United Way drive is at 20 percent

Published 9:54 am Monday, October 21, 2013

A month and a half into its 2013 campaign, the United Way of Freeborn County has raised almost 20 percent of its goal

Officials with the nonprofit organization sent out a campaign update Friday, thanking the businesses that have turned in donations thus far and highlighting its upcoming fundraisers. It said it had raised $135,000.

The United Way is seeking to raise $696,000 by the end of the year — which is its highest-ever goal — to support its partner agencies. Last year, the goal was $661,000, and donors contributed $630,000, which was the highest that has ever been collected.

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Amanda Weiss, marketing and communications specialist, said donations are on track with previous years. She encouraged people who haven’t yet donated to consider doing so.

“You know where your dollar is going to go,” Weiss said. “We help with the funding of programs in the community that we know will be well-run and that we know will make a larger impact in the community.”

Funds will be collected through Dec. 31.

Upcoming fundraisers include the following:

• A Haunted Walk from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday starting at the Brookside Boathouse. Cost is $5 per person.

• Freeborn Warehouse Liquor Wine Tasting from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 1 at Wedgewood Cove. Cost is $20 per person.

• Thorne Crest Baked Potato Bar from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 5. Suggested donation is $6.

The local United Way office is at 341 S. Broadway and can be reached at 373-8670.