Greater Mankato Area United Way: Improving Lives
August 15, 2013
The mission of Greater Mankato Area United Way (GMAUW) is to “unite the community to secure and invest resources to improve people’s lives.” According to the organization’s website, one out of every three area residents is served by a GMAUW-funded program. GMAUW also supports over 40 local nonprofits and more than 60 partner programs. Abdo, Eick & Meyers has been involved with GMAUW for more than 20 years.
Abdo, Eick & Meyers has traditionally supported GMAUW through employee pledges and firm contributions. Nearly eight years ago, Business Partner Chris Powers took the firm’s involvement to the next level.
After her brother received help from the local American Red Cross, which is funded in part by the United Way, Chris realized the significance of GMAUW to the community. She was eager to get involved. So when GMAUW called Abdo, Eick & Meyers and requested a CPA to sit on its board, Chris jumped at the opportunity.
A month later, she found herself filling the role of Board Treasurer and Finance Chair. In 2011, she stepped up to the Board Chair position. She has also served on the Human Resources Committee as well as the Women with Heart Committee. She recently volunteered to serve as the 2013 Women with Heart Committee Chair and continues to be active on the Finance Committee.
To honor her contributions, GMAUW presented Chris with the United Way Volunteer of the Year Award in February of 2013. “I was so honored,” says Chris. “I love what I do and am thankful to have shared my passion with GMAUW and its staff.”
In addition to her board service, Chris has spearheaded the firm’s annual participation in United Way’s Day in Action, which connects volunteer teams to projects over the course of a week. Since 2010, the firm has allowed—and encouraged—staff to volunteer their time to various causes such as Habitat for Humanity and VINE Faith in Action.
“Not only are we giving back to the community,” says Chris of the firm’s participation in Day in Action, “but we’re learning more about each other and building our team. It’s a valuable experience.”