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United Way kicks off 2001 fund-raising drive

Under a tent in front of the Riverfront Arts Center along the banks of the Wisconsin River late Tuesday afternoon, the United Way of Portage County began its 2001 fundraising drive with a combination of hope and confidence.

The United Way seeks to raise more than $1.68 million dollars in the next few months to assist more than 20 local agencies. Attendees at the kickoff heard from representatives of three pace-setting firms - ShopKo in Plover, Rice Medical Center and Donaldson Company - that employees of each had already made pledges exceeding last year's contributions. Revealing that Rice Medical Center physicians and employees had already pledged $92,000, Chuck Quartana, president of Rice Medical Center, added, "We're not done yet!"

Standing in front of a huge red "United Way Flyer coaster wagon," Chairman Thomas George and Campaign Chairman Dennis Brown urged everyone to participate. Brown said the red wagon "evokes thoughts of fun," but echoed part of this year's campaign slogan when he said, "It's a reminder that sometimes you need a ride - sometimes (the ride) is temporary and sometimes it's permanent." The United Way is conducting its fund drive with the slogan, "Sometimes you pull, sometimes you push, and sometimes you need a ride." Brown added, "We are working together to make sure nobody gets left behind."

Fred Hebblewhite built the big red wagon, using his parents' farm wagon as a base. In recent weeks, it has appeared at various locations in the area.

As part of the kickoff, the United Way is sponsoring a photo exhibit at the Riverfront Arts Center it calls, "A Day in the Life of United Way." Several local photographers volunteered to capture images that tell the story of how donations to the United Way help people in the community. Speaking for them was Bob Mosier, who said they were grateful to have had the opportunity to help. In addition to Mosier, the photographers were Bill Berry, Lori Cochrane, Dave Henry, John Hartman, Ross Hubbard, Jeannine Hurrish, Tom Kujawski, Joan McAuliffe, Randy Rusin, John Saris, Deb Shannon, Pram Thiagesar, David Stremer and Linda Wenzl.

The photos will be on display through Sunday, and then will be available as a traveling display to assist with the United Way campaign.

Brown thanked all United Way Supporters in Portage County, adding, "There isn't a 'weakest link' among them.



	United Way kicks off 2001 fund-raising drive Under a tent in front of the Riverfront Arts Center along the banks of the Wisconsin River late Tuesday afternoon, the United Way of Portage County began its 2001 fundraising drive with a combination of hope and confidence. The United Way seeks to raise more than $1.68 million dollars in the next few months to assist more than 20 local agencies. Attendees at the kickoff heard from representatives of three pace-setting firms - ShopKo in Plover, Rice Medical Center and Donaldson Company - that employees of each had already made pledges exceeding last year's contributions. Revealing that Rice Medical Center physicians and employees had already pledged $92,000, Chuck Quartana, president of Rice Medical Center, added, "We're not done yet!" Standing in front of a huge red "United Way Flyer coaster wagon," Chairman Thomas George and Campaign Chairman Dennis Brown urged everyone to participate. Brown said the red wagon "evokes thoughts of fun," but echoed part of this year's campaign slogan when he said, "It's a reminder that sometimes you need a ride - sometimes (the ride) is temporary and sometimes it's permanent." The United Way is conducting its fund drive with the slogan, "Sometimes you pull, sometimes you push, and sometimes you need a ride." Brown added, "We are working together to make sure nobody gets left behind." Fred Hebblewhite built the big red wagon, using his parents' farm wagon as a base. In recent weeks, it has appeared at various locations in the area. As part of the kickoff, the United Way is sponsoring a photo exhibit at the Riverfront Arts Center it calls, "A Day in the Life of United Way." Several local photographers volunteered to capture images that tell the story of how donations to the United Way help people in the community. Speaking for them was Bob Mosier, who said they were grateful to have had the opportunity to help. In addition to Mosier, the photographers were Bill Berry, Lori Cochrane, Dave Henry, John Hartman, Ross Hubbard, Jeannine Hurrish, Tom Kujawski, Joan McAuliffe, Randy Rusin, John Saris, Deb Shannon, Pram Thiagesar, David Stremer and Linda Wenzl. The photos will be on display through Sunday, and then will be available as a traveling display to assist with the United Way campaign. Brown thanked all United Way Supporters in Portage County, adding, "There isn't a 'weakest link' among them.