Pete's Ribfest for United Way - June 5 & 6

The Ribfest was a RESOUNDING success! We raised $1,832 in the two days, even though Mother Nature did her best to make things interesting with wind and rain. Thank you to everyone who supported United Way and our partner agencies by coming out and enjoying a basket of ribs, chips, pop and a candy bar.

Thanks also to Pete's County Market for making this possible and to Rose City Barbecue for preparing the ribs (especially for the sauce that made all the difference!) and the wonderful volunteers who served the crowd. Additional event sponsors included Coca Cola, Frito Lay, and Hormel.  

For details on the event, you can print a PRINT POSTER. 

Thanks again to everyone involved and for those who missed it this time, watch for it to return in the future.

8th Annual United Way Golf Classic - Monday, June 16, 2008

The 8th Annual United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties Golf Classic held at the beautiful Geneva Golf Course was another great success. 132 golfers turned out on a breezy, but pleasant day for an enjoyable afternoon of golf, raising nearly $11,000 in a united effort to help United Way's  partner agencies support those who need it most in our local communities. 

Grand Prize winner of a 1-year membership, donated by Geneva Golf Club, was Chris Kleine. Thank you to the teams, their sponsors and the many businesses who donated prizes.  Thanks especially to Barb and Gary Thompson and the wonderful staff at Geneva Golf Club for all their work in pulling this together.

In addition to the Grand Prize, a number of other prizes were awarded to teams and individuals in the following categories:

Dale Erickson, Committee Chair Chris Kleine, Grand Prize Winner Gary Thompson, Geneva Golf Club	132 golfers getting ready for the shotgun start at the 8th Annual United Way Golf Classic	Geneva Golf Club - 27 Hole Championship Golf Course

Next year's tournament is set for June 15, 2009.  Plan now to participate. Contact Craig Erickson at 763-4840 or email united-3@rea-alp.com for information. 

 2008 Golf Poster

2008 Golf Details

Lakes Area Volunteers in Action 2008 Volunteer Workshop

     Lakes Area Volunteers in Action (LAVA), in conjunction with Minnesota Association of Volunteer Administrators held a training workshop for volunteer coordinators on Tuesday, June 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn in Alexandria.

     Janene Riedemann facilitated the workshop. There were two sessions, each focusing on a specific area of facilitating the workshop.  Janene brings a long history of volunteerism, including serving as Director for the Central Minnesota Division of the March of Dimes until 1998 at which time she assumed her current position as Director of Volunteer Services at St. Cloud Hospital. 

     The two areas of discussion will be “Marketing Your Volunteer Program” and “Using Technology in Your Volunteer Program”. 

     Advance registration for the workshop is $20.00.  Please contact United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties at 320-763-4840 or email united-3@rea-alp.com.  You may also contact Karen Alvstad, LAVA President, at 218-685-6176.

REGISTRATION FORM

Toys for Tots 2007

Thank you to The UPS Store, 1201 Broadway, Alexandria, for serving as a collection site for Toys for Tots this past Holiday Season.  United Way collected the toys and distributed to local agencies and children, helping them experience the joys of the Christmas season. 

Pope County Coat Distribution - November 7, 2007

Our first-ever Coat Distribution in Pope County was on November 7th at Minnewaska Area Elementary School in Glenwood.  162 coats, along with a few boots and caps, were distributed to individuals and families looking for warm clothing.

Over 280 coats were dropped off at Bremer Bank and First National Bank in Starbuck; Eagle Bank and Glenwood State Bank in Glenwood; and at the schools during conferences.  These were added to the 570 coats that remained following the Douglas County distribution.

Volunteers were invaluable as they were busy sorting the coats and then packing up those that were left.  The 4th grade students helped by pushing, pulling and carrying the coats into the cafeteria from the back hallway as well. The whole event was pulled together in less than 3 weeks, proving how much can be done in a short period of time when community residents pull together.

We look forward to an even bigger and better distribution in 2008!  Be sure to hang on to those coats, snow pants, boots, caps and mittens after this season and watch for information next fall on where to donate.

Dolly Parton Imagination Library Kick Off - November 10, 2007

The Kick Off in Douglas County for the newly introduced Dolly Parton Imagination Library was Saturday, November 10 at the Viking Plaza Mall.  Giggles the Clown was on hand to treat the children with balloon hats and animals.  Blizzard Hockey players helped out by autographing books for children who received their first book, The Little Engine the Could, after registering for the program.

The Friends of the Library were on hand to read stories to children who attended. Douglas County Public Health was also there to share information on children's programs they are offering. 

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is being offered in Douglas and Pope Counties for the first time ever!  Once registered, children from birth to age 5 receive a carefully selected, age-appropriate book personally addressed to them, in the mail each and every month, at absolutely no cost to the family. Studies have shown that children who are read to regularly have a 10,000 word vocabulary by the time they start school.  This compares to 3,000 words for those who aren't exposed to reading early and often.

United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties is thrilled to be able to offer this wonderful program.  If you were unable to attend the event or have any questions, please contact our office at 320-763-4840.  Information is also available in various public health locations in Douglas and Pope counties as well as at local hospitals.

Registration for this program is on-going so if you have children who are under the age of 5 or know someone who does, contact us now to get them signed up! It takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks for children to receive their first book. 

  "Mikko Cowdery's St. Patrick's Day for Snowbirds" benefit show for United Way

Saturday, October 13th, 2007 was the date and the AAAA Theatre in Alexandria was the place for this rollicking musical variety show.  Doors opened at 6:30 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. performance. Over 250 people attended the first-ever musical variety show sponsored by United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties. Mikko Cowdery along with 15 of the area's most talented singers and musicians performed during the 2 hour program with an Irish Pub staging.

Intermission went quickly as attendees enjoyed a variety of Irish Pastries and breads generously donated by Lee and Karen Hockert.  American Solutions for Business and Kennedy Guitars provided financial support for this event as well.

The evening was a great success and plans are in the works to make this an annual event.  If you attended this show, we would love to hear your comments and post a few of them (anonymously if you wish).  We are also open to suggestions about future shows. 

If you have comments or suggests, please call our office at 320-763-4840 or send us an email at united-3@rea-alp.com. 

Nonprofit Training Workshops

“Enhancing Skills – Improving Programs”

Dates:

 1st Wednesday of each month starting September 5, 2007 and ending May 7, 2008

Location:

The monthly events will be held in either Fergus Falls at the West Central Initiatives office or at Alexandria Technical College room 211. The schedule of classes below lists that months location.  

Sponsors:

The program is sponsored by United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties, Tastefully Simple, Bremer Bank-Alexandria, Otto Bremer Foundation, West Central Initiative and Alexandria Technical College in participation with Minnesota State University, Moorhead.

Program Description and how you will benefit:

This training is designed to address today’s critical issues that nonprofit organizations face daily. Participants of the program will experience an interactive, experiential learning of the program focus areas. In addition there will be opportunities for networking with the other nonprofit professionals and learned practical application techniques.

When are the sessions?

“The Essentials of Nonprofit Administration” will meet the 1st Wednesday of each month beginning September 5, 2007 and run through May 7, 2008. Beginning at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 4:00 p.m., the morning will showcase subject matter experts while the afternoons will be interactive discussions featuring real-life learning from your colleagues and other nonprofit professionals.

Who should attend?

Presidents, executives, employees  and leaders of nonprofit organizations are the target audience for this leadership training. Participants will attend all nine sessions to successfully complete the program.

What is the cost?

$300.00 per participant is your cost for the entire program, which includes lunches. Class size is limited to 24 participants so please get your registrations in as soon as possible. A limited number of scholarships may be available to reduce the cost please contact us to see if you are eligible

Program Focus Areas:

Nonprofit Governance

Sept 5, 2007 - Alexandria

Board recruitment and training, measures for evaluating efficiency and effectiveness, the 501c3 legal context

Legal Issues Facing Nonprofits

Oct 3, 2007 Fergus Falls

Laws governing charitable contributions, liability issues, 501c3 requirements

Financial Management (Raising Revenue)

November 7, 2007 Fergus Falls

Fundraising, grant-writing, outcome assessment

Financial Management (Expenditures and Controls)

December 5, 2007 Alexandria

Budgets as a strategic tool, record-keeping, reporting requirements, financial statements for non-financial managers

Human Resource Administration (Staff & Volunteers)

January 16, 2008 To Be Determined

Recruiting, training, retention, recognition, salaries, benefits, facilitating staff/volunteer interactions

Marketing Programs and Services

February 6, 2008 To Be Determined

Finding market niches, clientele relations, media relations and advertising

Program Development and Collaborative Relationships

March 5, 2008 To Be Determined

Feasibility analysis, program evaluation and adaptation, partnerships, joint-administration concerns

Strategic Planning

April 2, 2008 To Be Determined

SWOT analysis, environmental scanning, how to make a strategic plan operational, finding and incorporating a “perspective”

Leadership

May 7, 2008 To Be Determined

Mission, values, vision; empowering employees, modeling-building trust with others, behaviors and personalities

How do I register?
You can register on line by clicking on the link for Nonprofit Registration Training Workshop or calling the United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties office at 320-763-4840. 

Questions?
For more information or questions on the program please call the United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties office at 320-763-4840 or Holly Witt, Nonprofit Resource Specialist, Bremer Bank at 320-589-1424. 

National Meth Awareness Day

November 30, 2006

The United States Department of Justice designated November 30, 2006, as the inaugural National Methamphetamine Awareness Day.  Officials from the Department of Justice hosted educational presentations around the country.  The Department also partnered with state and local law enforcement colleagues, community partners and state and local leaders in this effort.

 In response Heart of Lakes United Way sponsored a community Meth Awareness Forum which was held on November 30, 2006, at 7:00 pm at Alexandria Tech College in the auditorium of the Office & Information Technology Building which is located on the south side of the main campus.

 Members of the forum included:

• Chief Deputy Sheriff Troy Wolbersen who is also a member of the West Central MN Drug Task Force

• Detective Chad Schroeder of the Alexandria Police Dept

• Douglas County Attorney Chris Karpan

• Nancy Klepetka D.C., who will offer suggestions of what to look for as a parent

• Mark Foss, a former addict who has overcome his addiction

• Deb Dittberner MD, Family Medicine

• John Heydt, School District 206

• Mike Woods, Social Services

• Carol Meissner, Public Health

The forum was open to the public and there was no charge for admission.  Attendees had a chance to address the panel regarding meth and other addictions.   

If you weren't able to attend the forum, we have made audio clips available from the panelists as they share their information regarding meth and other drug addictions in our community. Click here to go to the Meth Forum audio links. 

         Meth Awareness Day Poster - Pdf

2007 Shape Up Challenge Slogan

As part of the United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties' Community Impact agenda, we are collaborating with Douglas County Public Health to encourage healthy lifestyles.  Don’t miss out on the fun of the 2007 Shape-Up Challenge, beginning in September!

The Annual 8-week community and worksite fitness challenge begins September 17.  The kick-off event, a 5-mile walk/run is on September 22nd. Cost is only $5.00 per person which entitles you to a free T-shirt at registration. 

The goal of this 8-week Challenge is for participants to track their daily health habits in the following categories:

   ·   Nutrition
   ·   Physical Activity
   ·   Training Your Mind

Each participant receives educational materials and weekly health tips on goal setting, nutrition, physical activity and wellness. 

  United Way Snack Suggestions for Workplace Meetings - pdf

Bi-weekly and finale prizes are awarded for tracking points for eating 5 combined fruits and vegetables a day, being active at least 20 minutes a day and exercising ones mind.

Once a week participants can earn points in the Community Service/Team Activity Category.  Additional points are awarded for participants who either volunteer in their community &/or offer support and motivation to team members.

Douglas County Coat Distribution

October 18, 2007

The United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties Annual Coat Distribution returned to the National Guard Armory this year.  Local residents came out on a cool, rainy day to get warm winter outerwear for themselves and family members.  Many lined up outside the Armory waiting for the doors to open at 11:00 a.m. 

570+ coats plus many mittens, boots and snow pants were distributed by the time doors closed at 2:00 p.m.   Over 1,000 coats were collected for distribution!  Thank you to the many people who donated items during the collection period. 

In addition we want to say a special Thank You to the following:

KSAX-TV, School District #206, and U.S. Bank for helping us get the word out and also for serving as collection sites.

Thank you to the National Guard Armory for generously providing space and tables for the distribution.

A very special Thank You to Herberger's for all the coats they donated during their Goodwill Sale.

Last, but not least, we want to say Thanks to Nathan and everyone at American Cleaners for collecting, cleaning and storing coats until they had no more room!  The photo below isn't totally accurate. This is what was picked up on Monday before the event.  3 more LARGE bags of coats were picked up on Wednesday morning as well.

Thanks as well to the many volunteers who helped sort coats on Wednesday morning and assisted with the distribution on Thursday.  As always, this was truly a Community Event.

For those of you who may have missed the chance to donate, don't despair!  Plans are progressing for a distribution in Pope County in the coming weeks - watch for updates.

2007 Coat Distribution Poster

For further information on this event or any others, please call

United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties office at 763-4840.

United Way Annual Chili Feed--2008

October 7th is the date for the 11th Annual United Way Chili Feed/Cook-off.  Once again, teh Broadway Ballroom will the place to have your fill of chili and bid on the many wonderful prizes generously donated by businesses and individuals.   

The theme this year is "Chili International". October 24th is recognized as United Nations Day, so it seems only natural to have similar theme.

Last year, approximately 750+ hungry chili eaters attended, raising a record $3,750.  33 entrants provided 35 pots of chili for the hungry crowd.  We hope to build on those numbers in 2008.

So, start planning your recipes (and costumes) now.  More information will be coming later this summer. If you have any questions, please contact United Way.

Category Winners in 2007 United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties Chili Cook-Off

	For a record 5th year in a row, 3M won the People's Choice Award for the best chili in the 2007 Spanish Fiesta Chili Contest. The Chili Jar traveling trophy returns to their display case for another year.
	Arrowwood Resort & Convention Center  was the Open division winner for 2007.  They also won the Commercial Division. They entered 3 distinct chili recipes - ask Curtis Anderson, Executive Chef, for a sample the next time you visit Arrowwood!
Picture Not Available at this time	Dethroning reigning champ Michael Right and KXRA were Dan Sieve and Lloyd Hudson with their the Fireman's Nuclear Chili from Alexandria Fire Department. This was the first time since 2002 that the "man who grows his own peppers" didn't win! Alexandria Fire Department was also the winner that year as well! Competition could be interesting (and HOT) in 2008!
	Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota  received honors as Most Unusual in 2007.
	Bistro To Go was named 2007 "Best Display" .

Additional participants in the
2007 United Way Chili Cook-Off

	People's Choice Runner Up - Bistro To Go
	Best Display Runner Up - Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center
	Best Display Honorable Mention - Unicel Knute Nelson/Nelson Gables
	Volunteer Judy Peterson doing her best Bandito impression!

                 Chili Feed\Poster 2007.pdf

                Participant Information Sheet

Silent Auction - Raises over $5,700!

The 200 Silent Auction, held annually in conjunction with the Chili Cook-Off,  also returns to the Broadway Ballroom on October 7, 2008.  Proceeds from the Silent Auction help support over 40 United Way Partner Agency Programs in Douglas & Pope Counties. 

Thank you to the many local businesses and individuals who generously donated auction items last year.  Without your support, this event wouldn't be a success.

Please keep the Auction in mind if you have an item or items you would like to donate.  Being a part of the the Chili Cook Off means you can have a great lunch, bid on some wonderful items and help those who need it most in our local communities.

For more information, please contact our office at 763-4840.