Becky Nelson has volunteered to chair United Way of Cascade County’s 2020 fall fundraising campaign. This campaign marks the organization’s 51st year as a local nonprofit.
United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of everyone in Cascade County. Through its annual campaign, United Way awarded grants to 33 local nonprofit programs that will help more than 23,000 local people in the coming year.
In addition to working as the Community Relations Coordinator for the Great Falls Public Schools, Nelson volunteers in many different capacities throughout the Electric City.
She co-chaired the Russell Museum Auction, served on the Rescue Mission capital campaign committee, chaired the Special Olympics State Games Closing Ceremony Committee and recently received the “Friends of Montana FFA Award” after serving on the state FFA Foundation Board. She is currently serving on the River’s Edge Trail Foundation Board of Directors, coordinates the annual Trails’ Luminaria Walk, and serves on the Great Falls Development Authority Investment Committee, the Montana Beef Council, the Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Alliance for Youth.
“I’m passionate about United Way’s mission and look forward to working with the incredible leaders who volunteer their time to lead this organization,” Nelson said. “I will leverage my previous experience in fundraising to continue to build our community.”
United Way President Gary Owen said Nelson brings energy to the campaign and never hesitates to recruit more volunteers. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the demands on community services have grown. Nelson’s strong leadership and dedication to the community is especially critical to the United Way campaign.
“We are organizing our campaign this year during unprecedented circumstances,” Owen said. “A successful campaign requires extraordinary efforts and leadership from our board, campaign volunteers and our professional staff. We are so fortunate and excited to have Becky Nelson step up to lead our campaign efforts this year. She brings credibility, passion and sheer determination that will prove invaluable.”
United Way’s annual campaign connects with area employers to donate individually and on behalf of their businesses. A majority of these 3,000 donors gave less than $100 each, donating only a few dollars from each paycheck.
Last year, United Way broke a campaign record raising $1.1 million to invest in local nonprofits and community impact initiatives.
Owen noted that because of COVID-19 many nonprofits applying for United Way grants this year had increased demands for services, including Meals on Wheels, St. Vincent de Paul’s food pantry or Opportunity Inc.’s rental assistance program.
“The impacts of COVID 19 and the accompanying economic shutdown have already caused extraordinary demands on services in our community,” Owen said. “The importance of this fall’s annual campaign cannot be overstated.”
For its annual campaign, United Way volunteers reach out to area employers both to invite individuals to give and donate money on behalf of their companies. In 2019, more than 3,000 people gave to United Way, most donating less than $100 by taking a few dollars out of each paycheck to help their neighbors.
People can send contributions directly to United Way at PO Box 1343, Great Falls, MT 59403 or donate online via its secure website at www.uwccmt.org.