Quality Pork also beats last year’s total with $145,000 donation

A bicycle, two TVs, a camera and more on Wednesday awaited eager Quality Pork Processors employees who were generous toward the United Way this year.

After announcing winners and congratulating generous employees, QPP officials handed over a $145,000 check to United Way officials. The amount tops last year’s donation, as 88 percent of employees donated to the cause, about 1,100 people. On average, they gave $132, or more than $2 from every paycheck, and roughly 5 percent more than last year.

“The week prior, we wanted to do awareness about  what United Way does for our community,” said QPP President Kelly Wadding.

Wadding got a chuckle from the fact QPP edged out the Hormel Foods plant, which raised $140,000 this year. The two companies routinely make the campaign into a friendly competition to raise more money.

Since 1990 QPP has donated $2.1 million toward the United Way’s annual campaign.

“The support of Quality Pork Processors to the Mower County community is significant and has provided countless individuals with the tools and services they’ve needed to change their lives for the better,” said Mower County United Way Executive Director Mandi Lighthizer-Schmidt.

Funds donated to the United Way of Mower County go entirely to local programs in four main categories: education, income, health and basic needs. For a list of services and programs the United Way funded in 2012, visit austin dailyherald.com/2013/11/donations-at-work. The local United Way’s administrative fee is 8 percent.

The local United Way, established 55 years ago, kicked off its 2013 campaign Oct. 5. It raised $1.03 million in 2012 and a record $1.04 million in 2011. This year’s goal is $1.1 million. With QPP’s donation and more campaigns set to wrap up early 2014, the United Way is approaching the $1 million mark.

Donations may be sent to P.O. Box 605, Austin or dropped off at 301 N Main St. For more information, call Lighthizer-Schmidt at 507-437-2313.