United Way sparks 2016 fundraising campaign

MARQUETTE — United Way’s 2016 fundraising campaign kicked off today. And this year’s goal is a lofty one. Consortium members, board members, and members from representative agencies were on hand at Marquette’s Holiday Inn to spark the effort of attaining it.

United Way Campaign Coordinator, Sue Minckler stated, “We’re trying to raise $400,000 for Marquette County. It will require visiting with groups and sending out pledge forms and letters and trying to collect (the money).”

She continued, explaining where the money goes, “It goes to local non-profit agencies in Marquette County and their health and human service organizations that have programs in areas of basic needs; health, youth, adults with disabilities, and the elderly.”

Minckler says United Way wouldn’t be able to collect the amount of money it does without the tremendous support it receives from members of the community.

“We were able to see first hand with that investment panel what that money goes back to,” began co-chair, Mike Angeli, “and when it’s needed and then all the sudden you realize that the people you’ve been seeing every day; friends, people that you know personally, actually need the funds and you never knew cause they don’t say anything.”

This campaign has been going on for a long time, almost 75 years. They used to combine it with Seafood and Harbor Fest, but no longer. Although those in attendance did get to enjoy a nice lunch of chicken tacos.