Spring time always means change is on the way for United Way of Sheboygan County - one campaign is ending and another is about to begin. And with that comes an opportunity to look back and recognize the great work that has been done. 

I deeply admire the dedication of the many individuals, companies and organizations that made the year a success. We started the year hoping to raise $2.75 million, and exceeded the goal by raising more than $2.9 million! I had the honor of working with the people who made this happen.

What does $2.9 million in United Way funds mean for Sheboygan County? It means an investment in our community’s greatest areas of need: Education, Income and Health. You can expect to see continued development of specific community impact projects in these areas, as well as the ongoing support of United Way’s funded Partner Agencies. With my personal interest in health care, I’m most excited about the new Sheboygan County Community Partnership for Children, with United Way as the backbone agency, which includes a new Welcome Baby program. Our health care partners will also be part of this effort to offer a healthier start to life for babies, giving parents and families the tools for a successful life path. Only good will come from that, as well as all of the other investments that will be made with this year’s campaign dollars. Greater details on the impact of United Way over the past year will be released later this month, and I look forward to seeing all that’s in store for our community for next year.

But it doesn’t end there. In Sheboygan County, we often overlook the number of local businesses that prioritize community service and support the United Way. It is amazing to see the employees - from executives to entry-level support staff –passionately give of their time, talent and financial support. This year, six companies joined together and created mascots to support United Way and create huge movements among their employees to raise awareness and dollars while having some fun.

For me, the most memorable experience of this campaign was the Day of Caring, which was held at the beginning of the campaign last September. I joined the Aurora team at Meals on Wheels and was struck by how well-managed this program is and was impressed by their eagerness to show us their operations. I saw firsthand that an event such as the Day of Caring is not just about projects completed or dollars raised; it truly changed how we, as volunteers, were personally impacted by the mission of this organization. Personally, I can tell you it triggered several families’ ongoing involvement with Meals on Wheels.

My heartfelt appreciation goes to everyone who contributed – large or small – to the United Way this past year. I’m excited to see the impact of the $2.9 million over the next year, in programs, services and organizations in action for the health of our community.

Although my time as campaign chair is ending, it only means that another is about to begin. The 2016-2017 campaign will be led by the dynamic duo Karri Neils of Sargento and Todd Neils of Bank First National. These two are energetic and ready to champion this effort. They have my full support, and I hope yours as well.

The future is bright for the United Way of Sheboygan County as we continue supporting needs in our community. Thank you for being part of it.

Dave Graebner

2016 United Way of Sheboygan County Campaign Chair

President, Aurora Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center