We kicked off our annual United Way campaign on September 28, 2023. Between pledges and fundraising activities, our employees will donate $21,284.66 this campaign year!
Sixty-eight employees chose to participate in payroll deduction, pledging more than $19,000. Seventeen employees were first-time donors, and 35 employees increased their pledge from last year. Additionally, 32 employees donated at a society level of $250 or more. Incentives included eight hours of paid time off, gift cards, and a collegiate fire pit ring.
As always, we held several fundraising activities throughout the two-week campaign. New this year was a Time and Talent Silent Auction. Employees donated a variety of items and services to bid on, including two hours of computer support, spring flower planting, and belly dance lessons; lots of homemade meals and desserts; handmade birdhouses, blankets, holiday floral arrangements, and a macramé hanging planter. (We’re a creative crew here at Linn Area!) The silent auction raised a whopping $1,274 for the United Way!
Continuing in the spirit of giving, we held a food drive for Mission of Hope. We divided into six teams based on the types of foods that the pantry needed the most: Team Taco, Team Ramen, Team PB&J, Team Mac and Cheese, Team Spaghetti, and Team Soup. Teams could only bring in items related to that meal. For a little friendly competition, the team that collected the most items and the team whose donations weighed the most would win prizes. (And, no, it could not be the same team!)
Team Ramen took home the title of “Most Food Collected” with a grand total of 1,631 items! Team Mac and Cheese’s donations tipped the scales at 595 pounds for the “Most Pounds Collected” win. But the big winner was Mission of Hope! The nonprofit received 4,094 items to fill their pantry and help them fulfill their mission!
Altogether, we had a great time raising money for United Way and doing good for our community!