UWSWMN Year in Review & Recognition

Uffda!  What a year 2020 was.  We found ourselves having to pivot, adapt and do our best.  We haven’t given ourselves enough credit as we faced and continue to face challenges related to COVID-19.  Not only did United Way of Southwest Minnesota (UWSWMN) provide funding through our normal grant processes to local programs, we also distributed funds through 3 separate grant rounds to local schools and programs in response to COVID-19. 

While we weren’t able to hold our fundraising events and visit those holding workplace campaigns, we still raised over $500,000!  We are blown away by this dollar amount.  When so many things in our world right now seem uncertain, it is inspiring to witness generosity.  Our donors can be certain that their investment in UWSWMN will make a difference right here in southwest Minnesota.  Whether it’s your grandkids that receive Imagination Library books, your co-worker that was helped through a domestic violence situation or a neighbor who recently lost their job and needs some food support during the transition.  That is your investment at work. 

The following awards were recently acknowledged in a special video on our Facebook page and website.   

Awards of Distinction:

  • Spirit of Caring Award: Marshall Public Schools
  • Community Spirit Award: United Community Action Partnership  
  • Campaign Ambassador of the Year: Casey Pohlen, U.S. Bank

Workplace Campaign Awards of Excellence:

  • Inaugural Award: Schwan’s Home Delivery
  • Outstanding Citizenship Award: Great Western Bank, Hoffman & Brobst, Microsoft, Minnwest Bank, New Horizons Crisis Center, Royal Tire, Sanford Tracy/Westbrook Medical Center, Schwan’s Home Delivery, U.S. Bank, United Community Action Partnership, United Way of Southwest Minnesota and Valero Renewables. 
  • Silver Award: Bank of the West and Bremer Bank.
  • Gold Award: Duke Energy, Great Western Bank, Minnwest Bank, Royal Tire and United Way of Southwest Minnesota.

To see our Year in Review publication, please visit: UnitedWaySWMN.org/AR2020. 

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of local people!