The United Way of Crookston has reached its 2021 campaign goal of $160,000. In doing so, they reached Executive Director Lori Wagner’s goal to meet the annual goal before her final day as she retires. “Six weeks ago, we had about $5,000 to make our goals,” said Wagner. “I was bound and determined, the board and myself, to reach our goal before I left. There is no compensation for making our goal. It’s just my satisfaction. We’re at 101 percent. Our campaign runs from September to September. Pretty proud about doing that on my last day.”
The campaign thermometer is hung each year by Otter Tail Power Company at American Federal Bank, and banker Dan Erdman keeps the thermometer updated as the United Way progresses towards its goal.
Despite having collected $161,140.57, Wagner said she was worried about how the year would go when it started. “Especially during COVID-19, this is the year I was pretty scared that we would not make our goal,” said Wagner. “But thanks to all of the donors in the Crookston, and again, your dollars stay within 30 miles of Crookston. A lot of people gave $100 or $150 more every time they came. Our seniors still gave like crazy. The minute Becky (Cymbaluk) sends those letters out one day, and the next day the post office box is just full. People still gave. This town of Crookston is amazing. It’s about you, the donors, who give and continually give. And we have great agencies, programs, and projects. It all equals out to impacting thousands and thousands of people in our area.”
Wagner’s final day with the United Way was Thursday and celebrating reaching the annual goal with United Way Board members was a fitting end. “Thank you,” said Wagner. “I’ve been proud and honored to be the Executive Director of the United Way. Thank you for believing in me. I’m going to have fun with my grandchildren. I have five of them. Keep my husband busy and hang out, so thank you.”
