United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) is honored to announce that U. S. Steel is the first local company to contribute towards the organization’s 60th anniversary fundraising goal.
In the first-ever United Way fund drive in our region, from 1966-1967, community members united to raise more than $100,000 through the United Fund of Northeastern Minnesota (now UWNEMN) – the equivalent of nearly $6 million today.
In celebration of UWNEMN’s 60th anniversary – and to honor the legacy of those first-ever fund drive supporters – Executive Director Erin Shay announced a goal this spring to raise an additional $600,000 this year.
This month, U. S. steel invested $15,000 towards that goal.
“U. S. Steel is proud to help launch the United Way’s 60th anniversary fundraising campaign,” said Senior Director - Environmental at U. S. Steel and UWNEMN Board Member Chrissy Bartovich. “Supporting our communities has always been a core value at U. S. Steel, and the impact the United Way has made across Northeastern Minnesota over the past six decades is truly extraordinary.”
Shay said this contribution will create ripple effects that will be felt for years to come.
“Those original donors 60 years ago weren’t just supporting local non-profits in real time; they were also laying the foundation for where we are today – supporting nonprofits regionwide while creating and operating our own local programs hand-in-hand with our neighbors to respond to community needs,” Shay said. “Likewise, every donation made to our 60th anniversary goal will be felt for decades to come, ensuring United Way’s doors remain open for future generations to address issues we may not even be able to conceive of at this time.”
In tandem with its support of UWNEMN’s 60th anniversary goal, U. S. Steel also contributed $10,000 towards an upcoming conference UWNEMN is hosting locally for United Ways across the state.
“There are more than 30 United Way organizations in Minnesota alone, and each is independently operated,” Shay said. “This allows United Ways to keep donor dollars hyper-local and gives the people who live and work in each community direct say in how their dollars – and volunteer hours – are invested.”
As both a board member and an employee at a company with close ties to UWNEMN, Bartovich said she hopes this contribution inspires others throughout the region.
“We deeply value our longstanding partnership with UWNEMN and encourage others to join us in supporting this meaningful milestone campaign,” she said.
Cash or check can be mailed to 608 East Drive, Chisholm MN 55719. Please indicate in writing your gift is for the 60th Anniversary Goal.