Introducing 2021 Community Campaign Champions
United Way Blackhawk Region is thrilled to announce longtime United Way donors and advocates (pictured from left) LaSonda and Derek Hahn, along with Becky and John Wong, as Champions for the 2021 community campaign.

“It’s an honor to serve as co-Champions for the 2021 community campaign,” said Vice Chair of United Way Blackhawk Region’s Board of Directors, Derek Hahn. “Our call to action is clear. We are asking everyone in the Blackhawk Region to be a champion for change. Donations of any amount to United Way make a real difference and impact those who need it most, right here at home.”
Derek & LaSonda Hahn
Derek and LaSonda Hahn live in Janesville with their two sons. They have been active in volunteerism and philanthropy in the area, including current involvement by Derek as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for United Way Blackhawk Region. He also serves on the Executive Committee and Finance Committee for the organization.

Derek’s other current board positions include the Beloit Health System Foundation and Commander of the Clinton Memorial VFW Post. His past board involvement includes the Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce (Board Chair), the Beloit Janesville Symphony, and Beloit Regional Hospice.

Derek is a Senior Vice President at Wells Fargo Advisors in Janesville. He grew up in Clinton, WI, graduated from UW-Madison and served in the United States Army including multiple tours to the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

LaSonda grew up in Janesville, graduating from J.A. Craig High School and UW-Rock County. She has worked helping low income individuals throughout southwest Wisconsin in her role as an Economic Support Specialist with Rock County Human Services for more than 20 years.

John & Becky Wong
John and Becky Wong’s family live in Beloit. Their oldest son Kana is heading off to college, as their son Kai enters his Junior year at Beloit Memorial High School.

With more than 30 years of experience in the financial service industry, John is currently a Senior Vice President-Investment Officer for Wells Fargo Advisors. He enjoys volunteering in the community in a variety of capacities and currently serves on the Beloit Health System Board of Trustees and as president of the non-profit Kids Against Hunger-Rock County Rotary, Inc.

Becky, a licensed physical therapist, enjoys volunteering for Vets Roll, Beloit Regional Hospice, Sun Valley Presbyterian Church, the School District of Beloit, and many other community non-profits. When together, the family enjoys competitive games of any sort as well as vacationing, travel and golf.
$2.3 Million Community Campaign Goal
Each year, United Way Blackhawk Region invites community members to pledge financial gifts to combat societal ills and help address critical needs. As set by the volunteer board of directors, the 2021 community campaign goal is $2.3 million. In 2020, United Way Blackhawk Region raised $2,201,383, as well as $195,082 for the COVID-19 Action Fund. 
Drive-Thru Breakfast
We officially kicked off the annual community campaign and Day of Caring on Wednesday, September 22 at ABC Supply’s corporate hangar at the Southwest Wisconsin Regional Airport. In lieu of a traditional breakfast gathering, more than 160 registered attendees were able to drive-thru the kickoff event which featured grab-and-go breakfast boxes catered by Best Events, announcement of the campaign goal, an opportunity to meet and have selfies taken with United Way Blackhawk Region Board members, as well as the 2021 Campaign Champions.
Pictured: NEW Born Learning Trail at Fourth Ward Park, a Day of Caring project and collaboration between City of Janesville and United Way Blackhawk Region.
Day of Caring Projects & Photos
Leslie Hulick, loaned executive from Blackhawk Community Credit Union and member of United Way Blackhawk Region’s Board of Directors, volunteered to again orchestrate logistics for Day of Caring. Nearly 350 volunteers participated in Day of Caring, comprising 50 teams, assigned to 61 community service projects at 36 nonprofit agencies or community organizations.

"While Day of Caring featured fewer volunteers out of precaution, we were excited to see this day of service return – it’s a powerful demonstration of what it means to Live United," said Hulick.
Day of Caring Sponsors
United Way Blackhawk Region extends its appreciation to its Day of Caring sponsors: ABC Supply Co., Inc., Andritz, Baker Tilly, Blackhawk Bank, Blackhawk Community Credit Union, Culver’s of Beloit and Janesville, Data Dimensions, Ecolab, Fairbanks Morse Defense, First National Bank and Trust Company, Frito Lay, Mid-States Concrete Industries, Regal, Valmet, Wegner CPAs, Wells Fargo Advisors, and Thrivent Financial.

Also featured on Day of Caring t-shirts, were United Way Blackhawk Region’s annual marketing sponsors: Alliant Energy, Beloit Health System, BMO Harris Bank, Educators Credit Union, Johnson Financial Group, Kerry, and Mercyhealth.
Small Business of the Year Award
Last week, United Way Blackhawk Region was presented the "Small Business of the Year Award" at the Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner. This honor is shared with every United Way donor, volunteer, corporate and funded program partner. We're proud to LIVE UNITED with you, and of the collective impact we achieve together.

Pictured: A few members of UWBR Board of Directors and Team, courtesy of Brian Thomas Photography