The Ice Cream Social hosted by Northwoods United Way to kick off their annual fundraiser was a hit with kids of all ages. Participants from several of the recipient agencies were on hand to offer information on their community services, which rely on United Way support.

A total of 34 local agencies will receive funding from United Way starting in 2010. Through the end of the year, said United Way coordinator Tracy Beckman, the organization will work with the community to raise $207,000.

“We’ve come a long way from our start in 1976,” said Tracy, “when our first goal was just $45,000. That year we were able to help support 13 agencies, and some of original groups, like the Red Cross and Camp Fire, we are still funding today.”

Helping non-profit, community service groups in Oneida, Vilas and Forest Counties, United Way is important to organizations like Family Resource Connection in Rhinelander. (See FRC website here)

FRC offers family support, education, advocacy for families and children and access to family-centered community activities. Darcy Miller was on hand to answer questions about her role as a family visitor with FRC and as facilitator of Play Shoppe which is held three times a week, offering parents tips on how to help with their child’s learning and development.

At the Ice Cream Social, Darcy had on hand a unique activity. She had placed a large pumpkin on a table and encouraged the young children to pound golf tees into the sides. “I just made it up,” she laughed, “but they seem to really enjoy it. It’s a wonderful activity to help develop their hand/eye coordination.”

United Way is equally important to local businesses and community members who know their contributions will always go to a good cause and remain in the area. “At United Way, we strive to be efficient in our operations and transparent as well. It gives people a sense of comfort, and we have many loyal contributors that come back every year.”

Area businesses are among those loyal donors. Many that have large numbers of employees hold internal fund drives. In fact, some have already started or even finished their collections, putting United Way at the $35,000 mark already.

“We’re starting off here with 17 percent of our goal,” said Tracy, with a smile. “But we still have a long way to go.” Anyone who would like to help United Way meet its fundraising goal, or find out more about the organization, is invited to call 715.369.0440 or visit their website www.northwoodsunitedway.org.