95 Years of Change: United Way's 2017 Kickoff and Day of Caring

Sept. 9, 2017—United Way of Racine County kicked off its 95th year of creating change by engaging more than 250 inspired volunteers to assist local organizations. The day began with Kickoff at 8 a.m. at Racine’s Festival Hall, where attendees enjoyed a light breakfast and opening comments from Rebecca Mason, United Way of Racine County board chair; Rodney Prunty, president of United Way; and Bryan Albrecht, United Way campaign chair and president of Gateway Technical College.

 

Prunty began Kickoff by highlighting the history of United Way of Racine County. Since its conception in 1922 as the charitable Community Chest, United Way has evolved from a fundraising organization to an organization that is impact forward, with the strategic goal of Building an Educated Workforce. “We are in the business of impact,” said Prunty. “Now, more than ever, United Way is focused on creating long-term, systemic change by investing in strategies that work to address our community’s long-term needs.”

 

Prunty also thanked Gateway Technical College and Thrivent Financial for sponsoring school supplies for volunteers, as well as Target and Merchants for providing resources to collect the supplies.

 

Albrecht’s presentation further highlighted United Way’s importance in the local community. Albrecht stated that through community-wide collaboration, high accountability, and alignment with Racine County’s present and future needs, United Way of Racine County possesses the skills to address the community’s most critical issues and create long-term change.

 

Prunty and Albrecht then announced the 95th Anniversary Drawing. United Way has been creating change for 95 years, since 1922. In addition, Andis Foundation is celebrating 95 years of business. Thanks to the Andis Foundation’s partnership, United Way is offering donors the chance of a lifetime. First-time donors who donate at least $95 and previous donors who increase their gifts by at least 9.5% will be entered in a drawing to win $9,500.

 

After the Kickoff presentation, Day of Caring began as volunteers arrived at local organizations for a day of service projects. Ten local organizations hosted United Way’s volunteers, including Thrivent Financial, Racine County Food Bank, the Eco-Justice Center, and Case High School. Together, volunteers packed classroom supplies and holiday meal boxes, maintained and landscaped local facilities, prepared wood bundles, and removed invasive plants.

 

“Day of Caring gives us an opportunity to introduce the community to our mission by allowing them to see firsthand the size and scope of our work,” said Dan Taivalkoski, executive director of Racine County Food Bank. “The holiday meal boxes we assemble will allow 2,000 families experiencing a crisis or living in poverty to enjoy a dinner with their families, an opportunity they might not have otherwise.”

 

Through this annual day of volunteerism, United Way hopes to spark long-term connections and create long-lasting change for a better community.