On Tuesday, July 21, United Way of Sheboygan County hosted its annual Campaign Celebration — an evening dedicated to recognizing the individuals and organizations whose generosity creates lasting change across Sheboygan County. Together, we reflected on another year of impact, honored outstanding community champions, and looked ahead with excitement as we begin a new chapter of serving our community.
United is the Way: Celebrating What We Accomplished Together
Every dollar donated, every hour volunteered, and every partnership formed tells a story of neighbors helping neighbors.
Because of the incredible generosity of our community, United Way of Sheboygan County invested $1.61 million this past year to improve lives throughout Sheboygan County, supporting more than 45,000 local residents through initiatives focused on youth opportunity, healthy communities, financial security, and community resiliency.
Throughout the evening, guests were reminded that local challenges require local solutions—and that meaningful change happens when people choose to invest in their own community.
This year's celebration highlighted just a few of the many ways that support is making a difference including:
- 10 years of our school-based therapy program, PATH (Providing Access to Healing), which last year provided 12,000 therapy sessions to more than 700 youth all across Sheboygan County.
- The launch of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Sheboygan's 53081 neighborhood has already provided free books to more than 448 young children, helping build a foundation for lifelong literacy.
- A record-breaking 1,300 volunteers came together during our largest Day of Caring yet. The Volunteer Center works to support nonprofit organizations with volunteer coordination year-round, actively supporting 64+ local nonprofits and social service agencies.
- Invested $40,000 in Innovation Grants supporting bold, local solutions designed to address essential needs and improve quality of life for Sheboygan County residents.
These milestones are more than impressive numbers. They represent children receiving hope, families finding support, volunteers strengthening neighborhoods, and communities becoming more connected.
Honoring Excellence in Giving
One of the evening's highlights was recognizing the businesses, organizations, and community partners who exemplify the spirit of generosity.
Congratulations to this year's award recipients:
- Mission Maker Award: Saco AEI Polymers, in recognition of their support as the first local company to support the launch of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
- Sustained Excellence Award: Rockline Industries, in recognition of the employees this year, who gave a 20% increase in their overall dollars raised through workplace giving campaign
Celebrating Sheboygan County’s Most Generous Workplaces
For generations, workplace giving has been one of the most powerful ways our community comes together to create lasting change. This year, United Way was proud to recognize the organizations whose employees and leadership demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to improving lives right here in Sheboygan County.
Congratulations to following local companies:
Small Sized Companies (25 & Less Employees)
- Ross Glove Company
- Road America
- Vesta
- C&S Wholesale Grocers
- United Way of Sheboygan County
Medium Sized Companies (26-99 Employees)
- National Exchange Bank & Trust
- UnitedOne Credit Union
- BMO
- Prairie States
- Kohler Credit Union
Large Sized Companies
- Sargento
- Kohler Co.
- Johnsonville
- Masters Gallery
- PLENCO
- Bemis Manufacturing
- Rockline Industries
- Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin
- Acuity Insurance
- Sheboygan County
These recognitions represent far more than dollars raised. They reflect workplace cultures built on generosity, employees who choose to give back, and employers who understand that investing in a stronger community benefits everyone. Together, these organizations are helping ensure that local children, families, and neighbors have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
A Heartfelt Thank You to This Year's Volunteer Leadership
The evening also marked the conclusion of an incredible year of leadership from our board chair, Holly Baumgart (Sargento), as well as our Campaign Co-Chairs Jeff Lonigro and Ross Marsden (both of Bemis Manufacturing).
Their passion, dedication, and unwavering belief in our community helped inspire generosity throughout the campaign and strengthened United Way's mission of improving lives and community conditions in measurable and lasting ways.
We are grateful for their continued guidance and support, as Holly Baumgart will continue to serve on the Board of Directors, as Past Chair. In addition, Jeff Lonigro and Ross Marsden are thrilled to serve as Campaign Co-Chairs for the 2026-27 fundraising campaign year.
Looking Ahead
As one campaign year comes to a close, another begins.
The challenges facing our community continue to evolve, but so does our determination to meet them together. Whether it's expanding access to mental health services, supporting families with young children, strengthening our nonprofit network, or mobilizing volunteers, every success begins with people who choose to give local, volunteer local, and love local.
As we launch our 2026–27 campaign, we invite everyone to be part of what comes next.
Because at United Way, we know that when we unite around what matters most, we don't just respond to today's challenges. Together, we build a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant Sheboygan County for generations to come.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year's Campaign Celebration, and a special thank you to Mr. Jay Christopher and the entire Christopher Farm & Gardens team for once again providing such a beautiful setting to celebrate our community. We can't wait to see what we'll accomplish together in the year ahead.
