This year’s event will be on paved surfaces and avoid traffic
By Heather Ruenz
Staff Writer
The United Way of Walworth County is gearing up for its 10th Annual Run United 5K and 1-mile walk/run on Saturday, June 22.
The event was moved to a week later and there’s been a change in the location for the event that in the past has been at Babe Mann Park.
“We’re going to do it at Elkhorn Area High School and the Walworth County Fairgrounds, which will allow all of it to be on paved surfaces and participants will never have to cross a road,” Dan Nordsieck, executive director, said.
There will be some vendors at the event including a playhouse that is a build project between Wausau Homes team and an Elkhorn Area Middle School class.
“It will be on a trailer at the 5K for people to see it,” Nordsieck said.
He said the event will offer people the opportunity to “come out, have fun and support our causes” and special guests will include the local American Legion color guard.
“We also plan to incorporate a lap around the track as part of the kids’ event, which should make it fun for them,” Nordsieck said.
On race day registration will open at 7:15 a.m. The 5K will kick off at 8:15 a.m. and the kids 1-mile race at 8:30 a.m. Both events will start and finish at the EAHS Agility Center, 482 E. Geneva St. The agility center is near the tennis courts.
Pre-registration is $25 per participant for the 5K and $10 for kids 14-17 or $30 and $15, respectively, for those registering on-site the day of the event. The cost for kids younger than 14 for the 1-mile fun run is $5.
To register, visit uw-wc.org, click on events and then the 10th Annual Run. Once on that page click “Register.”
For more information about the event to become a sponsor call 262-374-4474.
Always reaching out
Nordsieck, who is approaching his first year as director, said it took some time to feel comfortable in the position.
“The first few months were a bit like drinking water out of a fire hose,” he said with a laugh. “ But people have been very kind, patient and helpful, which I’m grateful for.”
He said United Way has a lot of supporters but it’s been a goal of his since he was hired last July to connect with even more people.
“If 40 percent of people are struggling and another 40 percent are very generous, the other 20 percent is who we’re trying to reach. We want to find a way to get more people involved,” Nordsieck said.
He said United Way officially meets with the agencies it supports once a year but he’s been making a point of checking in at least once a year with each of them to get an update and see if anything has changed.
“Our donors need to know that their money is going where we say it is… and it is but it’s still important to have that accountability,” Nordsieck said.
Another new idea Nordsieck has is to launch an “I Pledge” campaign, allowing smaller businesses to offer their support in a way that’s affordable for them.
“So the business owner can say, for every new client or pedicure or whatever, I’ll donate this much. It’s a way for those wanting to help to start small,” he said, adding that he’d also like to see more workplace campaigns, which allow employees to donate a percentage of their income.
“A lot of people think if they can’t donate a lot, they can’t be part of it but that’s just not the case,” Nordsieck said. “And it’s good to be involved with good people.”
For more information about United Way of Walworth County, including its partner agencies, how companies can get involved and volunteer opportunities, visit uw-wc.org or call Dan Nordsieck at 262-374-4474.
