Denae Alamano, executive director of the United Way of Bemidji Area, announced during a celebratory luncheon Thursday afternoon that the fall fundraising campaign exceeded its goal.
Danae Alamano announces fundraising total as $525,190
The goal was set at $500,000 last year, and through donations and employee contributions, as well as events such as the Chili Cook Off and the Trap and Skeet tournament, the goal was surpassed.
Last year, the fall campaign raised over $460,000 for the community.
The Fall Fundraising Campaign raises money for the United Way’s partner organizations. The United Way board reviews the needs of these nonprofit agencies and awards dollars for programs such as the Bemidji Community Food Shelf and Northwoods Battered Women’s Shelter.
Many businesses and organizations contributed to this campaign’s success, with awards celebrated during the luncheon.
DIRECTOR’S BRONZE AWARD:
Awarded to internal campaigns with a 50% or more employee participation rate and 3% increase in employee pledges over last year:
- Potlatch Deltic
- Miller McDonald
DIRECTOR’S GOLD AWARD:
Awarded to internal campaigns with a 70% or more employee participation rate and 9% increase in employee pledges over last year:
- First National Bank Bemidji
- Hubbard/Paul Bunyan Broadcasting
- Boys and Girls Club
- Deerwood Bank
- Karvakko
- RiverWood Bank
- Northwoods Caregivers
EMPLOYEE PARTICIPATION AWARDS:
Over $10,000 in employee gifts and fundraisers
- Beltrami County
- ISD #31 – Bemidji Schools
Over $20,000 in employee gifts and fundraisers
- Beltrami Electric
- Sanford Health
PRESIDENT’S AWARDS
Given to businesses and corporations with contributions of $1,000 or more.
PRESIDENTS AWARDS – CONTRIBUTIONS OF $1,000 TO $4999
- Ace on the Lake
- AmeriPride Services
- Bemidji Brewing
- Bob Lowth Ford
- Delta Dental
- Dondelinger GM
- Hearing Wellness Center
- Hill’s Plumbing and Heating
- Jake Bluhm State Farm
- Ken K Thompson
- Knife River
- Kraus Anderson
- Lakes Concrete Plus
- Paul Bunyan Communications
- Security Bank/Insurance USA
- True North Health Care
- Up North Sports
- Wagner Plumbing and Heating
- Wells Fargo
PRESIDENT’S PLUS AWARD CONTRIBUTIONS OF $5,000-$9,999
- Brothers Group Restaurants
- RiverWood Bank
- Truax Patient Services
- Potlatch Deltic
PRESIDENT’S PLUS PLUS AWARD CONTRIBUTIONS OVER $10,000
- First National Bank Bemidji
- Clifty Group
- Sanford Health
Best New Campaign 2019 Award was presented to Sathre Title Inc and Sanford Center.
The Executive Director’s Award was given to First National Bank Bemidji and Kraus Anderson.
Jake and Melissa Bluhm were announced as the United Way Campaign Chairs for 2020.
Alamano, in an interview following the luncheon, stressed the great need in the community and the importance of volunteering.
Denae Alamano stresses the importance of volunteering and helping community.
