For the Antigo Times

The United Way of Langlade County has officially launched Campaign 2017 and is once again asking for financial help for the many local affiliate organizations that rely on the United Way for ongoing support.   Last year, the United Way distributed $53,600 to 12 local not-for-profit organizations and to disaster relief efforts that the United Way of Langlade County supports.  The Goal this year is to meet or exceed last year’s successful campaign.

The United Way of Langlade County is a not-for-profit and tax exempt organization that is run locally by an all-volunteer board.  The Board members include Mary Jo Filbrandt, Gary Smits, Matt Gaedtke, Jenny Schlundt, Jim Fittante, Heather McCann, Dave Schneider and Sherry Aulik.  The United Way Board reviewed applications from a number of organizations seeking United Way funding this year and has completed the process of interviewing qualified applicant organizations for final consideration.   The interviews provide information needed by the United Way Board to determine the value and importance of the United Way funding to each organization.  In order to qualify as a United Way affiliate and receive grant funding, the organization must be a not-for-profit, must distribute grant funds through services to Langlade County residents and meet other criteria related to the use of United Way funds.    Because requests for United Way funds routinely exceed the amount of funds raised, the United Way Board completes a final review to determine the level of funding that can be offered to the qualifying affiliate organizations based upon their request and the success of the local United Way campaign.  Nearly all proceeds from the annual United Way campaign go directly to the local affiliate organizations.  A very small percentage of the donations are used to purchase campaign materials such as pledge cards and brochures.

Last year the following organizations received contributions from the United Way:  Boy Scouts of America Samoset Council; Epilepsy Foundation of Central and Northeast Wisconsin; Habitat for Humanity of Langlade County, Inc.; Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes; AVAIL, Inc.; Childcaring, Inc.; Langlade County 4-H; Boys and Girls Club of Langlade County; Antigo Area Community Food Pantry; The Alzheimer’s Association; Children’s Service Society and the Salvation Army.  In addition, funds were set aside to support the local Disaster Relief Fund.

Your local United Way is asking individuals and businesses to please consider giving a gift that will keep on giving to their community.  In today’s difficult economic climate every dollar given is needed to support these local organizations as they struggle to continue offering their many valuable services; services that are in even greater demand now as a result of the economic challenges faced by so many families in Langlade County.  Because of the wide variety of service organizations the United Way supports, your donation is likely to benefit you or your family members many times over.  The citizens of Langlade County have a long standing and proud tradition of supporting needed causes that serve their local communities.  We are confident that the same selfless generosity will shine through once again this year.  If you would like a member of the United Way Board to speak on behalf of United Way to a local group, organization or employee group please contact any member of the United Way board or email your request to [email protected]. Please give generously to your local United Way of Langlade County!