United Way of Inner Wisconsin
Winter 2011
Calendar:
- December 15, 2011 - Thank You and Recognition Celebration at Hotel Mead, 4:00 - 6:00pm. Click here for more information.
- February 8, 2012 - Annual Meeting, 6:00pm at River Cities Bank
- April 15 - 21, 2012 - National Volunteer Week
- April 17, 2012 - Volunteer Recognition Breakfast at Hotel Mead, 8:00am
Legacy Society
-
- Now is the perfect time to make your tax-deductible year-end contribution to United Way of Inner Wisconsin’s Legacy Society
-
Call today to learn about the many ways you can make a gift. 715-421-0390
- Or Click here!
Thank You For Your Support!
|
 |
- Not only was I happy talking with people about how United Way partner programs affected my life, but my heart filled with great pride as members of my home-town community gave generously of their money, time, and vocal support.
- During difficult economic times, you would think donors would feel the need to hold back, or even not give at all. Instead, United Way of Inner Wisconsin donors used the tough times that currently exist as a reason to keep giving and in many cases, to give more. Our generous donors were very aware that the problems and needs in our community have only increased with the difficult times. United Way donors know that all of us, UNITED as a community, can create lasting change for our young, our elderly, our disabled, and our friends and neighbors in need of just the basics.
- My heartfelt thanks goes to all the individual donors; to every business and corporation that stepped up to make a corporate contribution or matching gift; to everyone still considering a donation to help our community. It’s never too late to go online (uwiw.org) or make a phone call (715-421-0390) to become part of our wonderful group of donors who “LIVE UNITED.”
I’d like to thank the campaign volunteers. You were at the frontlines of the campaign and you made things happen. I’d also like to thank the wonderful young people who participated in Community Change, the elementary school change drive; and the Student Allocation Panel participants who got to decide what partner programs will receive their donations. - I have met many wonderful, caring people during this campaign and I do not have the space to list them all. Please join me and many others for the Thank You and Recognition Ceremony on December 15, 2011 at the Hotel Mead from 4 – 6pm. That way, I can shake your hand and thank you personally for your contribution to the campaign and for “LIVING UNITED.”
- In closing, I leave you with this truism:“We make a LIVING by what we get. We make a LIFE by what we give!”
United Way Stories of Success: Faith in Action of Adams County
- Your donation to United Way of Inner Wisconsin makes a tremendous impact in our communities. Here is just one example of how you are helping our local neighbors in need through United Way...
- Benjamin, a married father of one, was diagnosed with throat cancer. Lost wages - as well as expenses incurred from traveling to Madison for treatment - resulted in a financial crisis. North Central Community Action Program (NCCAP) provided him with mortgage payment assistance, utility payment assistance, and food pantry assistance for 21 days. A NCCAP staff member assisted him in filing an application for Social Security Disability benefits. The application was approved. Within three months, the crisis was over. Later, NCCAP received a card sent by the family. It read, “Thank you so much for all the help you gave us. We wouldn’t have made it without you. You have helped so many and we want you to know we are so very blessed for all you did for us.”
- United Way of Inner Wisconsin partners with local programs such as NCCAP. You are helping others in our community when you Give, Advocate and Volunteer. Thank you!
Boy Scout Programs in Adams County
- By Rachel Caldwell, Ahdawagam District Executive, Samoset Council, Boy Scouts of America
- There are two traditional Boy Scout Troops in Adams County serving boys ages 11- 18. Troop 133 has been around for many, many years. Troop 150 was brought back in 2007 after several years of not being in existence. 95% of these boys attend Camp Tesomas every summer in Rhinelander.
- Cub Scout Pack 150 in Adams County serves boys ages 6-10. They were brought back in 2006 after a few years of no Cub Scout packs existing in Adams County. They have over 60 boys currently registered and participate in numerous fun activities such as the pinewood derby race and the District Day Camp held in Wisconsin Rapids each summer. The boys get to try their hand at B-B gun shooting, archery, sling shots, fishing, cooking, an obstacle course, nature, and much more at this event.
- There are two after school programs that partner with the Adams-Friendship Area School District’s Community Learning Center. Pack 100 meets at Adams-Friendship Elementary School and Troop 100 meets at Adams-Friendship Middle School. These programs are offered free to the boys and allow them to participate in Scouting - some of which would not otherwise have the chance. These boys learn how to make positive choices through fun
activities and the teaching of the Scout Oath. - Boys in all these programs have positive adult role models to work with and the opportunity to learn leadership, citizenship, character development, and physical fitness.
- Editor’s note: United Way of Inner Wisconsin is proud to support scouting programs in Adams County. We believe that they help youth make positive choices and grow into caring adults. Thank you Samoset Council for making a difference in Adams County!
Volunteers Live United at Day of Caring
|
 |
- We also helped stock the shelves at South Wood Emergency Pantry Shelf by having a very successful food drive at Copps, thanks to everyone who donated food. The Humane Society and The Family Center also had fall cleanup work done to their facilities.
- A huge thanks goes out to all the great area businesses that donated goods to help us feed this big hungry bunch: Arby’s, Elsie’s Kitchen, Pepsi Beverage Co., Kwik Trip, Subway and the Grand Rapids Lions Club.
- We could not have done any of this without the Youth Advisory Committee. What a great group of teens who volunteered and helped make this event a great success again.
A special thanks goes to Donna Smrz, who really helped us bring this event together with all the food preparations. We really appreciate all her help and time she spent planning. Thanks again to all our great volunteers and businesses who made this event possible for our elderly/disabled residents. I know they are very grateful for the help.
Campaign Wrap Up
- While it it still to soon to tally the results, here at United Way of Inner Wisconsin we feel the 2011 campaign truly was a success! We have seen volunteers and supporters rally for our communities and prove once again that people in south Wood and Adams Counties care about our neighbors in need! Here are just a few highlights from this year’s campaign:
- Campaign Volunteer Training
On August 9, 2011, 30 volunteers attended our annual Campaign Volunteer Training at the Hotel Mead. New Employee Campaign Coordinators (ECCs) were able to learn what it takes to run a United Way campaign; and seasoned veterans attended for a brush up. There was a panel of ECCs who shared their experiences with campaign, offered tips and answered questions. - Loaned Executives and Division Chairs also attended and learned how to excel in their roles as liaisons between the United Way staff and ECCs. Both groups of volunteers were able to tour South Wood Emergency Pantry Shelf and the Boys and Girls Club of the Wisconsin Rapids Area. Also, lunch was provided free by the Hotel Mead!
- Lunch by the River
We “unofficially” kicked off our campaign on August 11, 2011 during Lunch by the River. On this day, we distributed materials and buttons, sold LIVE UNITED t-shirts and gave away free children’s books! - Back to Football Friday
On September 9, 2011 we celebrated the return of the football season by asking local businesses and organizations to allow their employees to wear jeans and their favorite NFL apparel in exchange for a $5.00 donation to United Way of Inner Wisconsin! THANK YOU to everybody who participated! - Small Business Phone-a-Thon
The Small Business Phone-a-Thon was held on September 15, 2011 at Solarus. Over
20 volunteers contacted over 190 small businesses and organizations asking for a corporate contribution to the United Way campaign. This is an opportunity for small businesses to support United Way when having a campaign is not possible. This year the Small Business Phone-a-Thon raised over $6,500! - Community Change Drive
In October, three local schools (Mead Charter Elementary, Rudolph Elementary and Vesper Community Academy) had a community change drive and raised $1,154.34! On October 18th student representatives from each school decided what youth programs will receive the money. This is an opportunity to introduce students to community needs and the process of allocating resources to meet those needs. What an amazing group of kids! - Community-Wide Denim Day
On October 28, 2011, local businesses and organizations allowed their employees to wear jeans in exchange for a $5.00 donation to United Way of Inner Wisconsin. What a fun way to support our community!
Live United T-Shirt Cut Outs
 |
|
United Way Day at McDonald's Was A Success!
| The 39th Annual United Way Day at McDonald’s raised $13,000 on October 19, 2011. 100% of the sales from 7:00am to 7:00pm were donated to United Way of Inner Wisconsin’s 2011 Campaign. United Way Day at McDonald’s has raised $334,421 since 1973. “What an amazing event!” said Tari Jahns, CEO of United Way of Inner Wisconsin. “We’d like to thank everyone who came out to support our communities, and the staff at the Wisconsin Rapids McDonald’s restaurant.” “Special thanks goes out to Missoula Mac for continuing this community-wide tradition,” said Jahns. “They truly care about our local neighbors in need.” |  |
2011 Holiday Give & Get Help Guide
- Make a Difference or Find Assistance This Holiday Season!
- Volunteer for the holidays
- Donate food/toys to local needy families & children
- and more!
- Find out how...Get your copy today!
- Call 715-421-0390 or click here.
Thank You and Recognition Celebration
 |
We Thank You This Much! You’re Invited to our Thank You and Recognition Celebration December 15, 2011, 4:00 - 6:00pmHotel Mead & Conference Center Cash Bar 4:00 - 6:00pm; Awards at 5:00pm Admission is free thanks to our sponsors. Thank You Hotel Mead for hosting this event! Please share this invitation with all campaign volunteers and donors! |