United Way schedules Victory Celebration Dec. 11

By Patrick Lynn

The United Way of Portage County will celebrate the finale of its 2019 campaign with its Victory Celebration on Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 4 p.m. at the SentryWorld Grand Hall in Stevens Point.

The public is invited to attend the free event.

Semi-finalists for the 2019 LIVE UNITED – GIVE UNITED Sweepstakes will be awarded one of seven prizes, including a new vehicle, and the results of the 2019 United Way of Portage County campaign will be revealed. Pre-registration is not required, and hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be available.

The seven finalists of this year’s sweepstakes will be present to test their luck, with each vying for a chance to win this year’s grand prize, a 2020 Ford F-150 XL Super Cab 4×4 or choice of six other vehicles, donated by Scaffidi Motors. Other prizes include a United Way logo-inspired 14K white gold pendant donated by Lee Ayers Jewelers and Thomas Dailing Designs; a light painting and portrait package donated by John Hartman Contemporary Photography; a John Deere E110 hydrostatic lawn tractor donated by Simplicity Credit Union and Riesterer & Schnell; a Green Bay Packer package including four Green Bay Packer tickets, a $500 gift card and a signed Packer helmet, a 65-inch Sony HDTV and Nintendo Switch package donated by Skyward; and an air travel package donated by Northwestern Mutual.

Event emcees Steve Martin and Carrie Dreger will invite the finalists on stage to take part in what will be called the Gift of Giving prize selection.

This year’s Campaign Drive Chairs – Jeff Budelier, Les Dobbe, and Doug Munsey – will be on hand at the Victory Celebration to share their insights and their sincere gratitude as the leaders of the 2019 campaign. United Way of Portage County Executive Director Sue Wilcox will take the stage to recognize the many individuals and organizations that pitched in to support the community this year through United Way.

Results of the United Way campaign will be unveiled with the help of Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin – FOSS (Family Outreach and Support Services) program leaders and participants.

Funds are distributed to over 30 local programs and initiatives focused on the education, financial stability and health of residents of Portage County.

This year’s campaign goal was $3.05 million, marking the first time the group set a goal in excess of $3 million.