Community spirit was in full force as more than 140 guests gathered at Timberlake Lodge on Thursday, May 22, to celebrate a year of impact at United Way of 1000 Lakes’ 2025 Campaign Celebration. The annual event honors the individuals, businesses, and partners who help advance United Way’s mission to build a stronger, healthier, and more resilient Itasca area.

The evening began with a lively cocktail reception, featuring music by McKeon Hugh Roberts and sponsored by Minnesota Power and Timberlake Lodge. Guests mingled, enjoyed refreshments, and participated in Time for Art, a one-of-a-kind silent auction that celebrates both community service and the arts. Rather than bidding with dollars, attendees pledged volunteer hours to win original artwork donated by local artists. The 2025 gallery featured 12 unique pieces, including pottery by Mike Jasper and paintings by Reid Peterson, Lee Isaacs, Lily Evangeline, and others. Now in its second year, Time for Art has already inspired over 470 hours of volunteer service—valued at $14,946 and counting.

Following the reception, Board President Hannah Madden welcomed attendees and emphasized the power of community-led solutions in supporting working families, particularly those categorized as ALICE—Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, and Employed. The evening included an interactive “Impossible Choices” simulation that challenged guests to experience the tough decisions ALICE households face each day.

“The exercise was both eye-opening and deeply moving,” said Kim Brink Smith, United Way Executive Director. “It reminds us that no one should have to choose between paying rent and buying a prescription. These are the impossible choices our neighbors live with every day.”

Throughout the program, stories of determination and community care illustrated how United Way and its partners are helping residents move from crisis to stability and beyond. Attendees learned about measurable impact across United Way’s four focus areas: youth opportunity, healthy community, financial stability, and community resiliency. Highlights included:

• Students gaining ground in reading and math proficiency.
• Adults accessing preventative health care and mental health services.
• Families securing stable housing and developing new career pathways.

The program also spotlighted volunteerism—an essential ingredient in United Way’s impact strategy. Since 2013, United Way volunteers have contributed more than 6,800 hours of service, valued at over $170,000. This year’s Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Shannon Anttila of Great Tails Animal Rescue, recognized for her unwavering commitment to people and pets alike. Other nominees included Dorothy Duquette (Boys & Girls Club of Grand Rapids and Greenway), Anthony Scholler (Itasca County Habitat for Humanity), and Madelen Schuemann (Grace House).

“Volunteers are the heart of our work,” said United Way Board Member Sara Rose. “Their time, skills, and compassion make it possible to expand reach, fill service gaps, and support lasting change.”

The celebration also recognized the region’s most generous companies and organizations—those whose workplace giving campaigns and community investments amplify local impact:

Top 10 Most Generous Partners:

• Minnesota Power, a division of ALLETE, Inc.
• Blandin Foundation
• RTX Corporation
• Paul Bunyan Communications
• Park State Bank
• Yanmar
• Lake Country Power
• The Dutch Room & Mad Dog’s Pizza
• Timberlake Lodge
• H&L Mesabi

Top 10 Most Generous Workplaces:

• Minnesota Power, a division of ALLETE, Inc.
• Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital
• Lake Country Power
• Minnesota Diversified Industries (MDI)
• RTX Corporation
• Yanmar
• Itasca County
• Paul Bunyan Communications
• Park State Bank
• Target

The evening concluded with a message of hope and urgency from Executive Director Kim Brink Smith, who reminded attendees that the work of United Way is rooted in real people and real struggles. Every contribution—whether time, money, or effort—helps lift up families facing daily hardships. She emphasized that ALICE households, though often overlooked, are essential to the fabric of the community and deserve meaningful support.

“Behind every volunteer hour, every donation, every bold idea is a family trying to make ends meet,” Brink Smith said. “A child who needs a safe place to learn. A working parent juggling impossible choices. These are the faces of ALICE—our neighbors, our coworkers, the backbone of our region. When we support them, we strengthen our entire community.”

United Way extends its sincere thanks to the generous sponsors who helped make the 2025 Campaign Celebration possible, including platinum sponsors Minnesota Power and Timberlake Lodge, as well as Blandin Foundation, Park State Bank, and Paul Bunyan Communications, for their contributions in support of the event. 

Be Part of the Change

Join United Way of 1000 Lakes to build a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Whether it’s a business looking to make an impact, an individual ready to give back, or a neighbor with time to spare—there’s a place for everyone. To get involved, make a donation, or explore volunteer opportunities, visit uwlakes.org or call 218-999-7570.