COMMUNITY CELEBRATION

Are you a local artist with a passion for strengthening your community?

We invite you to become a key part of Your Time for Art, our one-of-a-kind auction where community members bid volunteer hours—rather than money—to win beautiful, locally donated artwork. New this year, attendees will also have the option to purchase artwork outright, expanding both exposure and impact.

By contributing your work, you’re not only placing your talent on display but also helping spark meaningful connections between volunteers and nonprofits throughout the Itasca County area.

What Makes Your Time for Art Different?

Volunteer-Focused Auction
Your Time for Art remains the only auction of its kind where attendees pledge volunteer hours as their bidding currency. This means your art directly inspires service and strengthens our nonprofit community.

Expanded Opportunity
With the addition of an outright purchase option, your work may generate both volunteer commitments and financial support — increasing its reach and impact.

Direct Community Impact
Last year, Your Time for Art featured 12 incredible donated pieces, inspiring more than 470 volunteer hours — equating to nearly $14,946 in value for local nonprofits. We hope to surpass that number this year, and your donated piece will help us get there.

Celebrate Our Creative Community
Local artists and hobbyists like you are the heart of this event. By donating, you’ll stand alongside fellow creators who share a commitment to positive change through art.

Benefits of Donating Your Art

Visibility & Networking: Your artwork will be showcased to a diverse audience of community leaders, nonprofit partners, and fellow creatives.

Fuel Volunteerism: Each piece motivates attendees to engage with local nonprofits in new and meaningful ways.

Lively, Engaging Atmosphere: The event includes an interactive mission experience, awards recognition, and networking — all in a celebratory setting you’ll be proud to be part of.

How to Donate

Choose Your Artwork: Paintings, sculptures, glasswork, photography — any visual art form is welcome.

Contact Us: Submit a brief description of your piece, a short artist bio, and your contact information via email to molly@uwlakes.org

Delivery Arrangements: Artwork must be received by May 1, unless otherwise arranged.

Questions?

Reach out to Untied Way staff, Molly Hiipakka, at 218-999-7570 or molly@uwlakes.org.

Be part of an inspiring event that unites art, volunteerism, and community impact. Your contribution helps shape a stronger, more vibrant Itasca County.

The Volunteer of the Year Award celebrates the individuals who help make our communities stronger through service, compassion, and generosity. More than a recognition, the award reflects United Way’s commitment to building a culture of volunteerism across the region—one where people are encouraged, connected, and empowered to make a difference.

From an inspiring group of nominees, four finalists were selected for their outstanding dedication and impact:

• Isaac Meyer — Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids and Greenway
• Jane Ness — Grace House of Itasca County
• Jennifer Raushel — Grand Rapids Area Library Foundation
• Adrianne Reiners — Free Range Food Co-op

Following a live audience selection process during United Way of 1000 Lakes’ Community Celebration, on May 21, 2026, Jennifer Raushel of the Grand Rapids Area Library Foundation was named the 2026 Volunteer of the Year. Her longstanding volunteer leadership and commitment to strengthening the community continue to make a meaningful impact across the Itasca area.

We extend our gratitude to every volunteer who gives their time, talents, and heart to this community. Your service strengthens our region each and every day, and we are honored to celebrate all who continue to show up for others.

Community members can learn more about this year’s finalists and honoree here: Honoring Local Changemakers: Volunteer of the Year Finalists Announced During National Volunteer Week

2026 Jennifer Raushel, Grand Rapids Area Library Foundation
2025 Shannon Antilla, Great Tails Animal Rescue
2024 Karen Tinquist, Foster Love Closet
2023 Gwenn Smith, Grace House
2022 Cheryl Shepherd, Grace House
2021 Alan Anderberg, Itasca County Habitat for Humanity
2021 Mary Troumbly, United Way of 1000 Lakes

2025 Top Ten Most Generous Companies (Prior Year)

Minnesota Power, a division of ALLETE, Inc.
Blandin Foundation
Itasca County
Klockow Brewing Company
Paul Bunyan Communications
ASV Holdings, Inc.
CoBank
Lake Country Power
Park State Bank

2025 Top Ten Most Generous Workplaces (Prior Year)

Minnesota Power, a division of ALLETE, Inc.
Target
ASV Holdings, Inc.
Minnesota Diversified Industries
Woodland Bank
Itasca County
Blandin Foundation
UPS
Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital
Lake Country Power

The Volunteer of the Year Award honors an outstanding individual whose service strengthens lives and builds lasting impact across Itasca County. Finalists are selected by a review committee made up of United Way’s Board of Directors and Community Impact Committee, and will be recognized during United Way’s Community Celebration on Thursday, May 2027, at Timberlake Lodge. Guests will cast their votes live at the event to determine the Volunteer of the Year.

Finalists will also be featured during National Volunteer Month in April, sharing their stories and the impact of their service.

Nominations will open through January 2027. Questions may be directed to 218-999-7570 or molly@uwlakes.org.

Support Community Celebration while gaining meaningful visibility and engagement throughout the evening. Sponsorships are limited and offered on a first-come basis.

Bronze – Table Sponsor ($500)
Reserved seating for up to six guests, table signage recognizing your sponsorship, acknowledgment during the event program, and recognition in print, digital, website, and social media materials.

Bronze – ALICE Experience Sponsor ($500) (Limited to 4)
Featured during the Walking in ALICE’s Shoes interactive experience with prominent signage at your designated station, program acknowledgment, and recognition across print, digital, website, and social media platforms.

Silver – Time for Art Sponsor ($1,000) (Exclusive)
As the sole Time for Art Sponsor, you will receive prominent recognition prior to and during the event, along with featured signage in the Time for Art gallery and acknowledgment during the event program. Your organization will also be recognized in print and digital promotional materials, as well as on United Way’s website and social media platforms (prominent sponsor tier).

Gold – Volunteer of the Year Sponsor ($1,500) (Exclusive)
Featured recognition during the program, awards table signage, opportunity to present the Volunteer of the Year award, and upper-tier recognition in event materials and digital platforms.

Platinum – Cocktail Reception Sponsor ($2,500) (Exclusive)
Underwrites the cocktail and networking reception featuring butler-passed appetizers and food stations. Includes prominent event marketing recognition, reception signage, digital recognition, and reserved seating for up to six guests.

Diamond – Presenting Sponsor ($5,000) (Exclusive)
Highest level of recognition throughout the event, including welcome remarks, premier logo placement in all event materials, dominant on-site signage, headline digital recognition, and reserved seating for up to twelve guests in a preferred location.

To learn more or secure your sponsorship, call 218-999-7570 or email kimberly@uwlakes.org.

Members Cooperative Credit Union is a nonprofit financial cooperative headquartered in Duluth, serving more than 50,000 members. Founded in 1936, they operate branches throughout Northeastern Minnesota, including Aitkin, Baxter, Cloquet, Duluth, Grand Rapids, Isanti, McGregor, Moose Lake, North Branch, and Sandstone. Their services include checking and savings accounts, mortgages, and business loans.