The Marshalltown Area United Way (MAUW) extended its annual campaign into the first week of January as part of an effort to make the $800,000 goal but ultimately fell short by around $98,000. However, Executive Director Kendra Sorensen believes there still might be an opportunity to achieve the amount as a few contribution amounts are yet to be finalized. Regardless, she is happy with the accomplishments of the most recent campaign, which kicked off on Sept. 16, 2021.

“I was delighted to see so many businesses join the Leadership Circle this year,” Sorensen said.

The Leadership Circle encompasses giving levels starting at $250 and highlights commitments to community efforts supporting 28 local partner agencies supplying 34 programs to individuals and families. Some of the businesses that rallied around the campaign for the first time at a corporate/business level included BDH Technology, B&G HVAC, Triple E Insulators, El Portal, Grocery y Tortilleria La Vecindad, and Stucky’s Vacuum. Others chose to remain anonymous.

Three extremely successful events highlighted the 2021 campaign — Power of the Purse topped $19,500, and the United Way golf tournament raised over $12,400, both all-time records. Raffle ticket sales for the “Marshalltown Strong” cornhole boards generously donated by Scott and Kari Kilstrom with Electric Supply of Marshalltown also generated a little over $1,700.

General donations from the public were remarkable considering the challenges around the COVID-19 pandemic, staffing shortages and a community that continues to rebound from the tornado and derecho.

Most importantly, Sorensen said, credit is due to the dynamic co-chair duo, Kris and Shannon Naughton, owners/operators of ServiceMaster of Marshalltown. They put in a lot of hours and commitment to the overall campaign along with the dynamite campaign cabinet members who volunteered their time throughout the year.

Volunteerism didn’t stop there though. MAUW board members and other individuals stepped up and helped too. Nancy Steveson, the former MAUW executive director, and Sandy Gowdy, former United Way board member, assisted with stuffing envelopes for the first campaign letter, and others helped with preparing campaign packets and helping at events. Kendra is also especially thankful for the two staff members, Administrative Assistant Deb Imsland and Events and Marketing Coordinator Liv Callaway, who contribute to making the organization run effectively and efficiently.

“There are so many people to thank for their time, talents, and treasures that it’s almost impossible to list them all,” Sorensen said.

It’s another reason why Sorensen loves Marshalltown and the surrounding towns in Marshall County. The new co-chairs for 2022 will be Alyce Quastad, branch manager of the downtown Great Western Bank, and Jeff Schneider, director of IT for MARSHALLTOWN Company. Planning for next year’s campaign is already scheduled for the end of January, when the 2021 co-chairs will present a debriefing, and orientation begins for the 2022 co-chairs.

Sorensen is excited for 2022 with a full year of insight under her belt and other items to look forward to such as moving back to the MACC, formerly known as the Fisher Community Center.

For more information, visit the organization’s website at www.unitedwaymarshalltown.org.