United Way celebrates business, community leaders

In 2022, United Way of Steele County raised nearly $774,000–it’s fourth highest fundraising total.

Under ordinary circumstances, that’s an amazing feat. But incoming board president Stephanie Olson pointed out 2022 was no ordinary year.

The total, she said during last week’s Celebration Luncheon, “is truly amazing in these days and times of our economy and the challenges we faced coming out of COVID.”

Owatonna-based Viracon led the way as Community Campaign Leader. The company fabricates architectural glass.

United Way’s donor development director Kellen Hinrichsen said while working with Viracon, he learned more about the company and what it means to Steele County. In all, 585 employees raised over $106,000.

“It was very clear that you do have a community mindset,” he said. “It wasn’t just about giving your dollars; it was about giving your time… supporting our mission and building a better community together.”

Viracon president Nick Longman said the company was a proud sponsor.

“Think about the times we’re in,” he said. “What better cause to give, donate, and sponsor, and we continue to do that.”

Live United

As part of the celebration, United Way also presented three Live United awards. Honorees included:

Partner agency - Blooming Prairie Youth Club

United Way board member Faizal Lakha said the Youth Club provides “quality educational and recreational opportunities to empower our youth for the future.” On Wednesdays, the entire staff and youth promote United Way of Steele County by wearing Live United t-shirts.

“The word that I came up with is … perseverance,” Lakha said, adding the organization has faced tremendous challenges. Staff, community, and volunteers “have kept it going so that it’s thriving now.”

Interim director Josi Christy said the group has been through a lot.

“If it wasn’t for all the effort and help from United Way and so many other organizations you all support, we may not have made it through,” she said.

The Youth Club’s staff and board–primarily women–work daily “trying to provide for others, find ways to support the community and show their love and care,” Christy said.

Small business – RE/MAX Venture Owatonna

Board vice chair Todd Trout said the leadership RE/MAX Venture provides “is a testament to who they are and who they expect their employees to be in our community. They always lead with being ethical. They really want to do the right thing for our community.”

Matt Gillard, who co-owns the agency with his wife, Deb, said when they opened in 2016, giving was an important part of the business.

“Because that’s part of our office culture, we’ve attracted a great team of individuals who constantly give back like we do,” he said, citing the team’s involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters, youth coaching, real estate association committees, Steele County Historical Society, and more. RE/MAX Venture has also raised $25,000 for Children’s Miracle Network, money that goes to Gillette Children’s Hospital in St. Paul.

Community – Brenda Hager

Honoree Brenda Hager was nominated because “she gives, she advocates, and she volunteers,” said United Way board member Ryan Gillespie.

Brenda, an employee at Josten’s, and her husband, Ron, have been United Way donors for over 17 years. She also advocates for many organizations in Steele County, including the American Red Cross, local churches, and theatres, and is always willing to lend a hand.

Hager currently volunteers as an oral health advocate for Let’s Smile, Inc., and was nominated by founder Holly Jorgensen. In the nomination, Jorgensen wrote that “she is truly changing lives in our community and surrounding areas by promoting how oral health affects overall health.”

“There is really a lot of great organizations around, and it’s so easy to find something that fits your interest to go out there and help,” Hager said. “And it’s not work. It’s fun.”

Tocqueville Society

Hinrichsen presented the United Way’s Tocqueville Society awards, which go to donors who have given at least $10,000 during the year. One chose to remain anonymous; the other is a well-known business leader.

Federated Insurance chairman Jeff Fetters said like others in the room, he gives out of a responsibility to help those in need, “and there are so many incredibly impactful programs that United Way funds.”

The reason he supports the local agency has to do with trust.

“Dollars are not being wasted, they’re going to folks that can make a difference and the people who need it in the Steele County area. I give because I trust. I trust United Way,” he said.

Over the last year, 75% of Federated’s 1,600 employees participated in a campaign that raised $325,000.

“I’m so very proud of Federated’s commitment to United Way, and especially the employees and all their hard work,” he said.

Other awards

United Way of Steele County also honored three board members who have completed their terms: Janie Rolloff, Gina McGuire, and Matt Bissonette.

Executive Director Annette Duncan, who has been with United Way for 20 years and leading the Steele County organization for three years, said when people ask her what United Way does, “it’s easier to tell you what we don’t do.”

“If it involves human needs and it involves quality of life, United Way probably has a seat at the table, and we’re bringing people to that table with us, because we know that we cannot make change unless everybody is involved… and everybody has a chance to be part of that solution.”

Duncan, herself, received an unexpected honor. The United Way board launched a new “Above and Beyond” award and chose her as their first recipient, in recognition for the work she does over and above her duties as executive director.