Pastor Heidi Heimgartner honored at United Way kick-off event

In 2014, United Way-funded programs provided services to 816 Blooming Prairie residents. As they work to offer those same services in the coming year, Untied Way also took time to host a community event in Blooming Prairie last Tuesday. 
That night, one community member also received special recognition as the LIVE UNITED Award recipient. United Way of Steele County Executive Director Kim Schaufenbuel presented the award to Heidi Heimgartner and thanked her for embodying the values that drive the United Way. Heimgartner is Associate Pastor of First Lutheran Church and has also volunteered with the local chapter of American Association of University Women (AAUW), the Blooming Prairie Center, the Boys and Girls Club, Community Christmas Drive, the Ministerial Association and others. 
Heimgartner said that her entire family makes an effort to give back to their community and to support United Way’s efforts. The family moved to Blooming Prairie in 1999 and quickly became involved in the community. Heimgartner said that her husband, Paul, is also deserving of the award for his strong support of United Way, and shared that they strive to teach their two sons, Luke and Jon, about the importance of giving back to others. 
During Tuesday’s program, Heimgartner encouraged audience members to consider what they find most meaningful in their lives. She also explained how it’s important to advocate for and engage with the people in their community. “Let’s celebrate the unique ways we are with and for each other and commit to working with each other,” she said. “I share this award with all of you.” 
Schaufenbuel said that the LIVE UNITED Award is presented to a community member who is both an advocate and volunteer. Community members in Blooming Prairie, Ellendale, Owatonna and other locations are recognized for their contributions. 
The event, held at the Pizza Cellar, saw an excellent turnout. As guests enjoyed pizza and other refreshments, local musician Dave Williams played a number of tunes. Lucky attendees even took home door prizes. “This is the Blooming Prairie kick-off event for our 2015 fundraising campaign,” Schaufenbuel said. “Of course, my hope for tonight is that we will celebrate our past successes in the community, but also that we can get everybody thinking about giving.” 
Area businesses and individuals alike can help contribute to the United Way programs offered in Steele County, including the Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Minnesota, Cedar Valley Services, SEMCAC senior nutrition, the Crisis Resource Center, the Exchange Club Center for Family Unity, the Steele County Food Shelf and many others. Schaufenbuel explained that donators can also specify which county they would like their donations to benefit. This year’s fundraising goal is $670,000, which will provide funding to 21 local programs. 
Mike Bath, General Manager of NAPA Distribution Center of Owatonna, also spoke about giving back. United Way’s 2015 Corporate Campaign Leader, NAPA Distribution Center, sponsored this event. 
“I learned something very valuable early on while working for this company,” Bath said. “We all have stories. These lives, and these stories, stretch into the community. We’re just giving back to the community who has given so much to us throughout the years.” 
Tanya Paley, Director of Strategic Operations, also provided an update on current United Way programs, including the Farm to Family program, made possible through a partnership between United Way, Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP), Steele County Public Health, the University of Minnesota Extension Office, Mayo Clinic Owatonna, Owatonna Hospital and Centro Campesino. This program allows United Way to offer fresh produce at wholesale cost to area families. 
“One of the obstacles we’ve heard about again and again is the desire to have healthy food for themselves and their families, but on a limited budget,” Paley explained. “We’re committed to health and are looking for more ways to pull community members together and support healthy living.”
Before the program dispersed, Schaufenbuel also recognized the United Way Board of Directors and other supporters. Shane Sattler also thanked the guests for attending the event and showing their support for United Way. “Thank you very much for what you do,” he said. “We cannot do this alone.” 
To learn more about United Way of Steele County, become a volunteer or make a donation, call 507-455-1180 or visit their website at www.unitedwaysteelecounty.org.