United Way will hold Candyland-themed celebration for 2021

By Patrick Lynn

The United Way of Portage County will bring its 2021 fundraising campaign to a close on Dec. 8 with a special celebration at the SentryWorld Atrium.

Wednesday’s victory celebration will be Candyland-themed and begin at 4 p.m. at the SentryWorld Atrium. In-person participation is being limited to representatives of the United Way, sweepstakes qualifiers, and the press. The public is welcome to participate through Facebook Live on the United Way of Portage County Facebook Page.

Sweepstakes qualifiers will complete in a Candyland-inspired game of chance to win one of nine prizes, each worth $1,000 or more, each donated by local businesses. The grand prize, donated by the Stevens Point Auto Center, formerly Scaffidi, is a new SUV or $20,000.

Campaign Drive Chairs for the 2021 fundraiser include B.J. and Ariel Welling, representing Welling Kitchen, Bath and Floor; Joe, Dan, and Joe M. Kinsella representing Pointe Precision; and Paul and Justin Adamski and Rachael Gadbois representing The Pineries Bank.

Results of the United Way campaign, which ran from Sept. 9 to Nov. 18, will be unveiled following the awarding of sweepstakes winners.

The goal for the 2021 campaign is $3.075 million. The funds are distributed to 30 local programs focused on education, financial stability, and health in support of our community’s most vulnerable populations.