United Way of McLeod County Board President Jennifer Grimsley announced today that the regional non-profit will have an informational exhibit booth at the McLeod County Fair which takes place August 18-22 in Hutchinson. The five-day run of the fair will serve as the kick-off period to the UWMC’s 2010-11 Campaign.

“With our focus on serving individuals, families and communities in McLeod County, we believe that the fair is a great opportunity to inform people of our mission,” said Grimsley. “We welcome folks to stop by our booth and learn about the agencies and programs we are partnering with, in addition to registering children for our Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program.”

Grimsley announced that the organization would conduct its 2010-11 Campaign in a similar manner to the last few years. The residential, small business, public employees and major firm campaigns will be staggered in monthly increments beginning the week of August 18. McLeod County residents will begin seeing UWMC campaign materials beginning with the August 22, Hutchinson Leader Shopper. Donations to the 2010-11 Campaign can be made through March 31.

The United Way of McLeod County would like to thank Wal-Mart, Target, UPS and the Goebel Fixture Company for serving as this year’s Pacesetter Campaigns. We are so fortunate to have great corporate partners like these in our communities. Also a special thanks to all those employees who gave of themselves to build a stronger, healthier McLeod County.

United Way of McLeod County Board President Jennifer Grimsley announced today that the organization delivered $43,000 in checks during June, to 33 partnering agencies that encompass 42 area programs. Those checks represent the second quarter allocations for 2010 United Way funding. An initial round of checks was delivered to agencies in January.

“We are continually amazed by the generosity of the individual donors, small businesses and corporations throughout McLeod County that enable us to make these community investment grants,” said Grimsley. “We have been able to distribute $95,000 in 2010 thus far. Those dollars are being used to fund worthy programs that are making a difference in so many lives in our area at this time.” Read the rest of this entry »

United Way of McLeod County Board President Jennifer Grimsley announced today that the regional non-profit will partner with 36 agencies/programs in 2011. The organization recently completed its Community Investment Review for the 2011 funding cycle, with a total of $268,141 in requests. The UWMC has a campaign goal this fall to raise $250,000 to impact communities county-wide by empowering partner agencies.

“Upon the completion of our annual volunteer-led Community Investment Review, we feel confident that the UWMC will again partner with outstanding agencies in 2011,” said Grimsley. “These agencies represent a cross-section of funded programs servicing McLeod County in emergency and basic needs, health and human services, child development and community development.”

“On behalf of the UWMC board of directors and staff I want to thank the 35 community volunteers and the 60 agency representatives that participated in the Community Investment Review,” said Executive Director Paul Thompson. “Annually we see the dedication and professionalism of the agency staff members that present their programs and the sense of community shown by the county-wide volunteers during the interview process.”

Following are the 36 agencies/programs to be funded by the UWMC in 2011. Read the rest of this entry »

United Way of McLeod County Board President Jennifer Grimsley announced today that the organization received pledges for $232,000 during its 2009-10 Campaign. The local United Way kicked-off its fundraising efforts during the McLeod County Fair in mid-August and officially closed the books on its most recent campaign March 31.

“This year’s campaign was a real testament to the generosity of people in the region,” said Grimsley. “Thanks and gratitude from our board of directors and staff goes out to the individuals, families, small businesses and corporations that gave of themselves in these challenging economic times.”

The $232,000 pledged amount marks the third highest total raised in a single campaign since the organization began its work in the area in 1962. Last year UWMC partner agencies provided 33,000 units of service to individuals in McLeod County. In the last decade, the UWMC has dedicated over $2,000,000 in community investment to nearly 100 agencies providing services and programs in the area.