Austin Daily Herald.

Monday, December 11, 2000

Austin Daily Herald

Steve Bluske lost his hair over the United Way of Mower County, Inc. fund drive at ShopKo Department Store Austin.

He did it willingly. Money contributed by the ShopKo team members set a new record for giving this year at OakPark Mall.

The store’s employees raised $4,570 for the United Way campaign. The amount passed this year’s campaign goal as well as the goal set for the store by it corporate owners.

A year ago, the store’s employees raised $2,095.

"We’re very grateful for the ShopKo contribution," said Jerry Adwell, general campaign chair for United Way. "It’s a very generous contribution."

Randy Kramer, president of the United Way board of directors, also expressed his appreciation, during check presentation ceremonies Friday.

For the 21st consecutive year, the United Way campaign met or exceeded its goal and in so doing set a new record for charitable giving.

A week ago, the amount raised was $675,316 or more than $50,000 above the campaign goal of $625,000.

Adwell and Kramer said the monies raised will help 27 charities, who provide over 70 programs and services.

Kaycee Heisinger, ShopKo team relations leader, credited the store’s team relations board of directors with devising a plan, that included incentives with helping the record-setting performance of the employees.

One of those incentives was that store team leader Bluske would shave his head and that occurred Nov. 5 at the store, when Joyce Erstad, a ShopKo teammate, had the honor.

But another incentive, the chance to shove a pie in the face of two people trapped Kellie Miller and Chandra DeBoer with whipped cream.

Other in-store incentives included a bake sale and casual day privileges for reaching certain levels during the fund drive.

"We talked it up whenever we could and the ShopKo teammates responded," Heisinger said.

"I think our people realize, that some day any one of us could need the help of a United Way agency," Bluske said. "You never know you might be that person who needs help."

According to Bluske, the ShopKo campaign included a 99 percent participation rate from store workers.