Guess Who's Turning 50?

United Way of Southeast Missouri | January 2020 Newsletter

United Way of Southeast Missouri is Celebrating 50 years as a United Way!

City leaders established the United Fund of Cape Girardeau in 1954 and enlisted caring community members to help raise $49,500 for the first campaign. In 1970 we joined other 'community chests' across the nation to become a sanctioned United Way and, as they said in the seventies, we just "keep on truckin'!"

In 1970, 350 volunteers were enlisted to help reach our goal of $115,880. We still depend heavily on volunteers to serve on our committees, support our programs, and manage workplace campaigns, but in 2020 only 4 employees work to raise $850,000-900,000 that support 30 partners representing nearly 40 programs.

Since our humble beginning, United Way has raised more than $30.1 million for the people of Southeast Missouri, which would not have happened without YOU! This year we have many opportunities to mark this milestone; w e hope you will be a part of one or all of these celebrations.

New Year - New Life... Mission Inn

Above, supporters gather to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the New Life Mission Inn in Perryville, MO.

Below, Raechel Reinitz and Elizabeth Shelton of UWSEMO are joined by Beth Rowe, Director of NLMI, and Rita Diamond, Assistant Director.

Rarely do we get to hear directly from our neighbors whose lives are forever changed by our network thanks to you, our compassionate donors. But when we attended the ribbon cutting for the drop-in center UWSEMO helps fund at the New Life Mission Inn in Perryville, two gentlemen made a point to personally come thank us for supporting this mission. And they agreed to repeat it on video so we could share it with you.

They may not know that much of the reason our Community Investment Committee wanted to support New Life Mission Inn is because they provide counseling along with the food, shelter, warmth, and human kindness offered in the drop-in center. When you are in Perryville, please drop in and visit. If you can, please bring with you supplies that will help them help others--like food, laundry detergent, trash bags, and warm clothing. If you're lucky, you might get to visit with some of their patrons and be blessed with a testimony. Stories like these humble us to be their partner.

Registration is OPEN!

Over The Edge for United Way of Southeast Missouri 2020

Edger Registration

Help us reach our $50,000 goal as we mark 50 years!

Sponsorships start at $500 to 'jump into' this unique event!

FOR SPONSORSHP INFORMATION CLICK HERE

Fearless Edger Signing Party

Join us for liquid courage and hear the many ways you can be involved with this amazing event! We will have drink specials, appetizers, networking, and more! Every Edger who signs up during the Edger party or before will get to make a free promotional video for their fundraising page!

Be Our Guest at Community Celebration!

1970-2020: 50 Years of United Way!

April 23rd, 2020 | 11:30-1 PM | Free Lunch!

VFW - 1049 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

Join us during National Volunteer Month to help us celebrate becoming a United Way in 1970! Lunch is on us as we thank the many volunteers, Employee Campaign Champions (ECCs) who manage our workplace campaigns, and loyal donors who Give, Advocate and Volunteer for our network and mission. The event is free, but registration is requested.

Did you 'Step-up' this year?

All donors who 'stepped up' their donation by $1 per week or joined us as a new donor giving at least $52 this year are entered into the drawing for prizes donated to UWSEMO. These include Rhodes gas cards, a Drury hotel stay, and gift cards at many area businesses and restaurants. If you are a Step-up Donor, keep an eye on our Facebook page. We will announce winners every day for 14 days leading up to Celebration. It could be your name pulled to collect a wonderful thank-you at Celebration on April 23rd!

Leadership Donor?

This year all Leadership Donors (giving $500 or more) will receive a GROOVY tie-dye T-shirt celebrating our 50th year as a United Way in 2020! If you gave at this level and want a shirt, please send your name and T-shirt size to Raechel by the end of February. Shirts also will be available for purchase at Celebration.