(Dodge County) The United Way of Dodge County kicked off their annual fundraising campaign over the weekend. Saturday was the 13th annual Day of Caring as roughly 160 volunteers packed 50-thousand meals for local food pantries in Dodge and Fond du Lac counties. The United Way is raising money for 20 non-profits as part of their mission of improving lives for residents and families in county. The theme of this year’s fundraising effort is “The Power of One, The Strength of Many.” The United Way is challenging residents to donate one dollar per week and volunteer one hour per year. Their fundraising goal is $280-thousand dollars. United Way of Dodge County Executive Director Susan Jentz says they keep the money raised local. She says the united way is specifically for Dodge County, and their mission is to fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in the community. Some of the local organizations who benefit include the ARC Dodge County, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dodge County, PAVE, Green Valley Enterprises and, a new addition this year, CARE for Dodge County. Local United Way Board of Directors Vice President Shirley Poch (puck) says that there is a big change this year for all their non-profit partners. Poch says the charities that normally benefit from annual fundraising season will not be under a “blackout” this year. In the past, partnering United Way agencies were in a “blackout” during the United Way campaign, unable to any fundraising. Poch says the board voted in March of this year to remove the blackout period. She says the agencies need funds year-round and need to be able to promote their agency, and notes that the agencies seem to be very happy with the change. The United Way of Dodge County will be raising funds through November.
People looking to donate funds can do so via the United Way of Dodge County’s website at www.unitedwayofdodgecounty.com and clicking the donate button, or can mail checks to
United Way of Dodge County
P.O. Box 158
Beaver Dam, WI 53916.
Anyone looking to volunteer their time can visit www.voulenteerdodge.net
The local organizations who benefit from funds raised include the following:
ARC Dodge County
Bay Lakes Council of Boy Scouts
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dodge County
BRIDGES of Dodge County
Catholic Charities
Central WI Community Action Council
Church Health Services
Community Care, Inc
Conexiones Latinas
C.A.R.E for Dodge County
Energy Services of Dodge County
Dodge County Lifespan Respite Network
Epilepsy Foundation of Heart of Wisconsin
The Gathering Source
Green Valley Enterprises, Inc
Juliette Low Girl Scout Activity Center
New Beginnings Homeless Shelter
PAVE People Against A Violent Environment
YMCA of Dodge County
Listen to the United Way on Community Comment here: