United Way of Washington County announced today that they exceeded their $1.3 million fundraising goal, raising $1,305,892 during the 2014 campaign. This year’s total is $71,876 greater than the organization’s previous record of $1,234,016 which was raised in 2013.
“We are thrilled with these results and we are extremely grateful to each and every person who contributed to making this campaign a success,” said Ted Neitzke, 2014 Campaign Chair and Superintendent of West Bend School District. “Because of this community’s generosity, United Way of Washington County will be able to transform lives and improve community conditions.”
The money donated to United Way of Washington County is reinvested in local programs that provide human services in the areas of Education, Income, and Health. The 2014 campaign kicked off with a Day of Service in September. More than 400 volunteers packaged 66,096 meals that were distributed to five local food pantries.
“As a local organization, United Way of Washington County relies on the generosity of our community and the support of volunteers,” said Kristin Brandner, Executive Director. “We couldn’t have had a record-breaking campaign without the extraordinary leadership, vision, and effort of our campaign chair, Ted Neitzke, and our honorary co-chair Doug Ziegler. This multi-generational dynamic duo helped United Way maximize opportunities with a new generation of community leaders, as well as our established supporters.”
At the age of 87, this is Doug Ziegler’s third time leading a campaign for United Way of Washington County. He has been recognized on both state and national levels for his volunteerism and contributions to Washington County, and he encourages the next generation to follow his example.
“I decided to help lead the United Way campaign one more time because I believe in the mission,” Ziegler said. “We all have an obligation to give back to our community in any way we can. It can be time or money, or both.”
United Way of Washington County’s latest endeavor is a focused-initiative on employment. In collaboration with Washington County Workforce Alliance and a panel of community volunteers, United Way is currently planning a strategy that will help young adults develop the work ethic needed to obtain and retain employment. United Way of Washington County will issue a request for proposals in April.
With their transition to a Mobilizing Communities business model, United Way’s role has evolved into that of convener, facilitator, and partner in solving community problems. The funds raised during the campaign will allow continued growth and expanded reach as United Way implements root-cause initiatives that achieve measurable and long-lasting results in Washington County.
“Local corporate support and employee giving are the cornerstone of our fundraising efforts,” Brandner said. “These partnerships demonstrate the business community’s commitment to creating positive change, and they trust United Way to make change happen. We thank all those who support United Way of Washington County. Because of you, people in our community will become happier, healthier, and more successful this year.”
2014 LEADERBOARD
Companies with a giving total of $10,000+
- BMO Harris Bank
- Broan-NuTone
- DACO Precision-Tool
- Delta Defense, LLC
- First National Bank of Hartford
- Froedtert Health Medical Group
- Froedtert St. Joseph’s Hospital
- Kerry Ingredients and Flavours
- Legendary Whitetails
- Manitou Group/Gehl Company
- Maysteel
- R&R Insurance Services
- Regal Ware
- Schreiber Foods
- Serigraph, Inc.
- Steel Craft Corporation
- Sysco Foods
- Washington County Employees
- Wisconsin Energy Foundation
- West Bend Mutual Insurance Company
- West Bend School District
- Westbury Bank