City’s ‘penny war’ collects $452 for United Way

Members of the Fort Atkinson city staff have collected $452.41 in support of the the United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties, according to a recent news release.

City staff members engaged in a “penny way,” which was completed as their 2023 workplace campaign.

The penny war was held between city departments, with staff members making payroll pledges as well, the release noted.

Within the release, City Manager Rebecca Houseman was quoted as saying: “The United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties seeks to build inclusive communities through their mission, vision and core values. The city council and the city’s management team support these efforts, as well as the local programs and services supported by the United Way.”

Additionally, the release noted that “city employees competed for a week to see which department could collect the most pennies and cash minus any sabotage money of quarters, dimes and nickels from other departments.”

The winning team was composed of members of the Wastewater Utility, the release continued, with its members “collected $36.41 of positive points. They collected $42.86 before sabotage subtractions. The Water Utility team came in second with $30.76 of positive points. They had $10.10 of sabotage. The Water Utility team collected $40.86, before sabotage. They also collected the highest amount of pennies of any department with $9.86.” 

“We are honored that the city of Fort Atkinson has once again pledged to run a United Way workplace campaign in support of our fundraising efforts. The support we receive from the 30 or so local businesses that host campaigns for us accounts for approximately 75% of the total funds we raise annually. We recognize the effort, time, and energy that these local businesses put forth for us and our communities, and we couldn’t be more grateful,” Elizabeth Ellis-Bols, United Way executive director was quoted as saying in the release. 

United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties Executive Director Elizabeth Ellis-Bols, from left, receives a donation of $452, as presented by Fort Atkinson Public Relations Executive Assistant Sarah Weihert, along with City Manager Rebecca Houseman. 

Fort Atkinson Wastewater Utility Superintendent Paul Christensen holds the winning “penny war” jar. The Wastewater Utility team collected the most funds during the city’s recent fundraising event. 

Contributed photos. 

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