UNITED WAY HONORS JOHN DEDRICK AT CAMPAIGN AWARDS EVENT

"We thank the donors who contributed $1,072,138 to the United Way of Washington County 2008 campaign," stated Todd Martens, Washington County District Attorney and United Way Board President.  "Dollars are hard to come by in these difficult times.  The success of the 2008 campaign is a testament to the generosity of our donors, the quality of the programs we support, and the tireless efforts of our volunteers."

"We thank the hundreds of volunteers who spent thousands of hours raising funds that go directly to helping those in need in Washington County," continued Todd.  "When you support United Way, you 'Give at Home.'  You help your neighbors in crisis, help strengthen families, help develop successful kids, help promote self-sufficiency and help build a strong and healthy community.  The money stays here and helps those who need it most.  Every dollar you give helps make Washington County a better place to live.   Your work and your donations are investments in the community."

A highlight of the Award Event was the announcement of John "Rocky" Dedrick as the 2009 Clifford A. Nelson Volunteer Leadership Award recipient.  Since 1988, this award has been given to individuals in Washington County who demonstrate a long-term commitment to volunteer leadership in the human service area. 

"A leader leads by example, both personally and professionally," according to Andrew Gumm, the 2008 Cliff Nelson Leadership Award Recipient.  "Rocky Dedrick is a leader that has made a significant impact on the quality of all of our lives in Washington County."

A graduate of West Bend High School, Rocky and his wife Julie raised four daughters here in Washington County.  Upon graduating from Drake University in 1961, Rocky began his career at West Bend Mutual insurance Company as a Special Agent.  Rocky worked his way up through the company, becoming the President of West Bend Mutual Insurance in 1982.  In 2000 he became the firm's CEO and Chairman of the Board.

Rocky provides volunteer leadership to numerous nonprofit organizations, including the West Bend Urban Redevelopment Corporation, Digestive Disease Center Board of the Medical College of Wisconsin, Ozaukee Washington County Land Trust Advisory Board, West Bend Friends of Sculpture Committee, West Bend Boys & Girls Club Advisory Board, and the Chair of the Museum of Wisconsin Art’s Capital Fund Drive.  Rocky has also been on the University of Wisconsin Athletic Advisory Council and on the Board for MJM, Inc.  

"I am really excited about being selected for this award because Cliff Nelson was a mentor to me in so many ways," Rocky told the group.  "A favorite quote and inspiration for both Cliff and I is one by Ralph Waldo Emerson.  '…To leave the world a little better … to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, this is to have succeeded'."

"A turning point in my life was when I was the United Way Board President," continued Rocky.  "That year I visited each of the United Way agencies.  Although often underpaid and underappreciated, the real compensation these staff people received was the difference they were able to make in the lives of the people they served."

The Volunteer Leadership Award is named in honor of prominent West Bend resident Clifford A. Nelson, known for his outstanding volunteer and leadership efforts on behalf of human services, civic and arts organizations in the community.  John "Rocky' Dedrick joins an impressive roster of past Award Recipients:

  NEW UNITED WAY LEADER URGES WASHINGTON COUNTY RESIDENTS TO "GIVE AT HOME"

"I am proud to have the opportunity to lead the United Way of Washington County this year," stated Todd Martens, Washington County District Attorney and newly elected United Way Board President.  "I am grateful for Carole Klotz's dedicated work as Board President last year, as well as the hard work of our Executive Director, Campaign Chair, Board Members, staff and community volunteers who spend thousands of hours helping the United Way of Washington County fulfill its mission."

"I am optimistic about this year's campaign," continued Martens.  "We are so fortunate to have Tony Warren from West Bend A Mutual Insurance Company, return as Campaign Chair and Ric Leitheiser from M & I, serving as Campaign Vice-Chair.   These community leaders understand the needs of Washington County citizens, and care enough to take enormous amounts of time out of their busy lives to help."

Martens spoke at the United Way of Washington County's annual meeting held on February 25^th.  At that meeting new Board members for 2009-2010 were introduced and officers elected.

Officers elected include: President Todd Martens, Washington County District Attorney; Vice President Ann Schulz, Approved Home Mortgage; Secretary Kelly Tighe, West Bend A Mutual Insurance Company; and Treasurer Rob Johnson, Kettle Moraine YMCA. 

Board members elected to a first three-year term include Julie Gabelmann of ASQ, Bob Gannon of Richards Insurance, Rob Johnson of Kettle Moraine YMCA, Mary Kannenberg of Aurora Health Care, Ric Leitheiser of M&I Bank, Warren Simmons of Broan-NuTone, and Randy Spaulding of Spaulding Clinical Research.

Board members elected for a second three-year tem include Lisa Esser of First National Bank of Hartford, Sue Garman of Westbury Bank, Fr. Jeff Haines of St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church, and Mike Sterr of Coldwell Banker.

Tom Bergerud of The Threshold was elected to serve a two-year term as an agency representative on the board.

Board members who continue to serve include Marcia Arndt of Moraine Park Technical College, Patti Harmann of Slinger High School, Shelly Humphrey of Serigraph, Carole Klotz of Klotz's Piggly Wiggly, Ernie Koch retired, Lisa Krenke of Friends of Abused Families, Scott Lopas of WTKM Radio/WTKM Tours, Todd Martens -Washington County District Attorney, Prudence Pick Hway of Pick Heaters, Michael Schilling of M&I Bank, Ann Schulz of Approved Home Mortgage, Kelly Tighe of West Bend A Mutual Insurance Company, Tony Warren of West Bend A Mutual Insurance Company, and Dave Weaver of June Tailor.

Departing board members recognized include Jim Boldt of Broan-NuTone, Jay Fisher of Boys & Girls Club, Doug Fitzgerald of Fitzgerald Law Office, Tom Hostad of Broan-NuTone, Josie Minskey of Downtown West Bend Association, and Connie Stieber of  M&I Bank.

"It was an honor to serve as the 2008-2009 United Way Board President," said Carole Klotz of Klotz's Piggy Wiggly.  "During this past year our United Way was able to strengthen relationships with both our donors and partner agencies.  I feel our new focus on educating the public about human service needs and resources to meet those needs will enable United Way to be even more effective in helping to improve the lives of Washington County residents."

UNITED WAY CELEBRATES ITS 2008 CAMPAIGN

"United Way of Washington County made some serious changes in 2008 in order to rebuild relationships with donors and partner agencies and forge new relationships. One of those changes was the selection of Laura Giesenschlag as its new Executive Director," stated Carole Klotz, Owner of Klotz's Piggly Wiggly and the 2008 United Way Board President. "The success those changes brought about has resulted in a significant improvement in where we are today compared to where we were a year ago."

"2008 was a year of rebuilding during hard economic times," according to Tony Warren, CEO of West Bend A Mutual Insurance Company and the 2008 Campaign Chair. "Some of the money raised in 2008 comes through the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and the United Way of America. We had those figures at Celebration time last year but this year those figures will become a part of the 2009 campaign. As of tonight, we raised $1,070,343 which is 93% of our 2008 campaign goal."

"I, too, believe in the great people who live in Washington County and the mission of United Way in helping friends, families and neighbors," explained Laura Giesenschlag, United Way Executive Director. "The work done by our partner agencies and the support provided by past campaign chairs and this year's campaign volunteers are truly impressive. And I am excited about the opportunity to work on the 2009 campaign with my good friend Tony Warren."

The donations raised during this year's campaign will be used to fund 35 programs offered by 20 United Way partner agencies in five community impact areas: supporting people in crisis, strengthening families, developing successful children and youth, building strong and healthy communities, and promoting self-sufficiency.

I am the Executive Director for the United Way of Washington County and took over the position at the end of last May. I have worked in Washington County for 5 years and would like everyone to know that in all of the areas I have worked in Wisconsin, Washington County is the most rewarding area I feel blessed to work in. Everyone in this county is always friendly and proves that they are vested in the good of their community.

I would like to share a little bit about myself so that you can know when you meet me that I truly believe in the work United Way does for the county and this is not just my job. To help others and make a difference is very important to me.

It is very easy to go about life and forget how truly blessed we are at times. We can think we have it bad, but there is always someone who has it worse. Fourteen years ago my eyes were opened to what it is like to be someone looking for help and not knowing where to turn. I spent thirteen years in and out of Children’s Hospital with my son who has had many medical issues that have not been easily diagnosed. After the first year of feeling helpless, my husband and I started a support group called "Uniting Tube-Fed Children". I have spent many hours looking at others waiting for a diagnosis, trying to figure out how to pay bills, where they can turn for assistance when insurance doesn't cover therapy, and hoping for miracles.

I still run the support group and every year we have over 1,000 attend an annual picnic at the zoo. We celebrate life, help others who are struggling, but most of all make sure both the children and parents do not feel they are alone.

This has made me choose my jobs carefully because I want to help others and make sure that those who are lost can be found. The United Way of Washington County does this by supporting agencies through funding to help those who truly need it. When I talk to companies or individuals I can truly tell them that their investment in this county is immense.

If you are struggling at this moment and do not know where to turn please contact us and we will try to help you in any way we can. At this time the United Way is at 90% of goal and we need to reach 100% by December 31st. I am asking that anyone who can give even $1 consider giving to the United Way to help us reach our goal so that we can support the residents of Washington County who truly need our help. If you are a business and can give any kind of corporate donation, we would truly appreciate it!

My son's favorite word is "Hope" because when you have hope nothing is unattainable! You may never meet the people you are touching through your donation but you will be thanked through their prayers. I hope this holiday season reminds us all of how lucky we are and what truly is the meaning of Christmas!

If you are able to help us reach our goal, please send your donation to: United Way of Washington County, P.O. Box 304, West Bend, WI 53095. You may also contact us at 262-338-3821.

The good news is that the United Way of Washington County is at 90% of its 2008 campaign goal. But we need everyone's help in order to reach our goal of $1,150,000.

The money United Way receives during campaign is use to provide program services that keep Washington County the wonderful community we all choose to live and work in. United Way funds 35 programs for 20 local agencies that are supported by your gift. When you invest in United Way, our community becomes stronger.

"Give At Home" is the message that has been shared this campaign season. By giving to United Way, 98% of all money raised stays in Washington County. That is one of the reasons I firmly believe United Way is the best way to invest in the future of your family and community.

If you have not personally or corporately donated to United Way campaign this year, I urge you to do so today. If you have donated but can give a little more, please do so. You can also encourage your friends or business associates to invest where they live by giving to United Way.

Please think of helping United Way surpass their goal this year so that they can continue to provide the crucial funding needed to serve our area residents. As Christmas approaches may we all count our blessings and find the spirit of giving to others.

I ask for everyone living in Washington County to support this year's United Way campaign. With your help, I know we can raise the funds we need to keep the future of our community and your family strong.

Please send your donation to: United Way of Washington County, P.O. Box 304, West Bend, WI 53095. Thanks you.

"We are thankful for the successful fundraising event hosted by the Healing Elements Day Spa," stated Laura Giesenschlag, United Way Executive Director. "This is the first year they have held this event which benefits the United Way of Washington County. It was a great night of beautiful art, good food, and a wonderful opportunity to showcase the Healing Element’s new day spa facility."

Seven artists were featured at the Element of Art Night event. Money was raised for United Way by a silent auction and a donated portion of sold gift certificates. Food was also collected for the Full Shelf Food Pantry.

United Way used this event to gain additional visibility for the programs they help fund. In addition to tables with brochures from each of its partner agencies, representatives from The Threshold and Big Brothers Big Sisters were available to talk about their programs. Art work from Donna Lexa Community Art Program, creative art classes for adults with disabilities, was also displayed.

The donations raised during this year's campaign will be used to fund 35 programs offered by 20 United Way partner agencies in five community impact areas: supporting people in crisis, strengthening families, developing successful children and youth, building strong and healthy communities, and promoting self-sufficiency.

"The timing of the Element of Art Night was great because we're in the middle of our campaign," said Giesenschlag. "Events like this give us the opportunity to educate the public."

There are several easy ways to donate to United Way. If your employer has a United Way campaign, you can do it through payroll deduction. You can also send your donation directly to United Way at P.O. Box 304, West Bend, 53095. Or, if you prefer, you can donate online at the United Way website, unitedwayofwashingtoncounty.org.

"Even though this year's campaign goal of $1,150,000 is ambitious, it still does not meet the growing number of citizens in Washington County that need the services we help provide," stated Tony Warren, West Bend A Mutual Insurance Company CEO and the United Way's 2008 Campaign Chair. "In order to provide funds for partner agency programs, we must have a committed group of community campaign volunteers. "I'm please to recognize this year's Division Leaders and Loaned Executives that will be helping us reach our campaign goal, encouraging people to give to United Way, here at home."

Division Leaders are assigned a group of accounts to manage, including the solicitation of corporate and individual gifts. The 2008 Division Leaders are:

   DIVISION   --     DIVISION LEADERS 

   Transportation  --  Jerry Aman, R&R Insurance

   Kewaskum  --  Kevin Bartelt, West Bend Savings Bank

   Richfield, Hubertus, Colgate  --  Darcy Bierce, Cabela's

   Washington County Employees  --  Mike Bloedorn, Dept. of Human Services

   Real Estate  --  Bill Brace, Coldwell Banker

   Accountants & Prof. Specialties  --  Jennifer Callies, National Exchange Bank

   Clergy  --  Rob Donaldson, St. John’s Lutheran Church

   Hartford  --  Janice Feilen, Broan-NuTone

   Commercial  --  Bob Gannon, Richard's Insurance

   Jackson  --  Lisa Gillitzer, M&I Bank

   Key Firms  --  Andy Gumm, WE-Energies

   Newburg  --  Doug Hein, State Bank of Newburg

   Education  --  Pat Herdrich, West Bend School District

   Financial  --  Joel Herriges, M&I Bank

   Contractors  --  Tom Hopp, Commerce State Bank

   Dentists  --  Neva Iravani, Healthy Glo

   Transportation  --  Steve Johnson, Johnson Bus

   Hartford  --  Mary Kannenberg, Aurora Medical Center

   Allenton  --  John Kreilkamp, Kreilkamp Trucking

   Physicians & Health Care  --  Michael Laird, SynergyHealth

   Financial  --  Rick Larson, West Bend Savings Bank

   Contractors  --  Barb Lemler, Commerce State Bank

   Industrial & Manufacturing  --  Dave Lenz, Regal Ware

   Attorneys  --  Julie Maule, Best Law Office

   City of West Bend  --  Chief Ken Meuler, West Bend Police Department

   Richfield, Hubertus, Colgate  --  Amanda Novak, Cabela's

   Richfield, Hubertus, Colgate  --  Nichole Oudeans, Cabela's

   Jackson  --  Chris Proehl, West Bend Savings Bank

   Industrial & Manufacturing  --  Ryan Reigle, Regal Ware

   Retail  --  Robby Robrahn, Bob Fish GMC

   Real Estate  --  Mike Schilling, M&I Bank

   Nonprofits  --  Mary Simon, Council on Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse

   Real Estate  --  Mike Sterr, Coldwell Banker

   Washington County Employees  --  Jim Strachota, Dept. of Human Services

   Slinger  --  Tim Wiedmeyer, West Bend A Mutual Insurance Company

   Germantown  --  Paul Woehrer, UPS

Loaned Executives are individuals from local businesses, who have been made available to United Way 1-2 days per week to help both the United Way staff and campaign Division Leaders. They are a vital link between the United Way and the businesses it campaigns. The 2008 Loaned Executives are:

Duane Bock, Broan-NuTone; Heather Dunn, West Bend A Mutual Insurance Company; Julie Gabelmann, Community Volunteer; Neva Iravani, Healthy Glo; Michael Keagle, Regal Ware; Brian Kiley, West Bend A Mutual Insurance Company; Ken Koepp, Serigraph; Ryan Petri, West Bend Savings Bank; and Mike Schilling, M&I Bank

Part of our overall campaign success depends on our ability to spread the message of United Way – that a gift by an organization or individual is an investment that reaps rewards in the lives it changes," continued Warren. "The caliber of this year's Division Leaders and Loaned Executives speaks volumes to the value the United Way of Washington County provides here at home, when it matters most."

The donations raised during this year’s campaign will be used to fund 35 programs offered by 20 United Way partner agencies that provide services to Washington County residents, when it matters most. To find ways to give or how to help, visit its website at www.unitedwayofwashingtoncounty.org.

UNITED WAY SELECTS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Board of Directors of the United Way of Washington County is pleased to introduce Laura Giesenschlag as its new Executive Director. "Our Board felt that, in order to raise funds to meet critical needs within our County, we needed to build on our relationships with current and new donors," explained Carole Klotz, United Way Board President and owner of Klotz's Piggly Wiggly. "As part of broader changes within the organization, we decided we wanted an Executive Director with the proven background and vision to accomplish this."

"Our search committee, made up of board members, community members and a human resource professional, reviewed over 20 resumes for the Executive Director position," continued Klotz. "After interviewing the top candidates, Giesenschlag was the unanimous choice."

Giesenschlag has worked in Washington County for American Heart Association since 2004, during which time she has developed many personal relationships with business leaders in the County.

"Laura came highly recommended by a number of Washington County community leaders with whom she has worked on Heart Association events," stated Todd Martens, Washington County District Attorney and the United Way Board member who chaired the search committee. "She has a proven track record of fundraising and relationship building success. We believe Laura will be a tremendous leader for the United Way of Washington County as we enter this year's campaign."

"I am very excited about staying in Washington County and continuing to build on the relationships I have already formed," declared Laura Giesenschlag, the new United Way of Washington County Executive Director. "I am looking forward to working with the 2008 Campaign Chair, Tony Warren from West Bend Insurance, and being involved with the campaign, including to help set the campaign goal. It will be wonderful to build relationships with all of the United Way member agencies who work very hard supporting the needs of our community!"

According to Klotz, "Laura has a heart and passion for Washington County that has been shown in her years of service to the County with the American Heart Association. Laura is compassionate about helping others and has worked hard in her personal life to help many families. Laura believes in the mission of United Way 'to measurably improve the quality of life of Washington County residents'. We are very excited about Laura helping to build a successful 2008 campaign and continue working with the agencies and learning about all of the programs that are currently funded by United Way."

The United Way of Washington County currently funds over 37 programs through 20 agencies in five community impact areas: supporting people in crises, strengthening families, developing successful children and youth, building strong and healthy communities, and promoting self-sufficiency. For additional information about the United Way, the good work it does in Washington County, or to find out ways to give or help, visit its website at www.unitedwayofwashingtoncounty.org.

UNITED WAY ANNOUNCES ORGANIZATION CHANGE

The Board of Directors of the United Way of Washington County announced a change in direction and a new focus for its efforts to identify human services needs in Washington County.

"Our Board feels that, in order to raise the funds needed to meet critical needs within our County, we need to build on our relationships with current and new donors," explained Carole Klotz, Board President and owner of Klotz's Piggy Wiggly. "We must also help everyone understand that the best way to maintain the quality of life within our County is to make sure that everyone has access to services they need."

As part of the broader changes at the organization, Joe Calabrese will no longer be serving as Executive Director. The Board extends its thanks to Joe for his 3+ years of service to the organization and the community wishes him success in all future endeavors.

According to Board President Carole Klotz, "We're looking forward to building a successful 2008 campaign that will support our mission to measurably improve the quality of life of Washington County residents."

The United Way of Washington County currently funds over 37 programs through 20 agencies in five community impact areas: supporting people in crisis, strengthening families, developing successful children and youth, building strong and healthy communities, and promoting self-sufficiency.

Washington County has been chosen to receive $73,032 in 2008 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county. The amount awarded was based on the total number of unemployed within the county as compared to other jurisdictions and is a 16% increase over the $62,897 awarded for 2007.

The funding award was made by a National Board that is chaired by the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and consists of representatives from American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.; The Salvation Army; United Jewish Communities, and United Way of America.

The local board, chaired by United Way Executive Director Joe Calabrese, is in charge of distributing funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the County. In 2007 funding priority was giving to programs that provided rent and utility payment assistance to eligible individuals and mass shelter.

A local board, made up of the United Way of Washington County, Hebron House of Hospitality, Department of Social Services, Friends of Abused Families, St. Vincent DePaul Society, Salvation Army, Youth & Family Project, and other agencies and individuals, will determine how the funds awarded to Washington County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area.

Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary non-profits or unites of government, 2) have an accounting system, 3) practice nondiscrimination, 4) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 5) if they are a private voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds should contact Joe Calabrese, at the United Way of Washington County office, (262) 338-3821, by Friday, March 14^th.

At United Way's January 15^th Celebration Event, Michael and Kari Schilling, 2007 Campaign Co-chairs, announced that $1,085,000 was raised during the 2007 campaign, over $20,000 more than was raised last year. "Kari and I certainly didn't raise all of this money, the volunteers did. They did a wonderful job and we were very blessed by all of their hard work", according to Michael Schilling, a Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor with M&I Wealth Management in West Bend.

Community leaders enjoyed a night of casino games at West Bend Mutual Insurance on Tuesday evening, January 15^th, prior to the announcement of the campaign total. Representatives from member agencies shared with the group the positive impact United Way funds have had in improving the lives of their program clients.

Kari Schilling shared numerous campaign success stories with the group, including the fact that this year 6,578 quarter pound hamburgers and cheeseburgers were sold on McDonald's Day, a 1,159 increase over last year. "We are very pleased with the results," stated Kari Schilling, Director of Patient Care & Information Systems at Synergy Health West Bend Clinic. "We are very grateful for all of the support and help we received with the campaign. Washington County is truly a wonderful community."

"A lot of good will be done in Washington County with the $1,085,000 that was raised," said Tim Wiedmeyer, West Bend Mutual Insurance Vice President and United Way Board President. "In the coming weeks and months, we'll determine what we can do even better so we can raise more money in the years ahead to address the growing needs of our community. I know the generosity of this community, and I know they rise to the occasion when a need is identified."

Funds raised through the 2007 Campaign will support 37 health and human service programs to help improved the lives of Washington County Residents. United Way's 20 partner agencies work closely with United Way to offer root cause solutions to address community needs.

"Kari and I would like to thank all of those who worked on the campaign this past year. Whether you volunteered your time or made a contribution to the campaign, your support will make a significant impact in the lives of thousands of individuals and families in Washington County", declared Schilling.

Each year community volunteers recommend funding awards after reviewing applications that focus on program results. United Way of Washington County raises funds to meet those identified human service needs of Washington County residents. "Our panel volunteers meet in April and May to review funding applications," according to Joe Calabrese, United Way Executive Director. "We are always looking for people who want to help improve people's lives in Washington County. Anyone interested in becoming one of our panel volunteers should contact the United Way office."

"People often ask me why they should give to the United Way, versus some other charity. The answer lies in our fund distribution process. Donors can be sure the money they donate is put to use in agencies and programs that make a real difference. We have scores of volunteers who make sure that is the case", explained Wiedmeyer.

"Although the 2007 campaign is over, it is never too late to contribute to the United Way of Washington County and help make a difference in 2008," stated Calabrese. To make a donation or to become a panel volunteer, call United Way at (262) 338-3821. You can also go to its website at unitedwayofwashingtoncounty.org to learn more about the good work it helps fund in Washington County, ways to give or other ways you can help.