Events

United Way Worldwide sponsors a number of events that are common to locations everywhere. We here in Otsego County facilitate three of these events: Stuff the School Bus, the United Way Day of Caring, and Make a Difference Day.

As summer ends and school begins, many families wonder where funds for children’s school supplies will come from. Usually in mid- to late-August, Otsego County United Way will take this need and turn it into an opportunity to serve children in our community by collecting school supplies. The distribution of these supplies will be coordinated with Gaylord, Vanderbilt, and Johannesburg public schools.

Coming in early September, Day of Caring is a one-day, hands-on experience where volunteer teams from local businesses are matched with local non-profit agencies and schools to complete meaningful projects that fulfill agency and community needs.

The United Way’s Make a Difference Day traditionally happens in late October. Often, nonprofit agencies get funds for programs, but not necessarily monies for supplies like cleaning items or office supplies. Local nonprofit agencies make a list of items their agency needs and community members then have the opportunity to meet those needs by dropping off items on a day when nonprofit agencies are on hand in our Community Room to receive them. In the past other items collected have been coats, fire alarms, baby clothes and items for our veterans. This is great opportunity for agencies to collect items from kindhearted Otsego County residents.

This 2020 will be the 15th Annual Power of the Purse. This is such a FUN event that was revamped in 2015 by Jenni Caverson adding “community male waiters” to the mix. The women LOVE bidding on these men who are waiters to the highest bidding table all evening. They also play games and have other interactions with their table through the night. This event is FULL of amazing purses, shoes and jewelry to bid at silent auction and/or live auction. Many purses are donated from local businesses and individuals and STUFFED FULL of all kinds of amazing items! This event normally is hosted in November while the guys are away deer hunting. If you want to join the committee or be a sponsor OR donate a purse, please contact us for more information!