United Way St. Croix Valley launched its 2007 Fundraising Campaign at a Rotary Club of New Richmond luncheon on September 10. Other campaign kick-off events will occur at the Hudson Chamber of Commerce Spotlight at Kilkarney Hills Golf Club in River Falls and at area businesses.United Way St. Croix Valley has named four local couples as this year's Campaign Chairs. The campaign chairs are: Mike and Carla O'Connell, Baldwin; John and Rose Knutson, Hudson; Jim and Carol De Young, New Richmond; and Phil and Mary Betzel, River Falls.
"The United Way has been a cornerstone for many organizations," claims Baldwin area co-chair Mike O'Connell. Mike has seen the results of United Way grants firsthand many times as a volunteer with ambulance services and fire departments. Carla O'Connell praised the United Way for their steadfast support of organizations such as the St. Croix Family Resource Center where Carla is a board member. Carla feels that "without the United Way, many not-for-profit organizations would not be able to provide their services. They are the backbone for those in need!"
"We are grateful that our community chairs are lending their voices to help us spread the word about everything that United Way is doing to strengthen Pierce and St. Croix Counties," said Board Chair Jim Dahl. John Coughlin, Executive Director put it this way, "This United Way is committed to ending hunger, making sure that people have a place to live and ensuring that our children are ready to succeed in school. Those are big goals but we are making progress. No kid should need to worry about when they'll eat or where they're going to sleep and every family should have the support that they need to help their children be prepared for school," he continued.
Governor Jim Doyle has designated the months of September and October 2007 as United Way months in Wisconsin in recognition of the start of fall campaigns by United Ways throughout the state. His proclamation emphasizes the role of United Ways in Wisconsin as a primary provider of funding to measurably improve lives and build stronger, healthier communities. Doyle is urging Wisconsin citizens to contribute generously.
United Way St. Croix Valley has set a campaign goal of $1,175,000 and will raise funds September 10 through November 16. The annual campaign will fund the United Way initiatives and six dozen agency programs supporting our communities. This year's Campaign Chairs urge everyone to become involved in volunteering and donating. Interested persons should call United Way at 715-377-0203 or visit the website at www.unitedwaystcroix.org.
