United Way chief takes Lakewood foundation position
Heidi Funk had a stormy start as the executive director of the United Way of Crow Wing and Southern Cass Counties.
When she was interviewed for the position in June of 2001 she sat in the dark at the Brainerd senior center as a result of the power outage caused by the tornado that destroyed several homes just south of the fairgrounds.
Funk said her first task on the job was to raise money for those who lost their homes during the tornado and didn't have insurance. "We raised more than $30,000," she said.
Now, after almost a decade of raising money for various agencies and programs in the community, Funk is saying goodbye to the nonprofit organization. Her last day with the United Way will be March 19. Funk accepted a job with Lakewood Healthcare System in Staples as its foundation director.
Heidi Funk
"United Way is a wonderful organization," Funk said this week at her office in Brainerd. "I was ready for a new challenge, a change and this opportunity (with Lakewood) arrived. I want to bring my talent and skills there ... and it was an opportunity for me to serve another community. United Way doesn't reach the Staples-Motley area and as Lakewood's foundation director I will be able to serve the area.
"The United Way board has been so supportive and it will be sad to leave, but the next CEO will have a fabulous job waiting for them."
Funk said the United Way Board met this week to discuss advertising for the position. Funk said it's her hope that the board finds someone to fill the position by May 1 so the person can help the United Way's Vision Council allocate money raised in the fund drive.
Funk said she is proud of the work she's done with the United Way. She said her proudest accomplishment would be the fact that the United Way now has a year-round presence in the community, not just a presence during the fall fundraising campaign.
Funk said she knew in order for the United Way to be successful and be of value that it would have to be involved in education and wellness programs. Funk said she helped bring Dollywood Foundation's Imagination Library program to Brainerd. Currently there are 2,600 children, ages 0-5, who receive a free book each month.
Funk said the economy has challenged the United Way in its fundraising.
"The United Way receives money from people who have a job and we give it to people who don't have jobs," said Funk. "We all work hard for our money and we are thrilled with every dollar we receive."
Funk said donations have gone down. In 2008, donations were more than $400,000 and this year the United Way raised about $370,000.
Not included in the donations, Funk said Federal Emergency Management Agency funds - $26,000 in 2009 and $54,000 this year - were given to the Soup Kitchen and the food shelves in the county.
Funk said to help save money in today's economy, the United Way laid off a part-time staff person and is using the United Way of St. Cloud Central Minnesota to manage Brainerd's finances. Funk said the agreement will save the United Way $15,000.
"They're in no way or form taking our money," said Funk. "They are only going to manage our money. The money will still stay in our community."
Funk, who lives in Pequot Lakes, said her hope is that the United Way continue its mission and that the community continue to be healthy and strong.
JENNIFER STOCKINGER may be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851.