Greater Mankato Area United Way has been making a difference in providing basic needs, health, and education to over 65,000 local residents of Blue Earth, Le Sueur, Nicollet, and Waseca Counties.
One of the ways that this is possible is by donations and contributions. Scoops Ice Cream of Elysian has been a major contributor for the past few years, and this Saturday, August 17, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., they hosted their annual “Scoops For A Cause” event. For every sale, a portion went to Greater Mankato Area United Way.
The event also featured a lineup of musicians throughout the day, starting with Tyler Herwig from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Alyssa Surrett taking over from 1-1:30 p.m., and Stacy K and Ben Scruggs from 1:30-2:45 p.m. After a break, Stacy K played solo from 3-3:30 p.m. Music resumed with The Rise of the Clockwork ROTC from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. The musical entertainment ended with pianist Bella Baker performing from 5:15-6 p.m. and the Mary Guentzel Jazz Quintet playing from 6:30-9 p.m.
The initiative started when husband and wife duo Joe and Nancy Meixl bought Scoops as a way to settle down into retirement. Joe Meixl served as the administrator for the Mankato School District (ISD 77) for 28 years and decided to settle down. Not only are they making an impact in Elysian, but they continue to support United Way.
Joe Meixl was very outspoken in his support for United Way. “This model is foundational for community success,” he said. “It’s great.” That model includes community vetting of all programs receiving funding each year.
“Scoops for a Cause” serves as a kickoff of fundraiser events within Le Sueur County, according to Greater Mankato Area United Way CEO Barb Kaus.
Nancy had additional praise for United Way. “It’s seamless. They’re a great organization with great leadership, with Barb heading the group. They have so many great connections. They support the whole area, and they support many different programs. We’re happy to support them; they always bring many volunteers here.”
United Way supports 65 programs and initiatives as well as 44 agencies within its four-county area, a significant increase from last year. This includes collaborating with South Central Service Cooperative to have a Youth Mental Health Navigator for all school districts within the four-county region, including JWP, St. Clair, WEM, Waseca, and NRHEG. Other programs and initiatives they support include substance use disorder advocacy, sex trafficking prevention, suicide prevention, and literacy outreach and initiatives, to name a few.
“Scoops for a Cause” brought Elysian residents and visitors of Scoops together by funding programs that make a difference in people’s lives, often helping them and even saving them in their time of need. Who wouldn’t want to support a nonprofit that helps improve lives in our local area, all while enjoying a nice heap of cookies and cream ice cream and some entertainment from local musicians?
