The 2007 Annual Meeting was held on March 18, 2008, at the Courtyard by Marriott in Moorhead. Wrapping up a successful year, the meeting highlighted the record-breaking accomplishments of the past campaign.
Under the leadership of Campaign Chair Doug Hamilton, the campaign raised more than $4,400,000. As a result of this successful campaign, many partner programs will receive critical funding increases necessary to meet the needs of individuals and families living in our area.
There was a seven-percent increase over the 2007 campaign, pushing the total amount raised in 2007 to $4,405,993. This amount of funding would never have been possible if it were not for the Tocqueville Society, with 42 local members contributing more than $310,000 to the campaign. In addition to that, the WELL programs raised more than $40,000 for the Success By 6 ® initiative and most importantly, without the support of the community. In 2007, almost 33,000 individuals volunteered, nearly 16,000 individuals contributed to the campaign and close to 650 businesses helped surpass our goal. We thank everyone involved for the success of the 2007 campaign.
Hamilton also presented awards to outstanding individuals, area youth and to one organization for an outstanding campaign year. Fran Dexter of Concordia was named the 2007 Outstanding Loaned Executive for her outstanding dedication, teamwork and professionalism. “ Fran was diligent– attending campaign rallies, including one at midnight. Fran was always enthusiastic and had a positive attitude.” said Hamilton.
This year the Outstanding Employee Campaign Coordinator award was broken in to four different categories. For a company with 1-100 employees the award went to Ann Shipley from Nodak Mutual Insurance Company. Her company saw a 25.2 percent increase in campaign dollars raised, a 100 percent increase in Key Club members and a 92.6 percent increase in the quantity of pledges during the 2007 campaign.
For a company with 101-499 employees the award went to Roxanne Sevigny from Tecton. Her company saw a 915.3 percent increase in campaign dollars raised, a 150 percent increase in Key Club members and a 125.4 percent increase in the quantity of pledges during the 2007 campaign.
For a company with 500-1,499 employees the award went to Rachel Chesley form Phoenix International. Her company saw a 28.1 percent increase in campaign dollars raised, a 23.1 percent increase in Key Club members and a 23.1 percent increase in the quantity of pledges during the 2007 campaign.
For a company with 1,500 or more employees the award went to John Nelson. His organization saw a 7.5 percent increase in campaign dollars raised. Several new innovative ideas were added this year - North High Yearbook club donated $2,500 and North High Student Council donated $1,000.
This year United Way created the first annual Youth Living United Award. This award goes to a group or individual that thinks outside themselves and therefore has the power to facilitate change. The inaugural 2007 Youth Living United Award went to the Metro Student Council Ambassadors for their efforts with Fill the Dome. The members are; Alex Windjue, Lexi Stadstad, Allison Bock, Bill Restemayer, Emma Johnson, Kristen Feickert, and Tanner Olson.
Recognizing an organization’s outstanding campaign, the Frederick W. Donath Award was awarded to Blues Cross Blue Shield. Focusing their fundraising efforts on quantity and quality of donors, they were able to raise $350,000 which is a 28 percent increase over last year’s campaign. More Award Winners
Lee Massey, UWCC Marketing Chair, unveiled UWCC’s new motto, Live United. “It is a credo, a way to be, a reminder that when we think outside ourselves we have the power to facilitate change,” said Massey.
Don Pearson, who was once homeless and addicted to drugs, told the crowd of more than 300 how the New Life Center changed his life. “They didn’t give up on me, they knew I wasn’t a through away person,” Pearson said. Through the help of the New Life Center Don is no longer living on the street, staying clean and had reunited with his daughter. “It is better than anything I could have imagined” he commented on reuniting with his daughter and her family. “For everybody you’ve helped in the past, for everybody you’re helping today and for everybody you’re going to help tomorrow, thank you,” said Pearson before leaving the stage.
Thank you Corporate Sponsors
Thank you Table Sponsors
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