United Way sets new area record

The 2017-2018 United Way of Southwest Minnesota campaign raised $622,750, shattering the organization’s ambitious goal of $600,000.00 and improving upon last year’s organizational record campaign total of $612,150.

This campaign now makes it by far the largest in the 55 year history of the local organization. A campaign of this size means the organization will be able to continue their mission of uniting people and resources to improve lives and strengthen communities in Southwest Minnesota.

Funds raised will support local programming and people in 2018-19. Over the last 15 years, the United Way of Southwest Minnesota has re-invested more than $5.9 million locally to benefit the lives of our friends and neighbors and impact the region.

More than 50,000 local lives are currently being touched by the organization through internal programs, community partner programs and/or other initiatives.

“What drives the United Way staff, board and numerous volunteers is the impact that these dollars have towards our efforts of advancing the common good in our service area.

The generous donors, volunteers and united efforts of our area continue to blow me away,” shared campaign chair and United Way board director, Amy Herrick, of Wood Lake.

More than 3,000 individuals, families, service organizations, clubs, schools, foundations and businesses contributed to the campaign.

Gifts ranged in size from handfuls of change to tens of thousands of dollars. No gifts were too small and all helped in achieving the goal.

When many entities give it adds up and makes a remarkable difference throughout the region. United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community.

In southwest Minnesota, the focus is on health, education, financial stability, hunger and safety and well-being.