Merrill Area United Way
Debbie Moellendorf, Executive Director
Thank you to Dee Olsen for the many years of leadership she provided to Merrill Area United Way as the Executive Director and for her support in transitioning this role to Debbie Moellendorf, our new Executive Director. Many of you may be familiar with Moellendorf for the many years she served Lincoln County as a University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension Educator. She is excited about this new opportunity and appreciates the warm welcome she has received.
During our April 16th Board Planning and Goal Setting session, we reviewed our mission, organizational strengths and the progress made on last year’s goals. As a result of this meeting, three goals have been established for the upcoming year that will heighten our community presence and continue to drive United Way forward in supporting our agencies, neighbors, and community.
We recently completed the required training on the United Way Worldwide Brand Refresh initiative designed to provide greater uniformity amongst all United Ways across the world. As a result, you will notice we now have a new logo to go along with a new slogan “United is the Way”. We will be using the new resources from Worldwide to help us with one of our identified goals to raise the visibility of the United Way in our community.
The donations received by Merrill Area United Way are awarded to local agencies providing services and making a difference in the lives of individuals right here in our community. This year Merrill Area United Way is providing $192,904 to support 19 agencies, which is down from 2024 when we were able to award $211,890. This decrease is a result of our annual fall campaign receiving fewer donations. As a result, the board has identified a second goal to establish new approaches to our fundraising.
Establishing a process for on-going review of their policies is important to maintaining a strong organization. Initiated last year, the board has identified a third goal of continuing to review and update our organizational policies.
To help in raising funds, Merrill Area United Way is pleased to announce tickets for our new Cash Raffle are now on sale. Tickets are $20 each or 3 for $50. Eight cash prizes will be given out with the top prize being $2,500. You can purchase tickets from any of the United Way Board members, current and former Executive Directors, or from the Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce. The raffle drawing will be held at the Eagle’s Stand on the Merrill Fairgrounds at 3 p.m. on Labor Day, September 1st.
From advancing healthy community, youth opportunity, and financial security to strengthening local resiliency, United Way mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. Donations are accepted year-round and can be mailed to Merrill Area United Way, P O Box 813, Merrill, WI 54452. Dollars stay local! For more information about Merrill Area United Way visit: merrillareaunitedway.org or email director@merrillareaunitedway.org .