and the Spoon Cafe is located at 208 North Main Street, River Falls, WI 54022. Click here for a map. For more information on Dish and the Spoon Cafe, visit their website.

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United Way Extends Basic Needs Campaign

United Way St. Croix Valley has extended its Give 10, Tell 10 for Basic Needs campaign to May 15. This means your donation to United Way will go directly to the campaign and toward meeting the Board of Directors' $1,000 match.

If you have not yet donated, click here to be taken to our secure donation page. You can also donate via mail, phone or through United Way's Facebook Cause.

You may also donate at any of the following Hudson businesses currently accepting donations to United Way: Associated Bank, Hudson Bagel & Coffee Co., First American Bank, M & I Bank, WESTconsin Credit Union and US Bank.

Associated Bank is accepting donations directly into United Way's account at the bank, so you can donate quickly and easily at any of the Hudson locations.

The Give 10, Tell 10 for Basic Needs campaign will run April 8-May 15 as part of a larger effort to raise money to close a $90,000 shortfall in last fall’s United Way St. Croix Valley campaign.

For more information on the campaign, email Kate Smith or call 715-377-0203. To donate by check, please mail your donation to 516 Second Street, Suite 214B, Hudson, WI 54016.

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United Way Launches Give 10, Tell 10 Campaign

The Give 10, Tell 10 for Basic Needs campaign will run April 8-18 as part of a larger effort to raise money to close a $90,000 shortfall in last fall’s United Way St. Croix Valley campaign.

United Way St. Croix Valley's Board of Directors has pledged to donate a $1,000 match for the first $1,000 raised in the campaign.

We are asking community members to donate $10 to United Way St. Croix Valley and pass the campaign information on to ten friends. We've created a YouTube video to make it easy to forward the campaign info to friends: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70LdOxNKxm4.

Please post your name when you have pledged and donated to http://www.pledgebank.com/Give10Tell10. This will allow us to easily track the first $1,000 in donations.

United Way St. Croix Valley Executive Director John Coughlin explained the importance of closing the financial gap in the campaign. “We will need to reduce funding to most agencies by at least five percent given where we stand at this time. Our hope is that we may be able to restore some of the funding if our series of small fundraising efforts over the next several months are successful. Our partner agencies are seeing increased demand for services but have fewer resources to help those in need.”

“The United Way Board is stepping up and pledging the matching money because we understand how critical the need is right now,” Board President Tonya Lathe said. “We hope we can encourage others to give by pledging ourselves.

For more information contact United Way at 715-377-0203.

Give $10 Now:

Click for ways to give.

Post Your Name to Show You Gave:

Click to post your name.

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"All Dressed Up" Prom Wear Program

Give those beautiful dresses one more turn on the dance floor!

Youth Action Hudson is sponsoring All Dressed Up, a program dedicated to providing prom wear to teens in St. Croix County who might not otherwise be able to attend prom.

Donation ideas:

• Fancy/Formal Dresses: long or short/all sizes, clean and ready to wear
• Accessories: jewelry, shoes, handbags
• Services that would help support this project: Dry Cleaning, Hair/Nail Services, Dress Alterations, Car Service

Please bring your items to Youth Action Hudson 911 4th Street, Hudson - Tues/Thurs 3-7 PM or Sat 10AM-1PM or call 386-9803.

The “Prom Party” open house will take place on Saturday, March 27, 9 am – 1pm in the Community Room of the Hudson Municipal Building 911 4th Street. This event is open to the public with the goal of assisting families in St. Croix County who might need help with the expenses/details associated with attending prom.

For more information please contact: Youth Action Hudson at 715-386-9803 or Pam at 715-377-1002.

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Knights of Columbus Sponsors April Food Shipment

United Way St. Croix Valley is thankful to Knights of Columbus for its $2,500 sponsorship of the April food shipment to the Food Resource Center. The following Councils participated in making the award: Ray Koller, Grand Knight, Council 5456; Patrick Bechel, Grand Knight, Council 6599; Donald Leier, Grand Knight, Council 4954; Dennis Malecek, Grand Knight, Council 7030; Paul Krenik, Grand Knight, Council 1762; Rob Daugherty, Grand Knight, Council 7342; BJ Grant, Grand Knight, Council 4902; Ed Colosky, Grand Knight, Council 6759.

Pictured left to right are Tom O'Connell, United Way St. Croix Valley Board Member; John Coughlin, United Way St. Croix Valley Executive Director; Paul Krenik, Grand Knight, St. Croix Council 1762; and Jim Michaelson, District Deputy.

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Donate to Recovery Efforts in Chile

The United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund is supporting rebuilding efforts in Chile following the Feb. 27 earthquake. There are several ways you can donate to the fund. You may donate online at www.unitedway.org/disasterfund (choose Disaster Recovery / Rebuilding, Chile or Haiti) or by phone at 1-866-404-5826. Questions about the Fund can be directed to this toll-free number. You may also make a $10 donation by texting CHILE to 864833 (UNITED). Standard text messaging rates apply. Checks can be made out to United Way and mailed to United Way Worldwide, P.O. Box 630568, Baltimore, MD 21263-0568. The memo line should include "United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund" and, if desired, should indicate Disaster Recovery / Rebuilding, Chile or Haiti.

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Haiti Recover and Rebuild: United Way's Response

Update 2-15-10: Contributions to the United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund support recovery and long-term rebuilding needs of the devastated Haitian communities, as well as to meet the needs of Haitians affected by the disaster who have relocated to the USA and throughout the Caribbean.

The United Way system worldwide and its corporate partners are responding with immediate efforts and preparing for recovery and long-term rebuilding. United Way's role is to support long-term recovery efforts to rebuild lives and communities devastated by the disaster and to address educational, financial and health-related challenges.

United Way Worldwide has created the United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund, introduced a text-to-give program, and is coordinating the integration of efforts from United Ways around the world, in cooperation with our corporate partners and other NGOs. United Way Worldwide is also working with the U.S. government – the White House, Congress, State Department, Department of Homeland Security and USAID.

Financial Donations

Can be made at:

www.unitedway.org/haiti

Text-to-Give: In the U.S., $5 donations can be made by texting HAITI to 864833 ("United"). Standard text messaging rates apply.

Immediate Response in the Region

United Ways in Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, St. Thomas-St. John and St. Croix are providing food, water, and other donated goods and building supplies in cooperation with corporate partners. First responders have been activated and physicians have traveled to Haiti.

There is an outpouring of support by United Ways around the world. For example, the China Charity Federation (the United Way in China) has been appointed by the Chinese government to receive public donations for Haiti. In Israel, United Way is partnering with the country's leading social organizations to establish a field hospital in Port-au-Prince. United Way Brasil is working with corporate partners to collect financial donations, as well as organizing food and clothing drives. From Guatemala, United Way is providing food and drinking water.

Mobilization of Corporate Partners Globally

Together with our corporate partners around the world we are mobilizing and engaging their employees to contribute financial donations (with many companies matching each gift), as well as food, clothing and cleaning supplies. Corporations are also making financial contributions, and offering in-kind donations of medicines, logistics services, food, water and travel. These corporate partners include Automatic Data Processing, Aetna, CIT, Citigroup, Cummins, Delphi, Eaton, IBM, Kellogg Company, Microsoft, Nationwide Insurance, New York Life Insurance Company, PepsiCo, Pfizer, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Principal Financial Group and Qwest.

Support in U.S. Communities with Large Haitian Populations

United Way has activated its 2-1-1 calling center, which provides critical, life-saving resources in communities throughout the U.S., particularly those with large Haitian populations, as well as a means to reach out and help people back home in Haiti.

Repatriation, refugees and adoptees are being anticipated in many U.S. communities. Initially, United Way will work to provide for immediate needs, most notably emergency shelter, food and clothing, as well as other services such as emergency health care and family reunification. Longer-term support includes transitioning refugees from emergency shelters into appropriate housing and establishing a system of social services to help refugees settle in the community of their choice and achieve self-sufficiency.

This support is similar to what United Way provided in the U.S. following Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Recovery and Long-Term Rebuilding

United Way's long-term response will be coordinated through our members in the Caribbean and Puerto Rico. Our members are working with Haitian community networks to help assess their needs. We expect that process to continue for some time, given the extent of the devastation. United Way will focus on education, income and health, helping reestablish the educational and health infrastructure of Haitian communities, and work to improve the income-earning potential of Haitian families.

United Way will draw upon its experience and long history of disaster support including the South Asian Tsunami in 2004, Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the 2008 earthquake in China, and Typhoon Morakot in 2009. We look forward to creating partnerships with governments, aid institutions, corporations, foundations and private citizens across the world to help rebuild Haiti.

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Volunteers Needed for United Way Citizen Review Panel

United Way St. Croix Valley is seeking a limited number of volunteers for its Citizen Review Panel. Agencies in the Basic and Emergency Needs category will be reviewed this year. It is a six hour volunteer commitment plus time in advance to read the grant applications.

The dates and times are Wednesdays, March 3 and 10 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Volunteers must participate in both sessions. No experience is necessary. For further information or to volunteer, contact John Coughlin at 715-377-0203 extension 102 or by email.

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MLK Day of Service Project a Success

On Jan. 18, United Way St. Croix Valley held its first Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service volunteer project at the Food Resource Center in Hudson. Approximately 40 volunteers worked to package 7,000 pounds of food for distribution to local food pantries and shelters. United Way would like to thank everyone who volunteered and helped make this event a success. Special thanks go to Emergency Foodshelf Network, Hudson County Market, Hudson Bagel & Coffee Co., Hudson Star-Observer and The Purple Tree. For photos, visit our Event Photos page.

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Donate to Recovery Efforts in Haiti

Donate to the United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund by clicking here to help those affected by the earthquake in Haiti. You can also text HAITI to 864833 (UNITED) to make a $5 donation to the fund. For more information and updates on United Way's rescue response in the region, click here.

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United Way to Host MLK Day of Service Project

On Monday, January 18th, United Way St. Croix Valley will participate in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service by hosting a volunteer project at the Food Resource Center in Hudson. Our partner, the Emergency Foodshelf Network, will deliver a truckload of mixed food items to the United Way warehouse. It will be packaged by volunteers for distribution to local food pantries and shelters. Volunteers are needed from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Food Resource Center, located at 612 Badlands Road, Hudson, WI 54016. Refreshments will be provided. For more information or to sign up, contact Kate Smith at 715-377-0203 ext. 103 or by email.

If you would like to volunteer earlier that morning, United Way St. Croix Valley is also gathering several volunteers to help at the MLK Community Breakfast at St. Bridget's Church in River Falls. For more information, click here.

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