The 2012 campaign season began amongst record growth and unprecedented change in our community. Families and individuals flocked to our area seeking refuge from a nation-wide, economic slump – often with no more than a backpack’s worth of belongings and the hope of a brighter future. Local schools reported record numbers of incoming students. Affordable housing became scarce and for the first time, a homeless population became visibly undeniable. Local agencies were confronted by increasing demand for services. In order to meet the challenges facing our area an ambitious record-breaking campaign goal of $2 million was set. It was a high mark, but a number that represented the growing needs in our community.
Set with the task of reaching this goal was a dedicated, all-star campaign cabinet headed by Campaign Co-Chairmen; Dr. Craig Lambrecht, President of Sanford Bismarck and Dave Goodin, President and CEO of MDU Resource Group, Inc., along with Honorary Chair Sister Thomas Welder and 18 community leaders and stakeholders. Inspired to make a difference, momentum built quickly and the community came together to make a lasting difference.
In order to succeed new steps were taken. We mobilized every resource at our disposal – volunteers, advocates, corporate partnerships, community networks and in-kind resources. A new sponsorship program was initiated highlighting corporate partners in newspaper, radio and billboard advertisements. New relationships were established, additional employee campaigns were added and our loyal, long-term contributors showed record support.
After a few, frantic final weeks, as final preparations were being made for the Annual Luncheon donations totaled $1,989,000 – just $11,000 short of the goal. A little determination and a great deal of generosity would close the gap. When announcing the campaign total, Dr. Craig Lambrecht and Dave Goodin offered to chip in an extra $2,000 on behalf of their respective businesses. They then challenged audience members to pledge the remaining $7,000. Hands and voices quickly rose from the crowd and in less than five minutes the goal was reached. It was an exciting finish to an ambitious campaign.
MSA United Way campaign co-chairmen, Dr. Craig Lambrecht (left) and Dave Goodin (right) challenge the audience to raise the final dollars and meet the 2012 campaign goal at the annual meeting and luncheon.
“The generosity of this community is overwhelming,” said Executive Director, Jena Gullo. “We are proud of our neighbors and our accomplishments this year. This is truly a community that cares about its members and United Way remains an agent to foster community growth and support.”
$2 million dollars says a great deal about the caring nature of our community, but this feat is about much more than money. This accomplishment means we will continue to meet the growing needs of the Greater Bismarck-Mandan area and provide a platform for struggling individuals in our community to reach new heights.
In 2013, your generous contributions will provide vital funding to 34 local non-profits working toward solutions to community issues – each and every day. A strong community rests on a base of healthy, self sufficient individuals. When we build up one, we strengthen the whole.
MSA United Way has responded to the demands of donors with a recent shift to the Community Impact Model. Through this community-supported approach, United Way uses donor and partner input to create initiatives that focus on the root causes of issues, instead of only treating the symptoms. The first initiative, focused on income, removes barriers to employment and helps families become self-sufficient. Partner agencies who have received Income Initiative funding will collectively measure their progress throughout the year.
In addition to the Income Initiative, United Way plans to develop initiatives focused on education and health. Addressing these building blocks of life with preventative approaches will produce positive change for the greater Bismarck-Mandan area.
We would like to thank the volunteers, businesses and individuals who contributed time and resources to help us reach our 2012 Campaign goal. Especially the dedicated community leaders who made up our campaign cabinet: Basin Electric CEO and General Manager, Andrew M. Serri; Bismarck Public Schools Superintendent, Tamara Uselman; John Berger of Tesoro; Jerry Haas of Petro-Hunt; Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce President, Kelvin Hullet; North Dakota State Tax Commissioner, Cory Fong; Wes Engbrecht of Capital Electric Cooperative; Rachelle Johnson of Spherion Staffing; Julie Jeske of St. Alexius; Jane Morrow of Sanford Health; Bob Wefald; Wendy Hogue of the U.S. Department of Agriculture; Judy Vetter of Guardian and Protective Services, Inc.; Northern Lights Boy Scout Council Director, Cory Wrolstad; and Missouri Valley Family YMCA Executive Director, Bill Bauman. This dedicated group played an integral role in the success of the campaign. We would also like to thank our 2012 Premiere Sponsors Wells Fargo, BNC National Bank and Gate City Bank and our 2012 Presenting Sponsors Starion Financial and Eide Bailly LLP.
MSA United Way - Bismarck, North Dakota 