“I’m so proud of Grand Rapids in being a progressive community – willing to have a conversation like this” said Peter Birkey, Board Vice President, United Way of 1000 Lakes and event moderator for a special forum on inequities in education, employment and health at the Timberlake Lodge Hotel.

A live stream of the “Cultivating Conditions for Change: A Forum on Race & Equity,” hosted by the Greater Twin Cities United Way in Minneapolis, kicked off the morning. In his opening remarks, emcee Reg Chapman of WCCO-TV called out to those participating in the forum in Grand Rapids.

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Local restaurants have teamed up with United Way to improve lives and strengthen our community.  Visit one of the participating Dining United restaurants for breakfast, lunch or dinner to support United Way. These restaurants have pledged to donate a portion of their proceeds toward the United Way‘s community campaign. 
In 2015, United Way of 1000 Lakes is investing in more than 30 programs and services across 24 agency partners. These programs and services impacted more than a dozen communities and touch the lives of one-in-three people in the Itasca area.

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If you like to cook or have every flipped a pancake, United Way of 1000 Lakes challenges you to a friendly competition with other individuals and businesses at their Third Annual Pancake Cook-off and Relay Race to benefit United Way of 1000 Lakes.

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United Way’s annual campaign traditionally starts with a kick-off event, and this year marks the third annual Pancake Breakfast on the grounds of Old Central School in Grand Rapids. The celebration has expanded to include lots of Lumberjack fun for all ages, including some fun food-related competitions, too. 
  
Nearly a dozen teams are expected to register for the third annual pancake cook-off and relay races on Saturday, Sept. 12. There is no fee to participate and all ages and abilities are welcome. Get your friends and co-workers together and compete for one or both of the pancake titles.

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United Way of 1000 Lakes is holding its annual Personal Care Drive to collect essential toiletries and other small items to help disconnected youth, victims of violence, seniors and the homeless meet their basic needs, including hygiene items.
 
The drive is held in conjunction with United Way’s 3rd annual Day of Action on June 19 -- a day-long event where people throughout the area complete dozens of community service projects and activities at various locations. Projects are designed to match a wide variety of skill levels and interests. Tasks range from landscaping and outdoor beautification projects to interior painting and general clean-up. 

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On Friday, June 19th, approximately 150 volunteers will spend their day completing a variety of service projects as part of United Way of 1000 Lakes’ third annual Day of Action.

Held each June, United Way’s Day of Action is a massive, coordinated event where people throughout the area complete dozens of community service projects and activities in just one day. Volunteer projects are designed to match a wide variety of skill levels and interests. Projects range from landscaping and outdoor beautification projects to interior painting and general clean-up. 

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