United Way of 1000 Lakes welcomed volunteers, donors, community partners, and community members to its annual Community Celebration last Thursday evening at Timberlake Lodge Hotel. The refreshed event experience focused on storytelling, volunteer recognition, interactive engagement, and raising awareness about the realities many working families face across the region. The evening opened with a sponsored reception that welcomed guests into an evening centered on connection, storytelling, and community impact.

Early in the evening, United Way’s Board of Directors announced a $10,000 Match Challenge, pledging to match gifts made in support of local families, partnerships, and community initiatives. The challenge became a central theme of the evening, encouraging attendees to deepen their impact while reflecting on the realities many ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households face across the region.

The evening also featured the interactive “Walking in ALICE’s Shoes” experience, made possible through the support of Edward Jones – Danielle M. Witherill Financial Advisor and Lake Country Power. The experience invited guests to reflect on the difficult decisions many households navigate every day related to housing, childcare, transportation, food, and healthcare, while emphasizing the importance of community collaboration and investing in solutions that strengthen families and neighborhoods across the Itasca area.

United Way also shared highlights from the past year, including Day of Action volunteer projects, Stuff the Bus school supply distributions, Home for Good household support efforts, and Flavors of Our Community pantry packs, which expand access to culturally familiar foods through local school pantries.

One of the evening’s featured moments was the Volunteer of the Year recognition, sponsored by Pemberton Real Estate. Four finalists were honored for their extraordinary service and commitment to the community: Isaac Meyer, Jane Ness, Jennifer Raushel, and Adrianne Reiners. Through a live audience selection process, attendees helped determine this year’s honoree.

The 2026 Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Jennifer Raushel, recognizing her longstanding volunteer leadership and service with organizations including the Grand Rapids Area Library Foundation, Hill City Area Community Fund, Itasca Community Television, and many other local initiatives.

Another unique highlight of the evening was Time for Art, a volunteer-powered silent auction sponsored by Minnesota Diversified Industries. Rather than bidding with dollars, attendees pledged volunteer hours in exchange for fourteen different pieces of art donated by regional artists and organizations. By the close of the event, guests had collectively committed 281 volunteer hours — representing an estimated community impact value of $9,835 — demonstrating the community’s commitment to giving back through service.

Thanks to the generosity of attendees and supporters, 78% has already been raised toward the $10,000 Match Challenge goal. Community members who would still like to be part of the effort are invited to help close the gap and unlock the full match. Every gift will help support programs, partnerships, and volunteer-driven solutions that strengthen the Itasca area and help ALICE households move toward greater stability and opportunity.

Donations can be made online at uwlakes.org/community-celebration.

The event was also made possible through the generosity of Behind the Lens Sponsor Taylor Apedaile Photography and this year’s table sponsors, including Blandin Foundation, Members Cooperative Credit Union, Minnesota Diversified Industries, Minnesota Power, Park State Bank, Paul Bunyan Communications, and St. Croix Hospice, whose support helped create a welcoming and meaningful evening.

As the evening concluded, guests continued conversations around the room, revisited the ALICE Experience, and reflected on the power of community to create meaningful change. Throughout the night, attendees were reminded that behind every statistic is a real person, a family, and a story — and that strengthening our region happens when people come together to ensure every person has the opportunity to thrive. Community members interested in supporting this work can learn more, volunteer, or make a gift at uwlakes.org or call 218-999-7570.