Celebrating Living United’s 100-Year Legacy

Carolyn Friesch

For 100 years, the United Way of Kenosha County has worked with donors and volunteers to improve lives and make Kenosha a better place for all. As we embark on this historic anniversary, one thing is clear. That is, Kenosha is a caring community committed to living in unity.

The United Way in Kenosha County was started on March 29, 1923 by 15 interested citizens. Originally called the Community Chest Association of Kenosha, the newly formed organization set out to meet local needs by enlisting community support. The following day, the Kenosha News reported their meeting as “he one of the most enthusiastic meetings of a public nature ever held in Kenosha.”

The first annual campaign started in April 1923. Using the slogan “Suppose Nothing Careed,” community chest volunteers inspired and engaged employees and businesses. In his first campaign he raised over $91,000 and supported eight agencies: Kenosha Hospital, St. Her Catherine Hospital, Kenosha Service League, Salvation Army, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Carmelite Sisters, and American Legion. In today’s money, that’s more than $1.5 million.

As the times have changed, so has the Kenosha Community Chest. In the 1940s, the organization experienced increasing complaints from health authorities and was transformed into a war fund. After World War II, the War Fund was dissolved and renamed the Kenosha Community Fund, where it remained until the organization was dissolved again in 1959, this time in favor of the United Fund, which covered the entire county of Kenosha. rice field.

The last time the name was changed was in 1973, when the organization’s mission became aligned with the national United Way movement. The board adopted the United Way of Kenosha County name and the national United Way logo. This is how the organization is still recognized today.

Over the past 100 years, much has changed throughout Kenosha County and around the world. But one thing that hasn’t changed is the power of compassion in our community and how we come together to support local organizations in Kenosha that positively impact the lives of all individuals and families. That’s what it means.

Today, the United Way of Kenosha County’s mission is to mobilize the compassionate power of our communities to advance the common good. The organization remains true to its founding principles of engaging residents, workers and employers to make a significant impact on the community.

The holidays can be a troubling time for those who use smaller social networks. An often overlooked solution to loneliness is volunteerism, according to experts.

United Way of Kenosha County’s annual campaigns, programs, and volunteer efforts are focused on improving the quality of life for people of all ages, with special emphasis on education, health, and financial security. We support a wide range of services. The United Way of Kenosha County invites our community to join us in celebrating our legacy of decades of impactful and compassionate efforts.

Featured events include a community-wide day of service on April 1st and a celebratory dinner on November 11th.

Follow United Way of Kenosha County on social media or visit kenoshaunitedway.org for updates on related celebration events. Thank you Kenosha County for 100 years of Living United.