United Way celebrates volunteers who helped raise $771K

How do you celebrate raising more than $771,000 to support organizations that serve thousands of people in need?
United Way of Steele County answered that question Thursday with a luncheon honoring the people who worked hard to achieve that ambitious goal. President Annette Duncan said recognitions typically happen in the fall, but COVID-19 canceled the 2021 event.
After a tough year, the organization wanted to bring everyone together again–in person.
“It’s really just a big celebration honoring the great partnerships we’ve had,” she said. “I feel that it’s important that we take the time to acknowledge all of the work everyone had done, despite the challenges we’ve faced.”
To open the program, held at the Owatonna Country Club, Board president Janie Rolloff announced the fundraising total of $771,818 and said last year held “a lot of unknowns.”
“But we did know we had a lot of partner agencies that needed us to raise that money,” she said. “I couldn’t be more excited about that number, and I love thinking about the impact it will have on the residents of Steele County.”
Chief among the partners involved in fundraising has been the Steele County Free Fair, honored Tuesday as Community Campaign Leader. While United Way typically works with a corporate campaign leader, Fair organizers stepped in when an unexpected staffing change forced last year’s business leader to bow out.
“They stepped up and simply knocked it out of the park,” Rolloff said.
United Way Community Impact and Fundraising Coordinator Tom Worhach said Fair Manager Scott Kozelka and his team were there time and again, from supporting a digital campaign thermometer to decorating a 75-foot float for the lighted parade.
“There was no request too big or small,” Worhach said.
“We became a family working together,” Kozelka said, adding the fair board and staff were proud to help. “We’re already talking about this year’s fair and what we can do.”
The agency honored the service of board members Kris Busse and Peng Olson.
Even before becoming city administrator in 2007, Busse said, “I always knew that there was something special about Owatonna.” Her time on the United Way board, she added, gave her an opportunity to learn about all aspects of the community. “It’s been a great privilege.”
Olson also said she learned a lot as a board member. “The United Way really, truly is a partner in the community. It really is changing lives.”
The LIVE UNITED awards, Duncan said, recognize exceptional contributions in charitable giving, volunteering, leadership, and advocating for projects and programs that change lives in Steele County. Selection starts with a survey sent to the Board of Directors and select community members.
“That group of individuals have an idea of who truly represents those qualities,” she said.
This year’s honorees include:
Partner Agency - Let’s Smile, Inc.
Let’s Smile offers oral health education and preventative dental services to children. In presenting the award to Executive Director Holly Jorgenson, United Way board member Matt Durand said the nonprofit faced unique challenges during COVID, due to the cost of Personal Protective Equipment. Let’s Smile also loaned supplies to the Ellendale Fire Department when their Emergency Medical Technicians all contracted COVID.
Small Business - OTB Café–Old Town Bagels
Board member Stephanie Olson said Old Town Bagels figured out a way to continue serving the community despite extended pandemic shutdowns. Owners Mark and Stacy Wilson and their crew then took a giant leap and built OTB Café, which provides a space where people feel “safe, valued, and heard”. The Wilsons support United Way programs, including a supply of bagels and cider distributed to local businesses during Acts of Kindness week.
Community - Kim Ramsey
A 25-year substitute teacher with Owatonna Public Schools, Ramsey oversees the United Way’s Adopt a Family Christmas Gift program, which last year served 56 families. She’s instrumental is organizing the Women United Power of the Purse event and ensuring that every child in Steele County receives a book every month, through age 5. She volunteers with many other nonprofits and made 800 masks during the pandemic.    
Tocqueville Society Award - Jeff and Marty Fetters
This award recognizes local philanthropic leaders who have devoted their time, talents, and funds to tackling the community’s biggest issues. Jeff Fetters is chairman of the Federated Insurance Companies. He and Marty, who died on Dec. 27, have been a part of the Tocqueville Society for eight years. Among many other charitable causes, the Fetters’ were instrumental in the $2.4 million drive to expand Community Pathways food shelf and thrift store. Marty also supported early childhood literacy through Women United.
“This is a couple involved in pretty much everything in Steele County,” Rolloff said. “I can’t think of a couple more deserving of this award.”