United Way of Mower County eyes #036;600,000 goal
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, September 15, 1999
This time, the goal is $600,000.
Wednesday, September 15, 1999
This time, the goal is $600,000.
That’s how much United Way of Mower County wants to raise in its fall 1999 campaign.
As impressive as it sounds, the odds are that the campaign will, indeed, make its goal.
After all, for the last 19 years, the United Way volunteers have met or surpassed their annual goal.
The 41st fund-raising campaign was launched Tuesday with a kickoff lunch at Holiday Inn of Austin.
Don Nelson, president of the United Way board of directors, welcomed guests and thanked sponsors McDonald’s, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Holiday Inn and Jim’s SuperValu.
"If you’re here today," Nelson said, "I’m sure you feel the Mower County United Way is a good cause."
Last year’s campaign collected over $601,000, which benefited 25 agencies. Nelson said this year’s goal of $600,000 can be reached and added, "$605,0000 … no problem."
Jerry Adwell will head the blue division and Kris Johnson, the maroon division. Randy Kramer is the campaign chair this year.
Once again, KAUS radio personalities Duane Germain and Dan Conradt have challenged their media counterparts, Dan Ruiter and Erin Connors. If the maroon division solicits the most money, Germain and Conradt will be served dinner in public by Ruiter and Connors of the blue division. If the KAAL team’s division earns the most, they will be on the receiving end of a meal served by Conradt and Germain.
Adwell said he was "excited" about the fall campaign and said his blue division’s section leaders have "some great ideas in place" for fund-raising success.
But, Johnson was unbowed. She said her maroon division is "very psyched-up" about meeting or beating its goal.
Amy Baskin, executive director of United Way of Mower County, was also confident the $600,000 goal can be met.
"The Target store has already had a car wash and they’re doing a dunk tank this week to help raise funds," Baskin said. "U.S. Bank will launch their own campaign Thursday. We’re going to make it."
Baskin also praised the "behind the scenes" campaign workers for helping the United Way enjoy the record-setting skein of campaigns. "They make the campaign work," she said. "Austin Medical Center has about 20 people involved in their campaign and there are 100s who help each. They’re all an important part in the United Way’s success."
Baskin also welcomed Udolpho Township and the city of Leroy into the United Way fold at Tuesday’s kickoff lunch.
Charities supported by United Way include American Heart Association, American Red Cross, Arc-Mower County, Austin Medical Center Hospice, Catholic Charities, Cedar Branch DAC, Cedar Valley Services, Children’s Home Society, Courage Center, Crime Victim’s Resource Center, Epilepsy Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Hormel Historic Home, Inc., Lutheran Social Services, Mower Council for the Handicapped, Mower County Seniors, Parenting Resource Center, River Trails Girl Scouts, Salvation Army, Sheriffs Youth Programs of Minnesota, Sister Kenny, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, Twin Valley Boy Scouts, United Servicemen’s Organization, YMCA.
Three weeks from Tuesday, the first report meeting will be held to trace the campaign’s progress.
The familiar United Way thermometers will also be visible this fall around Austin measuring the campaign.