In a typical year, the Soup & Chili Cookoff & Chocolate Extravaganza would signal the kickoff to the Crookston Area United Way Campaign. However, with the event canceled due to COVID-19, United Way Executive Director Lori Wagner organized a kickoff photo next to the United Way thermometer outside American Federal Bank that tracks the organization’s process towards reaching its fundraising goal to support agencies helping people in the Crookston area.
Wagner said the campaign is already off to a quick start. “We’re doing the thermometer for our yearly kickoff, and we’re already at 10 percent, so we’re pretty excited about that,” said Wagner. ”Hopefully, we’re going to have a good year.”
With events canceled, the United Way will fundraise through new virtual methods. “We’re going to be doing a virtual video that came out today on YouTube and our Facebook,” said Wagner. “All the business packets should go out today or tomorrow. Usually, the United Way is face-to-face, which is my favorite part, and I can’t do that anymore. We’re also going to be doing an online auction, so stay tuned for that.”
Wagner said donors make it possible for the United Way to help the local agencies serving the community. “We kept the goal the same, $160,000,” said Wagner. “And thanks to all of you, last year we made eight percent over our goal. Without all of the donors, we’d never make it. Last year we gave to 19 agencies and without the donors giving the agencies wouldn’t be able to help the hundreds of people they impact in Crookston with their programs and projects.”
While other United Way organizations are expecting a down year, Wagner is optimistic the Crookston organization can reach its goal. “I’m hoping for a good year,” said Wagner. “A lot of United Ways are planning to be 30 percent down, but I’m always optimistic. I think we can do it because we need to do it for the mission of (helping) our people.”
