Author: Brian Buckner

February 9, 2026: UNITED WAY OF DANE COUNTY ANNOUNCES LINE UP FOR 25th ANNUAL BLUEGRASS BENEFIT CONCERT

Posted on by Brian Buckner

United Way of Dane County Announces Line-up for 25th Annual Bluegrass Benefit Concert

Download PDF here

Madison, WI (February 9, 2026) – Bluegrass enthusiasts will celebrate community with live, local music on Sunday, February 15, 2026 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the 25th Annual United Way Bluegrass Benefit at the Barrymore Theatre. The show features bands of the Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass Music Association, Inc. with support by Sugar Maple Music Festival, WORT-89.9 FM and Isthmus. Audrey Martinovich and Stephanie Benicek of Audio for the Arts provide sound and recording services.

“Whenever you meet a friend, or help a neighbor, or assist a stranger…you build a better community. Community and family well-being are what United Way is all about,” explains Dave Kinney, an Oscar Mayer retiree and bluegrass fan who founded the annual benefit concert with musician Bob Batyko. Kinney was a United Way Loaned Executive for 12 community fundraising campaigns and remains a dedicated donor and volunteer. Batyko is liaison to the bands and will again play with two acts at this year’s show.

The annual event began as a family-friendly, neighborly and inexpensive activity and has continued to offer bluegrass fans, families and United Way advocates that opportunity. Tickets are available at the door on the day of the show. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-12 and a maximum of $20 per family. Kids under age 5 are admitted for free.

The musical groups donating their talents on February 15 include:
1:00 pm Cork ‘n Bottle String Band
2:00 pm SpareTime Bluegrass Band
2:45 pm David Landau, “The King of Kids Music”
3:15 pm They Talk TOO Much with the Silent Partners
4:00 pm Soggy Prairie

For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact Adrienne Kramer, Program Manager, Communications and Digital Media, United Way of Dane County at Adrienne.kramer@uwdc.org or (608) 504-6137. On-site, day of interview requests, please contact Kristi Shepard, Supervisory Director, Foundation & Gift Planning, United Way of Dane County at (608) 630-7815

# # #

About United Way of Dane County:

United Way of Dane County mobilizes the caring power of our community to close gaps and open opportunities so all can thrive. From advancing health and education to strengthening livelihoods and local resilience, we connect people to possibility. With a mission to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives, we work collaboratively with local nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, donors and volunteers to multiply impact and solve big-picture issues no one person or organization can address alone. Together, we are The Power of Caring. Working for All. Visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org to learn more.

 

Building Stronger Communities One Connection at a Time

Posted on by Brian Buckner

Building Stronger Communities One Connection at a Time

Corbin McGuire’s commitment to community started years ago during his time in Milwaukee when he was introduced to United Way through a workplace campaign. What began as a simple contribution soon grew into a deeper connection as he saw the clear impact United Way was making. When Corbin moved into his current role as an Analyst at Walleye Partners in Dane County, keeping that partnership going was an easy choice. He believes strongly in United Way’s strategic approach and its ability to address the most pressing needs wherever you call home.

One of Corbin’s biggest passions is housing stability. Having lived in several different areas, he has seen how a lack of safe and affordable housing sets off a chain reaction that affects nearly every part of a person’s life. To Corbin, a stable home is the foundation that allows people and families to thrive.

Corbin sees his role in Dane County as one of connection and advocacy. With experience supporting United Way in multiple cities, he knows firsthand how coordinated giving can drive meaningful systemic change. He aims to use his voice and professional network to bring more people and more resources into the effort

Volunteering has also shaped who Corbin is today. Instead of focusing on problems, he focuses on people. Listening to the community has pushed him to challenge assumptions and approach his work with greater empathy and curiosity. It’s helped him grow as both a leader and a community member.

For Corbin, philanthropic leadership means moving beyond writing a check. It’s about active investment through mentorship, advocacy and partnership. It’s about showing up in a way that encourages others to do the same.

He joined Lead United because he’s ready to take that next step. After years of receiving opportunities from the Madison and Dane County community, Corbin wants to deepen his commitment and contribute to the place he has always considered home.

Corbin first came to Dane County as a UW–Madison student, spending four years on campus as a member of the UW Men’s Ice Hockey team where he learned the value of resilience and teamwork. Today he continues to pay that forward by coaching and staying involved in local youth and high school hockey. He brings that same team-first mindset to his work with Lead United.

January 26, 2026: The 2026 Best of Business Leadership Awards

Posted on by Brian Buckner

The 2026 Best of Business Leadership Awards

For 25 years, Madison Magazine has recognized extraordinary business leaders and their contributions to greater Madison’s economic vitality and nationally recognized livability. These four leaders have demonstrated their commitment to helping Madison grow and have the success stories to prove it. Join us for the 25th Anniversary Business Lunch on Friday, Feb. 27.

Renee Moe

President and CEO at United Way of Dane County

Boldness is necessary to achieve the “next thing,” says United Way president and CEO Renee Moe, who started at the nonprofit as an intern in 1998. “Especially in this day and age with so many changes, leaders are inventing the future every day,” she says. While her work involves daily problem-solving to help individuals and families move from crisis and poverty into self-sufficiency and well-being — whether they need access to housing, food, health care or employment — Moe always has a big-picture, future-focused outlook. United Way of Dane County works toward its goal of community wellbeing in strategic ways. “I get to be a part of the hard conversations that actually make lives better for people, and that is so inspiring and so motivating,” Moe says.

Her Advice: “By aligning your values and being courageous with what needs to get done, that’s when you see things really swing forward.”

January 20, 2026: Madison College opens Early Learning Campus at Goodman South to address childcare shortage

Posted on by Brian Buckner

Madison College opens Early Learning Campus at Goodman South to address childcare shortage

Madison College opened its new Early Learning Campus at its Goodman South Campus to provide childcare and train the next generation of early childhood educators.

On Jan. 15, Madison College unveiled its new Early Learning Campus in the old fire station next to its Goodman South Campus. The new building, coupled with its early childhood education program, will allow for much-needed childcare for its students while they pursue their studies. The Early Learning Campus is planned to officially open on Jan. 20, serving up to 85 children Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

“This new facility couldn’t come at a more important time for many families,” said Gov. Tony Evers. “It costs more to put two young kids in child care than it does to pay for the average rent and mortgage. And even if folks can find and afford child care, families may be waitlisted for months due to space and lack of child care options.”

The opening of the new childcare center comes at a perfect time, Gov. Evers said. He noted the increased costs many face due to federal funding cuts in health care that already leave many in dire financial straits.

“That is no joke, folks. Our workforce [and] our economy cannot afford more parents leaving their jobs because they can’t find care,” Gov. Evers said. “The Early Learning Campus is filling a critical childcare gap here in Madison and connecting the dots for families that have local and high-quality care they deserve.”

January 8, 2026: Patti Rashke: Investing in the Community

Posted on by Brian Buckner

Patti Rashke: Investing in the Community

  • By Katie Vaughn

For the past 30 years, hard work and caring for others have been cornerstones for Patti Rashke and her husband, Dan. As they achieved great success in their business, Total Administrative Services Corp, or TASC, where Dan served as CEO, they also noticed growing disparities in the Madison area. The couple have responded with an innovative way to help.

In August, the Dan & Patti Rashke (TASC) Family Foundation committed to funding the administrative costs associated with all individual, undesignated donations made to United Way of Dane County over the next 10 years. Covering these costs — which are estimated to run $10-$15 million — means that donors’ gifts will go directly to resolving the community’s most urgent needs, amplifying their impact.

“For some people, the thought of [part of their donation going toward] overhead might be a barrier to giving,” says Rashke, who is president of the family foundation. “We truly want to inspire giving and catalyze younger people to give.”

And they’re not stopping here. This summer, the Rashkes plan to hit the road, traveling the state to visit other United Way sites and nonprofits to share their unique model for giving.

“It is our hypothesis that there are corporations or philanthropists in each community that could replicate this type of gift to support a nonprofit organization,” she says. “We can share the blueprint, enabling them to follow the construct without having to build it.”

It all comes down to everyone doing what they can to help others, Rashke says. She remains inspired by the generosity of the Madison community and hopes her efforts can serve as a reminder that individuals supporting one another benefits the whole.

“When we all do better, we all do better,” she says.

January 7, 2026: Honoring business excellence

Posted on by Brian Buckner

Honoring business excellence

  • Joe Vanden Plas, Senior Writer

In Business Madison celebrated standout organizations and top executives in Wisconsin’s Capital Region during IB’s third annual Business of the Year Awards program, held amid a festive holiday atmosphere on Dec. 11 at the Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center in Madison.

The event attracted a sold out crowd of 350 people, including business and nonprofit leaders and community members.

Nominations for the awards were submitted to In Business Madison, which chose finalists in each category. Organizations nominated were headquartered in Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Rock or Sauk counties.

A panel of three outside judges evaluated each of the finalists, then met virtually to compare scores and determine category winners. Each finalist was rated based on qualities including experience, service/product, accomplishments and charitable initiatives.

The six award categories included Executive of the Year; Small Business of the Year (1-50 employees); Medium Business of the Year (51-100 employees); Large Business of the Year (101+ employees); Family Business of the Year and Nonprofit Charitable Organization of the Year.

Thank You to Our Campaign Volunteers!

Posted on by Brian Buckner

Thank You to Our Campaign Volunteers!

The success of our Community Campaign would not be possible without a tremendous team of volunteers and leaders working behind the scenes. They are the bridge between workplaces and United Way’s mission.

The 2025 Campaign Cabinet, led by Kim Sponem, Summit Credit Union, provided inspiring leadership, creativity and commitment. Our more than 950 Employee Campaign Managers are true heroes, encouraging others and coordinating to keep workplace campaigns running strong. Council Members and Ambassadors for United Way’s donor networks (Tocqueville Society, Lead United, Women United and LINC for young professionals) are providing opportunities for people to lead in their careers and through their philanthropy.

And our Loaned Executives and the companies who loan and sponsor them multiply the impact of every workplace campaign.

Thank you all for lending your time and talent!

See the List of Campaign Awards & Volunteers

Celebrating Your Generosity

Posted on by Brian Buckner

Celebrating Your Generosity

On November 19, we were excited to host Community Celebration and welcome more than 500 community members to Monona Terrace. We celebrated our community’s generosity, giving thanks to our hundreds of partners for making real, measurable change possible in Dane County.

Thanks to you and more than 13,000 individuals and nearly 500 businesses in Dane County, we are on track to raise $17.5 million during our 2025 Community Campaign!

At United Way of Dane County, we mobilize the caring power of our community so all can thrive. We know there are a lot of great services and programs in our community, but we’re better together!

Thank you to our network of dedicated nonprofit partners who are doing incredible work every day to help our neighbors lead healthy, thriving and secure lives.

Thank you to those of you who make it a priority to give back outside of your workplace campaigns – whether that be through time or dollars.

Thank you to the campaign volunteers who mobilize the caring power of our community. 

Thank you to the business leaders who step up and encourage their employees to get involved – and to those employees who step up to meet the challenge. 

And, Thank you to our community leaders, families and those with poverty-related lived experiences for helping to increase understanding of community issues and inform solutions. Together, we are The Power of Caring. Working for All.

See Photos from Community Celebration

A Holiday Message of Gratitude, Community and Hope

Posted on by Brian Buckner

A Holiday Message of Gratitude, Community and Hope

As the holiday season arrives, I’m reminded of what makes Dane County so special – the people who choose, every day, to care for one another. Whether you volunteer, donate, advocate, lead, or partner with us, you are a part of a community that believes in lifting each other up — and that is something worth celebrating.

This year brought both progress and challenges for local families. Many continue to balance rising costs, changing services and the stress of meeting basic needs. Our nonprofit partners are working to support them, stretching resources and adapting to greater demand.

Through it all, one thing remained constant – your generosity and commitment.

Because of you, 82,329 neighbors received the support they needed. Children are starting strong, in school and life, families are gaining the stability they need to thrive and individuals are creating pathways to long-term well-being. You are the reason individuals and families find hope, safety and thrive.

The holidays invite us to reflect, but they also inspire hope for the year ahead. As we look toward the new year, I’m inspired by the strength, collaboration and compassion I see throughout Dane County. Together, we will continue working toward a future where every person in our community has the opportunity to thrive.

Thank you for being part of this mission, for believing in the power of community and for sharing your light during this season and throughout the year. Wishing you and your loved ones joy and peace this holiday season.

 Renee Moe

President & CEO United Way of Dane County

United Way of Dane County Statement on the Abundant Life Christian School (ALCS) Emergency and Recovery Fund

Posted on by Brian Buckner

UNITED WAY OF DANE COUNTY STATEMENT ON THE ABUNDANT LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (ALCS) EMERGENCY AND RECOVERY FUND

As we approach the one-year mark of the December 16, 2024 tragedy at Abundant Life Christian School (ALCS), we hold the ALCS community in our hearts and reflect on the extraordinary compassion shown during one of its darkest moments. United Way of Dane County was honored to partner with the City of Madison and ALCS leadership to establish and administer the Abundant Life Christian School Emergency and Recovery Fund (ALCS Emergency and Recovery Fund). 

Thanks to the generosity of 1,836 donors, the fund raised $621,570.26, with 100% of contributions distributed to Abundant Life Christian School to support the three critical priorities as identified by ALCS: assisting families who lost loved ones, covering medical expenses for those injured and providing mental health resources for the entire school community. Funds raised through the ALCS Emergency and Recovery Fund were requested by the ALCS Leadership Team and distributed in February, March and August. Additional funds received after the final distribution were also sent in October. 

This unified response reflects the deep caring within our community and United Way’s commitment to coordinating resources during times of crisis. We remain profoundly grateful to every donor and partner who helped ensure timely, effective support.    

As the day approaches, our thoughts remain with the Abundant Life Christian School community as they continue their healing journey. We respect their privacy during this difficult time, encourage patience and understanding and defer to the school for any questions specific to their ongoing needs and recovery.  

What is the Abundant Life Christian School Emergency and Recovery Fund (ALCS Emergency and Recovery Fund)?  

The Abundant Life Christian School Emergency and Recovery Fund (ALCS Emergency and Recovery Fund) was created in partnership between United Way of Dane County, the City of Madison and Abundant Life Christian School (ALCS) as the official emergency response fund to provide trusted, coordinated support following the December 16, 2024 tragedy. 

How much was raised?  

The fund raised $621,570.26 from 1,836 donors, reflecting tremendous community generosity. 

How were donations used? 
At the direction of Abundant Life Christian School, 100% of contributions supported three critical priorities as identified by Abundant Life Christian School:  

  1. assisting families who lost loved ones 
  2. covering medical expenses for those injured and  
  3. providing mental health resources for the entire school community. 

When were funds distributed? 
United Way distributed funds raised through the ALCS Emergency and Recovery Fund were requested by the ALCS Leadership Team and distributed in February, March and August. Additional funds received after the final distribution were also sent in October. 

Did United Way keep any portion for administrative costs? 
No. Every dollar donated was distributed directly to Abundant Life Christian School. 

Are additional distributions planned? 
There are no additional fund distributions planned because all funds raised have been distributed. 

Who should the media contact with questions about Abundant Life Christian School ongoing recovery? 
We respectfully defer to Abundant Life Christian School for any questions related to their recovery, operations, or student and family support. 

How can the community continue supporting Abundant Life Christian School? 
We encourage the community to follow guidance directly from Abundant Life Christian School, respect the privacy of affected families and continue extending compassion as healing continues.