With summer half gone and the cold of winter around the corner, we now begin to start making presentations to the businesses of Freeborn County about the importance of the United Way in Freeborn County. Executive Director Ann Austin and I have a full slate, but it’s never too late to schedule an additional presentation. If your business or group would like to have us come speak, please give the office a call.

Many people help the United Way meet the needs of our community. I would like to highlight some of the outstanding people who make this work. Our community is full of caring and giving people who step forward to make our community vibrant and meet the need of our citizens.

Our major firms division focuses on the larger businesses of Freeborn County and is run by our chairpersons; Daniel Otten, Steve Bowron and Tonia Lauer. Together they have over 20 years of experience with the United Way. Our professional division is run by Ellen Kehr and Deb Tubbs. Their focus is on the professional community here in Freeborn County. The general business division is run by Dave Lemke and Tina Stripe, who have also been active for many years in this role.

This cabinet reaches out much deeper into the community, and I will highlight many other advocates in future articles.

The people of Freeborn County take care of each other, and we as advocates need to make sure this need is met. We take the time to finish the race no matter how long it takes. We help each other when the going gets tough.

This past month featured the April Sorensen Memorial Half Marathon, and seeing people help others warms the heart. Our group finished toward the back of the pack as we ran with first time participants. The volunteers never left their post; they stayed until the last person finished giving refreshment and encouragement to everyone. My friends ran with us until the end even though they could have finished much sooner.

The United Way works the same way, never giving up until the last person is helped by people who are your friends and neighbors.

There will be a sweet-corn fundraiser at the American Legion Hall from 3 to 7 p.m. Aug. 15 with proceeds to go to the United Way of Freeborn County.

Remember to Live United!

Steve Merfeld is the 2009 campaign chairman for the United Way of Freeborn County.