United Way celebrates 100 years in Brown County

BROWN COUNTY – An entire century's worth of hard work and dedication put into a community is something worth celebrating, as Brown County United Way commemorated with a Centennial Gala at Lambeau Field on Saturday, Nov. 8.  

United Way is an organization and partner of Brown County that strengthens the community through a broad range of investing services for individuals, improving systems in the community, advocacies on societal policy changes, care grants, education and more. 

The celebration had a 1920s theme to revisit the time when Brown County's United Way first started out in 1925 — a reminder of how far they have come and their overall impact on the community. 

“We stand on the shoulders before us. To be a part of that history is monumental, seeing the vision put together and ensuring that all our dignitaries, previous and present, feel like we are a part of something bigger,” said Chair of United Way’s Board of Directors and Chair of the Gala Anjoli Rashid.

Rashid has been the chair for over two years now and has gained experience in several agencies of United Way for over 20 years. 

“I love what I do. Seeing the progress over these past few years I am proud to be a part of United Way and proud to be a part of Robyn's vision,” added Rashid. 

President and CEO of Brown County's United Way, Robyn Davis, reflected on her work as president for the last eight years.

“I get to oversee so many sectors over the community and different ways to help families in need,” said Davis.

Before her presidency, Davis worked for Freedom House doing emergency-based work for homeless families, in which her now presidential role has given her the opportunity to oversee and create long lasting solutions for those issues. 

Not only does United Way reflect on past accomplishments at the Gala, but also celebrates their goals and aspirations for the future. 

“I want us to last another 100 years. When we talk about our Committees thriving through food, security, shelter, it takes all of us. It's important to stay relevant with the times and needs of the community,” said Rashid. 

When asked what other goals they have for the Gala, Rashid added, “Inspiring the future generations has been an integral part of the gala as we integrate students throughout the community”. 

“We also want this to be a way to celebrate and say thank you to everyone in this room. It's all under a good cause to hope and make sure we're grounded. We want people to leave excited about our future,” noted Rashid. 

Both David and Rashid hoped that the Gala would bring people closer together with the desire to make their community stronger.