Hormel Foods raises $350,000 for United Way of Mower County
Published 9:13 am Saturday, December 22, 2018
- Executives from Hormel Corporate present a check to Diane Baker, executive director of the United Way of Mower County for $350,000 Friday morning. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Right before the holidays, United Way of Mower County got a massive gift on Friday afternoon.
Hormel Foods Corporation presented the United Way of Mower County with a check for $350,000 as part of the company’s 2018 workplace fundraising campaign that the Hormel Foods employees participated in as a way to invest in local programs that affect health, education, financial stability and basic needs through United Way.
“We set an aggressive goal,” said Jennifer Riggs, senior general accountant for food services. “We are thankful for their compassion and generosity.”
From the money raised by Hormel Foods’ more than 2,000 employees, the United Way will invest in programs serving Mower County residents with a wide range of needs.
Jennifer Riggs
Every year, the nonprofit’s workplace campaign brings people together from different sectors by giving them an opportunity to donate, volunteer and advocate for causes that are important to them.
“We had another very successful United Way Campaign and again saw the generosity and willingness of our employees to give back to the community,” said Scott Aakre, vice president of corporate innovation and insights at Hormel Foods and co-chair of the company’s United Way fundraising efforts. “I’m proud of the partnership between Hormel Foods and the United Way of Mower County and have seen firsthand the positive impact of these donations through the support they provide to so many people.”
Although the donations were appreciated, United Way of Mower County hopes to continue with its community campaign to meet its goals for the year.
“This year’s campaign effort shows the work of our partner agencies truly resonates with Hormel Foods employees,” said Diane Baker, executive director of the United Way of Mower County. “We are extremely grateful they understand the value of United Way supported programs, and that Hormel Foods’ commitment to moving Mower County forward continues to shine.”
When asked about how the nonprofit responded to the large amount of donations received by Hormel Foods, Baker said that she was “not surprised” by the company’s generosity.
“It’s amazing,” Baker said. “They raise the bar. …they always go above and beyond to meet their goal.”
