COLUMBUS AREA UNITED WAY KICKS OFF 2026 COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN AND HONORS LOCAL PACESETTER COMPANY CONTRIBUTIONS
Columbus, Nebraska – Columbus Area United Way kicked off their 2026 with a boom on September 10. Welcomed by the Columbus High School Drumline, community members gathered to celebrate our Pacesetter companies and the contributions of their employees. Pacesetter companies and their employees set the pace for the rest of the 2026 campaign and on September 10th, it was revealed that they raised 55% of our $1 million campaign goal. These companies are BD Medical, Behlen Manufacturing Co., Camaco, Cargill, Columbus Bank and Trust, Columbus Community Hospital, Columbus Public Schools, First National Bank of Omaha, Great Plains State Bank, Nebraska Public Power District, Pillen Family Farms/DNA Genetics, Pinnacle Bank, Valmont and Vishay. Drive Chair, Adam Urkoski, said, “What a great celebration to kick off our 2026 General Campaign. To see such fantastic support from so many local businesses and individuals really shows how important this campaign is for our community.”
Many of the Pacesetter companies had an increase in donations this year. Columbus Bank and Trust had an increase of 9%, Columbus Community Hospital increased donations 4% and the biggest increase this year belonged to Great Plains State Bank at 33%. Ahren Uhlig, Pacesetter Chair, said, “The campaign relies on our Pacesetter companies and their employees to kickstart our efforts. I want to applaud all our Pacesetter companies and employees and their efforts to increase the participation of their employees to help reach our goal.”
Now it is time to focus on the general campaign and raising the rest of the goal to fill the community needs of $1.4 million. There are currently 150 community volunteers reaching out to area businesses, industries, community members, and organizations to join the campaign and impact their community. These volunteers come from many different businesses and areas to join together to make a difference. These funds are used to support sixteen partner agencies and thirty programs in the areas of youth opportunity, healthy community, and financial security. The 2026 campaign ends on December 31st, 2026. Uhlig adds, “Your donation is vital in supporting the amazing organizations and programs in our community that all have the same goal, to help others be successful and feel supported. 98% of every dollar you donate to Columbus Area United Way stays local and helps continue the mission of helping others do their best and be their best.”
There are several options to give:
-Give through your employer
-Give online at www.columbusunitedway.com
-Via Venmo @ColumbusAreaUnitedWay
-Mail donation to:
Columbus Area United Way
3214 25th Street, Suite 2
Columbus, NE 68601
Urkoski adds, “Community members are truly the reason that our partner agencies are able to do what they do.” Join the campaign and help support your friends, neighbors, and others in our community.
United is the Way to a stronger community and that starts with you.
To find out more information, please visit www.columbusunitedway.com or call 402-564-5661.