United Way of Racine County Concludes 95th Anniversary at 2017 Campaign Victory Celebration

Racine, Wisconsin (January 25, 2018)—On January 25, 2018, United Way of Racine County announced its 2017 campaign results at its annual Victory Celebration: a projected $5,335,000 raised, its second highest campaign of all time. This amount recognizes the total support of the community, which includes the United Way campaign, donor-designated funds, and restricted funds. Nearly 400 volunteers, donors, and members of supporting organizations attended the Victory Celebration to celebrate campaign results, contributing organizations and individuals, and other successes of 2017.

 

Rebecca Mason, board chair of United Way of Racine County, opened with acknowledgement to United Way’s board of directors, community investment committee, and impact partners. “We know that we can’t do this work alone,” stated Mason. “United Way is only able to provide high quality services and measurable outcomes by working together with strong, local partners that have a drive for results and creating change.”

 

United Way President Rodney Prunty shared successes from the organization’s 95th Anniversary. In 2017 alone, Knapp Community School provided more than 600 hours of after-school programming—equivalent to more than 60 extra days of school. The VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program filed nearly 400 tax returns and returned more than $500,000 in refunds to the community during its first year back in Racine County; and United Way, NAMI Racine County, and Infinite Potential Central’s “Bridging the Gaps” Initiative engaged hundreds of people on mental health and recovery.

 

“Whether it’s through philanthropy, volunteerism, corporate engagement, or having an opportunity for their voices to be heard, we provide numerous opportunities for people from all walks of life to be part of something greater than themselves. That’s what LIVE UNITED is all about,” stated Prunty.

 

Speakers Richard Wytonic, principal of Knapp Elementary School; Dani Decker, assistant principal of Knapp Elementary school; Leticia Tovar, Racine Literacy Council client and volunteer; Heather Doidge and her family, Imagination Library participants and Schools of Hope tutors; and Jeff Gustin, Veterans Outreach executive director, shared personal experiences of United Way’s impact in its focus areas of health, education, and financial stability.

 

Prunty acknowledged United Way’s nearly Employee Campaign Coordinators and nearly 200 contributing organizations, which supported United Way with employee campaigns, corporate gifts, or special events. He also recognized the Chairman’s Club, consisting of eleven organizations that raise at least $50,000 annually:

A number of exceptional contributors received the following awards:

Following Prunty’s presentation, Bryan Albrecht, president of Gateway Technical College and United Way campaign chair, recognized the 2017 Campaign Cabinet, Action Committee, and Women United Executive Committee and volunteers. In gratitude for his efforts, he received the 2017 Chairman’s Award. Albrecht announced Dr. Eric Gallien, deputy superintendent of Racine Unified School District, as the 2018 Chair for United Way’s Campaign Cabinet.

 

“In addition to developing its new role as a community impact organization, United Way continues to adapt to changes in corporate philanthropy and community fundraising,” said Albrecht. “However, one thing that hasn’t changed is our community’s generosity.”