United Way Lakes and Prairie hosted the First Annual Chili Cook-off in Perham, Minnesota at the Perham Area Community Center. Ten teams and nearly 100 attendees joined for an evening of food, fun, and community impact. Winners included Perham Health, PACC, and the Perham Chamber. Funds raised support United Way programs that strengthen youth opportunity, financial stability, healthy communities, and community resiliency across the Lakes and Prairie region.
The 26th Annual United Way Chili Cook-off served up bold flavors, creative displays, and strong community spirit. With over 250 attendees and 18 participating teams, this board game-themed fundraiser brought people together to support United Way programming focused on youth opportunity, healthy communities, financial stability, and community resiliency. See who took home the trophies and get a behind-the-scenes look at this year’s event.
Glacial Ridge Health System employees raised $14,067.60 for United Way through their 2025 workplace giving campaign, showing dedication to helping local families thrive.
Lakes and Prairie United Way serves Douglas, Otter Tail, Pope, Todd, and Wadena counties, uniting two former United Ways under one name to strengthen regional impact across west-central Minnesota.
United Way leaders advocate in D.C. for rural families, 211 services, and ALICE support ensuring community needs shape national policy decisions.
The latest ALICE data reveals that 34% of Minnesota households can't afford basic needs despite being employed. Learn more about the financial challenges facing our communities.
Stronger Together. Jen Jabas shares how two neighboring United Way are creating momentum and excitement with a merger. With a focus on expanding support across Minnesota while keeping community needs at the center of her teams mission. A key focus moving forward: ALICE—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed - a growing population of hardworking families struggling to afford basic needs.
Volunteers from Douglas Machine help hand out gifts to local families during the Holiday Gift program distribution.
Photo: Holiday Gifts pile up at the United Way Office. Attendees at the Live United Luncheon pack bags of Backpack Attack for local students. ITW supports United Way through a campaign and celebrates engagement with prize drawings.
