United Way Announces Winners of United We Can

With 7,095 pounds of food collected - as well as over $1,200 in financial donations – the sixth annual United We Can event was a tremendous success!  United Way of Inner Wisconsin and the South Wood County Hunger Coalition are proud to announce the 2018 winners of the United We Can food sculpture awards:

•    Most Nutritious:  Daly Drug with their “Prescription Bottle” sculpture
•    Most Creative: Aspirus with their “Sponge Bob Squarepants” sculpture
•    Community Choice Award – Major League (used 500 or more items): Domtar with their “Olaf” sculpture
•    Community Choice Award – Minor League (used less than 500 items): River Cities Bank with their “Wishing Well” sculpture

“But the real winners are our local food programs and their clients,” said Emily Stieve, Community Impact Director for United Way of Inner Wisconsin.  “Last year, United We Can donations collected were gone in only two months.  We appreciate the generosity of our community to help those who may be facing food insecurities.”

Food and money that was collected during United We Can was distributed to: Christian Life Fellowship Food Pantry, Backpack for Kids, Rapids Family Backpacks, South Wood Emerging Pantry Shelf, The Family Center and The Neighborhood Table.

Eleven teams competed in United We Can, including:  Aspirus, Daly Drug, Domtar, East Ambassadors, ERCO Worldwide, Grace Lutheran Church, Howe Elementary School “Fuel Up” (sponsored by Esquire Muffler and Sparhawk Trucking), Love, Inc. (sponsored by Duncan Disability Law), ODC (sponsored by The Family Center), River Cities Bank and Solarus. Additionally, a team from McMillan Memorial Library created a sculpture live at the game with the donations brought in by fans.

United Way of Inner Wisconsin and the South Wood County Hunger Coalition thanks the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters for another successful year and collaborating to strike out hunger in our community.