Six local high school seniors win third annual Youth United Contest

United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) asked high school seniors across the region what they saw as the biggest need in the community – and what ideas they had to address that need – in its third annual Youth United Contest. 

Thirty-eight students from across the Iron Range and Koochiching County responded, and six have been named finalists. 

Finalists (in alphabetical order) are:

U. S. Steel kickstarts UWNEMN anniversary fundraiser

United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) is honored to announce that U. S. Steel is the first local company to contribute towards the organization’s 60th anniversary fundraising goal.
In the first-ever United Way fund drive in our region, from 1966-1967, community members united to raise more than $100,000 through the United Fund of Northeastern Minnesota (now UWNEMN) – the equivalent of nearly $6 million today.

Power of the Purse raises nearly $22,000 in Koochiching County

United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN)’s Power of the Purse event was a success on all counts.

More than 120 guests filled International Falls Elks Lodge #1599 May 8th for the Wicked! themed event, raising more than $21,940 to support UWNEMN’s youth programs directly in Koochiching County.

The last Power of the Purse in Koochiching County was held in 2018. The event returned with the help of UWNEMN staff and an event planning committee comprised of local women.

Summer volunteers needed to feed local children

Volunteers are needed to ensure United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN)’s free summer lunch program, Meet Up and Chow Down, can once again provide free summer lunches to all children ages 1-18 regionwide as planned starting June 8.
The program is at-risk in in Babbitt and Cook due to lack of volunteer coverage at this time. Volunteers are needed Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in Babbitt; in Cook, volunteers are needed Mondays and Tuesdays.

UWNEMN elects 2026 board members

United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN)'s nine staff members operate its internal programming and provide support to 47 nonprofits regionwide with the support of donors and volunteers, led by a board of directors. 

Incoming board members were announced during UWNEMN’s Annual Celebration March 26th at Fortune Bay Resort Casino: Torie Arnoldy (Fort & Company), Steve Biondich (City of Biwabik), and Dan Vidmar (Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.)

UWNEMN celebrates 60 years

Jack Seltz, 89, enjoyed every bit of his drive from Alexandria, Minn., to Fortune Bay Resort Casino March 26th for United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN)’s 60th Annual Celebration, presented by Fairview Range.

It was the first time he’d driven through Eveleth since he left in 1969, transitioning from his role as first-ever executive director of the newly formed United Fund of Northeastern Minnesota (now UWNEMN) to complete his education in finance.