Feb. 1, 2018 – West Bend, WI – More than 200 donors and volunteers attended United Way of Washington County’s Team Celebration at the Prairie Center on February 1. The event highlighted the 2017 United Way campaign, which was led by Kevin Steiner, president and CEO of West Bend Mutual Insurance.
Following a rousing performance by the West Bend High School Drumline, Steiner announced that United Way of Washington County exceeded their 2017 fundraising goal, bringing in $1,550,326 for local health and human service programs.
“This has been a real team effort,” Steiner said. “Community means more than just living in one area. It’s about bringing people together to improve people’s lives. We are fortunate to live in such a generous and caring community. Thank you to everyone that made this campaign a success. It has been an honor to serve my neighbors.”
Since 2010, United Way of Washington County’s campaign giving has increased by 43%. This year’s fundraising total also tops the organization’s previous record, set in 2016, by 6.96%.
Kristin Brandner, Executive Director, addressed the donors and volunteers in attendance, “You can take pride in knowing that the funds you provide United Way will deliver meaningful and results-driven programming throughout our local community. Because of your hard work, generosity, and dedication, our local United Way can continue to grow its impact and improve more lives and community conditions.”
United Way of Washington County invests in more than 25 prevention and intervention programs that improve Education, Financial Stability, and Health. Funds are allocated by panels of community volunteers. Program applications are evaluated based on alignment with United Way goals and focus areas, and strength of outcome results.
In addition to the record-breaking total, United Way shared the following campaign highlights:
- Menasha Packaging had the highest percentage increase at 566%.
- Delta Defense had the highest dollar increase, raising more than $50,000 in new employee and corporate giving.
- West Bend Mutual Insurance topped $300,000 in corporate and employee giving for the first time.
- There was a 9% increase in participation at the Leadership Level (Individuals giving $1,000+).
- 37 Pacesetter companies held early campaigns and raised over $619,000.
- With a dollar-for-dollar match from West Bend Mutual Insurance, Emerging Leaders (age 40 and under) raised more than $82,000.
Local companies with a giving total of $10,000 or more were highlighted as part of the Leaderboard:
- Affiliated Clinical Services
- BMO Harris Bank
- Broan
- DACO Precision-Tool
- Delta Defense
- First National Bank of Hartford
- Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin
- Kerry
- Kewaskum School District
- Legendary Whitetails
- Manitou Americas
- Maysteel
- Menasha Packaging
- R & R Insurance Services
- Serigraph
- Washington County Employees
- Wendorff Companies – Hartford Finishing, Sno-Way, and Steel Craft
- West Bend Mutual Insurance
- West Bend School District
- Wisconsin Energy Foundation
The event concluded with the announcement of 2018 United Way campaign leaders: Joe Fazio, Tom Hopp, and Kevin Volm of Commerce State Bank.
“We are so excited to have not only one campaign chair this year—but a trifecta of leaders,” Brandner said. “Joe, Tom, and Kevin are already so involved throughout our community; United Way will definitely benefit from their leadership and support.”
The 2018 United Way campaign begins this fall.
About United Way of Washington County
United Way of Washington County provides resources and solutions for health and human service needs in communities throughout Washington County, Wisconsin. With a focus on Education, Financial Stability, and Health, United Way’s mission is to improve lives and community conditions in measurable and lasting ways. For more information about United Way of Washington County’s work, or to join our fight to create meaningful, measurable and lasting change for people throughout our county, visit UnitedWayOfWashingtonCounty.org