It isn’t every day you see KAUS’ Duane Germain and Kris Johnson, United Way of Mower County Maroon Division chairwoman, in chefs’ hats and coats, serving food and drinks at Applebee’s.

Thursday, February 08, 2001

It isn’t every day you see KAUS’ Duane Germain and Kris Johnson, United Way of Mower County Maroon Division chairwoman, in chefs’ hats and coats, serving food and drinks at Applebee’s.

But then again the United Way can inspire people to do more than they would under normal circumstances.

Johnson, an Austin Medical Center employee, and Germain were on the "losing" side in a friendly United Way fund-raising contest between KAUS and KAAL. KAUS has lost the contest for the past three years.

The "winning" team, represented by Dan Ruiter of KAAL, United Way Blue Division Chairman Jerry Adwell, a Hormel Foods Corp. employee, and Division Leader Bill Snyder, also of Hormel, ordered anything they desired from the Applebee’s menu. Johnson and Germain then served them in full cook regalia.

Though only one percentage point separated the maroon and blue divisions’ totals, both raised funds in excess of their goals.

To date, the organization has received $723,874 in pledges, $98,874 over the goal of $625,000 for 2000.

The campaign started on the second Tuesday in September. Tuesday’s special meal marked the end of the campaign for this year, although United Way Executive Director Amy Baskin said "we received another gift today."

The money raised will be distributed to 70 programs through 27 agencies in Mower County, including the American Red Cross, consumer credit counseling, senior center and YMCA.

"This year’s campaign success is attributed to the hard work of the campaign team, the incredible generosity of the community and the outstanding programs and services provided by our supported agencies," Baskin said in a statement released prior to the dinner.

At the event, Baskin added thanks to Applebee’s, Belles and Beaus and Landmark Limo, all of which donated services and goods to the United Way for Tuesday’s special night.

"Those donations mean donor money will go to the programs," Baskin said.