Tough times often bring out the best in people, and there is no denying we are living through arguably one of the most challenging stretches in recent history. Physically, mentally, financially, emotionally… many of us are tapped out by the pandemic and its effects. Despite the hard times we are living in, people are more generous than ever!

Perlick’s 2020 United Way Campaign

One of the ways we have seen that generosity firsthand is our 2020 United Way Campaign. Perlick is proud to be a longtime partner with United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County and we want to thank our associates for taking part in this year’s fundraising campaign. From donating items for hygiene kits, to setting up monthly monetary pledges, to taking part in virtual bingo and a growler sale to benefit the United Way, you truly showed up to support our local community.

Laurie Navarro is Director of Employee Engagement at Perlick and has spearheaded the United Way Campaign for years. Sydney Sowinski is a Loaned Executive for United Way GMWC. Both women worked tirelessly to make this year’s campaign a success, and we wanted to give them the chance to tell us a little more about it, and why corporate fundraising is so important.

Perlick has been working with the local United Way for decades. Why is this such an important cause for us?

Laurie: It is important for Perlick to give back and support the communities of southeastern Wisconsin, the communities that support us! Perlick has supported United Way for over 50 years. One of the Perlick Values is “Live the Legacy,” and part of that is to be good stewards of our business, community, and environment, and also to think about the long-term. Supporting the community will always support the long-term goals of the company.

Can you give us a brief overview of the local United Way’s overall mission, and why these corporate holiday campaigns are so important?

Sydney: United Way believes in making our four-county community stronger. By working together on critical issues, we can move forward together to ensure everyone has a safe place to live, work, and play. We know that our community’s issues are broad and vast; they are an enormous challenge for one single nonprofit to address. We also know many of these issues are interrelated issues like health concerns, educational roadblocks, and financial struggles. United Way elevates these issues and calls everyone in our four-county region to action. That is where local workplace giving campaigns come in. With the help of local corporations like Perlick and individuals, our United Way can fund more than 100 nonprofits and 200 programs to create a positive, community-wide impact.

United Way has done a great job of being easy to work with during COVID-19. Would you recommend working with the United Way to other local businesses?

Laurie: Yes, The United Way has obviously been working with companies for a long time, because it is very easy to work with them. We have our own personal contact (thanks Sydney!) who organizes our accounts and helps with setting up the drive, thinking of ideas, and wrapping up the drive. Their support is greatly appreciated.

Like Perlick, The United Way has had to pivot to do business during a pandemic. What are a few things you did differently this year?

Sydney: In the spring, United Way began to pivot and mobilize funds/resources to combat the adverse effects of COVID-19 on our agency partners and community. United Way is built to support communities during unprecedented times such as these with the help of our local corporations and the dedication of community members. We shifted our campaign to be completely virtual, engaged the community in new ways, and have been successful in doing so. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and the unwavering commitment of our local community to creating positive change.

What would you each like to say to Perlick associates who donated money and/or hygiene goods during this time?

Laurie: Thank you to all who donated to the hygiene drive for the teens of the Boys and Girls Club.  In this time of need, personal hygiene products are hard keep replenished. Any support we can give to teens is important. Sometimes people may not think about the little things like a toothbrush or new socks, but little things make a big difference.

Sydney: We would like to thank each and every one of Perlick's associates that donated to the campaign this year. Thank you to Laurie and Steph for all their hard work making this campaign successful and meaningful. Please take a look at our video thanking you all for your contributions. Thank you for Living United!