On April 1st, Bre Katrin officially passed the torch to me as I became United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN)’s board president. I am honored to assume this role and feel eager and excited to serve in this capacity during a year that has so much promise, energy, and opportunity.
One of the programs that UWNEMN provides that I am most passionate about is United for Veterans. Serving veterans who have served our country holds special significance to UWNEMN and to me personally. We took great proud announcing that The Wall That Heals (TWTH) traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall will be at the Chisholm football field from June 23-26. This touring wall replica and mobile education center will be open 24 hours a day during that timeframe. We will be recruiting volunteers to help with many aspects of TWTH. UWNEMN has even launched a new volunteer portal website to manage all volunteer opportunities. For more information click HERE.
We will also be presenting the What’s Going On concert, which will feature songs from the Vietnam War era performed by The Fabulous Armadillos. I am a huge fan of the music from this time period and can’t wait to attend this free concert. I expect it will be a moving and informative experience, with Vietnam Veterans sharing their stories during the evening. We hope you will join UWNEMN and United for Veterans on Monday June 20th at the Hibbing High School auditorium for this unique opportunity.
In 2022, we’ve rolled out a whole slate of free monthly activities for veterans and their families with our Veterans Wellness Passport program, designed to create a support network for northeastern Minnesota veterans and create family connections. On Sunday May 22nd, we will be holding a Family Axe Throwing event from 1-3 pm at UWNEMN’s building in Chisholm. To learn more/register, click HERE.
To raise funding for the United for Veterans program, UWNEMN currently has our $100 Veterans Cash Raffle tickets on sale. Call 218-254-3329 or email elizabeth@unitedwaynemn.org to get your raffle ticket today for a chance to win $8,000 cash! The drawing party will be held at 6 pm on Thursday June 16th at Valentini’s Supper Club in Chisholm. These parties are always a good time, and it is always fun to see who wins! Who knows, maybe it will be you this year!
If you’re looking for other opportunities to support United for Veterans, save the date of September 10th for the return of the Renegade 5K/25K Trail Run at the Redhead Trail in Chisholm! We are excited to bring this event back for a second year to raise funds for United for Veterans. More details will be forthcoming.
The year ahead is exciting and bright, and I invite you to come along on this UWNEMN journey with us. Please get involved and come out and see us!