Town of Hartford, Wis. — The United Way of Washington County’s Emerging Leaders hosted its 8th annual charity golf outing at Washington County Golf Course this week and raised more than $40,000.
The event gathered more than 100 golfers, sponsors, and volunteers in support of United Way’s mission to strengthen local resilience and advance health, youth opportunity and financial security so every person in Washington County can reach their full potential.
Sarah Stadler, Co-Chair of the 2025 United Way Campaign, welcomed participants with gratitude and enthusiasm and recognized the collective effort behind the event’s continued success.
“This outing continues to be a cornerstone for our campaign,” Stadler said. “It’s amazing to see how it’s grown year after year. It truly takes a team to pull this off, and we’re so thankful to everyone who came out to support the cause.”
Kristin Brandner, CEO of United Way of Washington County, emphasized the long-term community impact of the event.
“Since launching eight years ago, this outing has raised more than $167,000 to help fund local programs. Our Emerging Leaders and supporters are making an evident difference in our community.”
This year’s golf outing also spotlighted major progress in key United Way initiatives.
“We’re thrilled to share that the Imagination Library exceeded expectations by enrolling nearly 2,000 children, five times what we originally projected,” Brandner said. “We’re investing more than $50,000 into this initiative to better prepare children for school and ensure that youth opportunity begins early—right at home with a book.”
The Emerging Leaders Launched the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program last October at Fall Fest in downtown West Bend.
Mental health remains another priority for the campaign.
“Mental health challenges are on the rise, and United Way is responding by funding new programs that provide access to care and resources,” Brandner added. “This year’s campaign features powerful stories from local residents who are benefiting directly from our work to build a healthy community.”
Out on the course, United Way-funded nonprofit partners were present to connect with golfers and raise awareness about their programs.
“It really takes a united effort among all our nonprofit partners to address the needs in our community,” said Katie Muth, Co-Chair of the Emerging Leaders Program. “Having our nonprofit partners join us here today reinforces the importance of giving local and coming together as community.”
According to Muth, this year’s outing exceeded last year’s fundraising total before it even began thanks to the early support of golfers, generous sponsorships and in-kind donations.
“That kind of momentum is a clear sign that this community believes in the work we’re doing and wants to be part of the solution,” Muth said.
For more information about Emerging Leaders or United Way of Washington County and its initiatives, visit unitedwayofwashingtoncounty.org
About United Way of Washington County
United Way of Washington County is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization that mobilizes the community to action so all can thrive. Through our annual campaign, United Way raises and invests funds in more than 20 local nonprofits to help provide resources and solutions for health and human service needs throughout Washington County — ensuring measurable, lasting impact close to home. From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, we’re working toward a future where every person can reach their full potential.