The 2020 United Way Campaign has Kicked-Off!

A Virtual Event
On Thursday, Sept. 24th, during a virtual event held via Zoom, United Way combined key elements from the cancelled LIVE UNITED Celebration which is traditionally held in March and its annual Day of Caring and Campaign Kick-off, always held in the fall, to engage with donors, advocates and volunteers who tuned in.

While we made every effort to create a dynamic and engaging online event and contracted with an external vendor to do so, technology was not in our favor during the live show. We intended to provide a full recording of the kick-off in this email, but we have instead included updates and some of the videos shown throughout.

During the program, we recognized front line heroes and essential staff for individual and collective efforts to combat COVID-19, discussed UWBR's role on the Reopen Rock Task Force, summarized United Way's own COVID-19 response efforts, and provided ways of how attendees can join the fight and donate to the campaign.

The opener featured a feel good musical number performed by United Way staff. Check out our United Way version of The Brady Bunch!
Campaign Goal
UWBR Board Chair Al Hulick helped us announce the $2.4 million campaign goal.

“This is not a target, it’s a lifeline. It is our challenge to the Blackhawk Region. One that each of us has to step up to meet. If we fall short, our programs will fall short. If programs fall short, our communities can’t get the help they need.” - Al Hulick
Campaign Video
In partnership with the talented team at Drywater Productions, please view the 2020 Campaign video which was also unveiled at the virtual Day of Caring/Campaign Kick-Off. Please be sure and share the video with your coworkers, family and friends across social media channels. #LiveUnited #UnitedWeFight #UnitedWeWin
CARE Kits
As part of our re-imagined Day of Caring, a safe alternative to traditional projects was the delivery of PPE CARE Kits that were provided to nearly 50 nonprofit organizations in the Blackhawk Region. UWBR Board of Director members assisted with the delivery on Thursday afternoon.

CARE Kits included: protective masks, dry wipes and hand sanitizer, contactless thermometers, sanitizing solutions, gloves, no-touch door openers, and posters in both English and Spanish on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Thanks to our generous Day of Caring Sponsors for making these kits possible.

Check out a photo recap in our Facebook album below!
Born Learning Trails Announcement
Beloit City Manager and United Way board member, Lori Curtis Luther, in a recorded message talked about the interactive Born Learning Trails, “which provide a free opportunity for parents, grandparents and caregivers to boost children’s language skills and literacy. The playful design of 10 colorful signs in both English and Spanish, give prompts for simple games that turn an excursion at the park into fun learning for young children.”

Click below to hear the announcement from Lori Curtis Luther.
Award Winners
Due to the cancellation of the 2020 Live United Celebration in March, we took this opportunity to recognize individuals and organizations for their volunteerism, advocacy, and support.
Excellence in Advocacy Award
FOCUS
Finding Opportunities to Collaborate and Unite Services (FOCUS) is a coalition of private and public service providers in Janesville, working to identify and resource gaps in programs and services provided to our community’s homeless population. Facilitated by Janesville’s City Manager Mark Freitag, participants include representatives from law enforcement, homeless services specialists, Rock County Human Services, City of Janesville’s Housing Services staff, mental health experts, faith organizations, alcohol and other drug treatment program staff and United Way.

Click the image to view a message from Mark Freitag.
Geraldine Hedberg Volunteer of the Year Award
Amy Lokrantz, ABC Supply Co., inc.
As a Manager of Financial Analysis and Forecasting for ABC Supply Co. inc. the breadth and depth of Amy Lokrantz’s skill set is remarkable. Lokrantz is a year-round champion for United Way’s mission with the ABC Supply Co. team. Lokrantz is also a seasoned participant in United Way’s volunteer-driven Community Grant review process, stepping forward to steward donor dollars at every juncture since 2012. In 2018, she successfully completed two, three year terms on United Way’s Board of Directors. During her tenure, Lokrantz provided financial expertise in the role of Treasurer for three years, served on the Executive Committee for four years, and remains on the Building and Property Committee.

Click the image to view a message from Amy.
LIVE UNITED Award
First National Bank and Trust Company
Year after year, the First National Bank and Trust Company consistently has between 50% and 60% of its employees pledge a gift to United Way Blackhawk Region. In the 2019 Community Campaign, this was the seventh largest campaign in the region based on total dollars pledged. First National Bank and Trust also supports United Way with time and talents as volunteers currently serve on United Way’s Board of Directors, Executive Committee and Campaign Cabinet.

Click the image to view a message from President & CEO David McCoy.
Join the Fight
Gifts of all sizes are needed to help United Way Blackhawk Region attain its $2.4 million dollar goal.
  • Make a pledge as part of your workplace campaign
  • Mail a check to: United Way at 205 N. Main St., Suite 101, Janesville, WI 53545
  • Online: LiveUnitedBR.org/GIVE
  • Text: BLACKHAWK to 41444
Thank you to the 2020 Day of Caring Sponsors!
Thank you to the 2020 Annual Marketing Sponsors!

#LiveUnited