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Author: Adam Mumm

Connecting Women, Strengthening Community: Meet Jen Ridley Hanson and Brooke Weitzer

Posted on by Adam Mumm

Connecting Women,
Strengthening Community

When Women United members gather to connect, learn and grow together, there’s a dedicated team working behind the scenes to make those experiences possible. Leading that effort is Jen Ridley Hanson, Chair of the Women United Personal and Professional Development Committee, and Brooke Weitzer, Vice Chair, whose partnership has helped create some of our most popular member experiences.

Together, Jen and Brooke work closely with their committee to deliver meaningful opportunities for Women United members to build relationships, gain new perspectives and strengthen their connection to our mission throughout the year.

Over the past several years, they have helped plan and support signature events including our Holiday Socials, Concerts on the Square and our popular virtual Financial Panels, where both Jen and Brooke have shared their expertise as panelists. Their thoughtful leadership and collaborative approach have helped ensure that Women United members have opportunities to connect in ways that are both engaging and impactful.

Jen brings a wealth of experience to her role. As Director of Wealth Planning, Senior Wealth Advisor and Partner at SlateStone Wealth, she is dedicated to helping clients navigate the financial complexities of divorce while also working with families to develop comprehensive wealth management plans. A longtime Women United member, Jen also serves on our Council and has been instrumental in shaping events that foster authentic connections among members.

Brooke, who will take over the role of Chair when Jen’s term ends in March, is a Tax Principal with Baker Tilly’s Commercial Services Practice. Known for her technical expertise, strong project management skills and collaborative leadership style, Brooke is also an active Women United and Council member. Her commitment to creating welcoming and valuable experiences for members makes her a natural fit to continue leading the committee’s work.

As Jen prepares to pass the chair role to Brooke next spring, Women United is grateful for their partnership, creativity and leadership. Together with the Personal and Professional Development Committee, they continue to create opportunities for members to learn, connect and make a difference in our community.

Your Community, Your Impact in 2025

Posted on by Adam Mumm

Your Community, Your Impact in 2025

At United Way of Dane County, we recognize that our community is strongest when we come together to support the common good. In a year marked by rising costs of living, shifting public funding and growing demand for services, that strength was all the more visible and impactful.

Because of your generosity and shared commitment to our neighbors, we exceeded the 2025 Community Fundraising Campaign goal, raising $18.1 million to advance our Plan for Community Well-Being – aligning investments in youth opportunity, financial security, healthy community and community resilience to create lasting, multi-generational change.

This momentum was further amplified by a historic 10-year, $10–$15 million commitment from the Dan & Patti Rashke (TASC) Family Foundation, the largest single philanthropic commitment in United Way of Dane County’s history. This extraordinary investment helps ensure that every undesignated individual donation can go directly toward addressing our community’s greatest needs and most effective strategies.

These milestones matter because they translate into measurable impact. Together, you helped 67,850 neighbors, including more than 1,000 households remaining stably housed, 500 under- or unemployed individuals securing new or better employment and more than 1,000 students improving academically.

Our Annual Report celebrates how we came together in 2025 to support your neighbors – and showcases just how much change we can make when we come together and take action.

View the Report

Thank you for helping build a Dane County where all can thrive.

The Power of Caring. Working for All.

August 21, 2026: United Way of Dane County sets $19 million fundraising goal

Posted on by Adam Mumm

United Way of Dane County sets $19 million fundraising goal

 

During its annual Day of Caring Thursday, United Way of Dane County announced a fundraising goal of $19 million for its 2026 Community Campaign.

UWDC said in a press release the goal was set by analyzing community data, understanding its greatest needs, and recent conversations with hundreds of business and community leaders.

The annual Day of Caring, which attracted over 900 volunteers, is considered the kickoff of the organization’s annual fundraising efforts. Jeff Tubbs, executive vice president at Findorff, is serving as the United Way 2026 campaign chair.

August 21, 2026: Photos: United Way of Dane County’s Day of Caring

Posted on by Adam Mumm

Photos: United Way of Dane County’s Day of Caring

 

At an event drawing hundreds of volunteers, participants work to assemble thousands of packaged essential care items for families served by local non-profit social outreach organizations during United Way’s of Dane County’s “Day of Caring” event at Madison Marriott West in Middleton, Wis. Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026. The gathering also offered opportunities for those attending to learn about challenges in our community and the work being done to address them.

August 21, 2026: United Way of Dane County Launches 2026 Community Campaign

Posted on by Adam Mumm

United Way of Dane County Launches 2026 Community Campaign

Link to PDF Here

MADISON, Wis. (August 21, 2026) — On August 20, United Way of Dane County brought together hundreds of volunteers and officially launched the 2026 Community Campaign with Day of Caring – a powerful day of volunteerism at Madison Marriott West.

Over 900 volunteers united for an afternoon of family- and team-friendly volunteering activities, learning more about our community’s needs and work to make a difference. Volunteers wrote notes of encouragement for local seniors and packed more than 21,000 ImPacks – essential care kits that directly support nonprofit partners with the most-requested essentials in our community, generating more than $66,000 in economic impact. ImPacks were distributed to United Way nonprofit partners including Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin, Porchlight, Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin and WayForward Resources. Through this volunteer mobilization and nonprofit partnerships, United Way is able to provide local families with the resources they need now; the campaign generates funds for programs leading to healthy, thriving lives and building well-being across Dane County.

“Day of Caring connects hundreds of volunteers and shows what our combined impact makes possible,” Jeff Tubbs, Executive Vice President at Findorff and United Way 2026 Campaign Chair said. “It’s so energizing to see so many people and organizations from across Dane County show up for our community, and I can’t wait to carry this energy forward and see what we make possible with this year’s campaign.”

During the event, United Way announced the 2026 fundraising goal of $19 million. The goal was built by analyzing community data, understanding the community’s greatest needs and effective responses and leading conversations with hundreds of business and community leaders about how they want to support a coordinated approach to solving community problems.

“What makes Day of Caring so inspiring is that you can see the impact taking shape in real time. Every ImPack created and every hour volunteered represents support for a neighbor who needs it. Today shows that when Dane County comes together, we don’t just talk about helping our community, we roll up our sleeves and make it happen,” Renee Moe, President & CEO of United Way of Dane County said. “As we carry this excitement forward, we’re grateful to Dan and Patti Rashke and their Dan & Patti Rashke (TASC) Family Foundation, whose generous donation ensures 100% of individual, undesignated giving to our Plan for Community Well-Being — a plan built with our community, for our community to address its greatest needs — goes directly to impact.”

Day of Caring is presented by Summit Credit Union with generous support from:

  • Event sponsors: American Family Insurance, Hiebing, Madison Marriott West, Serve Wisconsin and UW Credit Union
  • Partner sponsors: ATC, Cummins and Findorff
  • ImPack Sponsors: Thompson Investment Management and NGL
  • Media partner: WKOW
  • In-kind sponsors: EZ Office Products and Miron Construction
  • Donation drive hosts: HDR, SSM Health and Summit Credit Union
  • Campaign Partner Sponsor: Dan and Patti Rashke and their Dan & Patti Rashke (TASC) Family Foundation.

For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact Adam Mumm, Director of Communications for United Way of Dane County at adam.mumm@uwdc.org or (608) 416-0401.

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About United Way of Dane County:
United Way of Dane County mobilizes the caring power of our community so all can thrive. From advancing health and education to strengthening livelihoods and local resilience, we connect people to possibility. With a mission to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives, we work collaboratively with local nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, donors and volunteers to multiply impact and solve big-picture issues no one person or organization can address alone. United Way holds ourselves and our partners accountable for effective use of resources and measurable results. Together, we are The Power of Caring. Working for All.

Visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org to learn more.

Campaign Partner Sponsor:
A donation from longtime supporters Dan and Patti Rashke and their Dan & Patti Rashke (TASC) Family Foundation acts as a powerful catalyst – amplifying the impact of donors’ generosity. Every penny of individual and undesignated gifts goes directly toward resolving the greatest needs in our community – a rare and remarkable advantage that few organizations can offer. Together, we are The Power of Caring. Working for All.

August 20, 2026: United Way hosts “Day of Caring” to address affordable housing and other community issues

Posted on by Adam Mumm

United Way hosts “Day of Caring” to address affordable housing and other community issues

 

MIDDLETON, Wis. (WKOW) — Volunteers and community members joined for the United Way of Dane County “Day of Caring” Thursday, which kicks off the start of the 2026 campaign season.

People put together thousands of “ImPacks,” or essential care kits for local families.

August 20, 2026: Record volunteer turnout for United Way’s Day of Caring

Posted on by Adam Mumm

Record volunteer turnout for United Way’s Day of Caring

 

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – A record number of volunteers turned out in Dane County Thursday for United Way’s annual “Day of Caring.”

United Way said 1,100 people showed up for the event.

Volunteers spent the afternoon at the Madison Marriott West packing thousands of care kits for local families in need.

The kits, called “ImPACKs,” are filled with paper products, menstrual hygiene items and healthy snacks.

August 20, 2026: United Way deserves your support today | Our view

Posted on by Adam Mumm

United Way deserves your support today | Our view

 

  • By Wisconsin State Journal Editorial Board

United Way of Dane County helped 1,081 students improve at school last year.

It helped 1,259 families find or keep stable housing.

The more than century-old nonprofit subsidized insurance premiums so 454 individuals had healthcare coverage.

Overall, the agency counts 67,850 people touched in significant ways by its work during 2025. This included job seekers, parents struggling to find childcare, older adults who need food and released prisoners looking for fresh starts in society.

That’s a lot of impact — with more to come this year and next.

Struggle Is Closer Than You Think

Posted on by Adam Mumm

Struggle is Closer Than You Think. With Your Help, Support Can be Too.

In Dane County, struggle doesn’t always look the way you’d expect. It’s a teenager quietly coping. An older adult looking for resources. A family falling further behind. Struggle isn’t always visible, but it’s here. And so is the work to address it.

That is why we are asking you to participate in the 2026 United Way of Dane County Community Campaign. With your support, we:

  • Respond to urgent local needs with agility and care
  • Invest in education, health, housing and financial stability
  • Strengthen families and neighborhoods

Together, we’re building a Dane County where everyone can thrive.

Join the community of people creating change. Donate today to ensure 100% of your undesignated individual gift goes directly to

the greatest needs in our community. You’re not just giving. You’re changing lives.

Together, we are The Power of Caring. Working for All.

Give Today!
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