United Way of McLeod County Board President Kathy Silvernale and Glencoe Area United Fund Board President Brian O’Donnell announced today the merger of the organizations. The entities will operate under the United Way of McLeod County banner effective immediately. Silvernale will continue as UWMC President.

“We are just thrilled to be working with a great group of people that obviously care a lot about making an impact in their community and throughout the county,” said Silvernale. “This merger is just another prime example of organizations coming together for the greater good of an area.”

“This merger should be a positive change for all of McLeod County,” said O’Donnell. “This transaction will allow us to pool our resources and work together in building better communities, not just in Glencoe and Hutchinson, but throughout the region.”

A top priority for the UWMC is continuing to assemble a diverse group of people to represent communities throughout the county on the Board of Directors. Board members make policy in areas of finance, personnel, fundraising, campaign, special events and legal issues. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors are held on the second Tuesday of every month (excluding June & December) at 12:00 p.m. in locations throughout McLeod County. Board members may not be funded agency representatives, or persons with strong conflicts of interest relating to the UWMC.

The UWMC supports programs in the areas of: emergency and basic needs, health and human services, child development and community development. The county-wide chapter of the United Way funds programs that support the organization’s mission of impacting the needs of McLeod County by building stronger, healthier communities.