Renata McLeod puts the 'fun' in fundraising for United Way

The City of Coeur d'Alene has been known for its team efforts toward many projects, and they know how to play hardball. But when it comes to United Way and their employee giving campaign, the city's staff is all about "fun" raising and goofy games.

Renata McLeod has been organizing these employee activities for 14 years. As a previous United Way board member, she knows the United Way campaign can be energizing and bring people together under a common cause. The more you educate people about United Way and have fun doing it, the more success you are likely to have. Over time, it became necessary to revitalize the city's Employee Giving Campaign. McLeod put together an all-star team to make this happen: Kim Harrington, Assistant Project Manager; Troy Tymesen, Interim City Administrator; Steve Anthony, Recreation Director; Adam Rouse, Recreation Leader; and Pat Ball, Lead Utility Billing Specialist.

"Our committee sets up opportunities to give that are fun and build goodwill with our fellow employees and the community, as well as coordinate our payroll deduction campaign," states McLeod. "I'm not sure exactly about the number of hours we spend; however, we plan, coordinate and participate in fundraising events that benefit United Way year-round, to include the Annual Goofy Golf Tournament at the Ponderosa Golf Course (10th year this year), a bowling tournament (year 2), and first year of a 3 on 3 basketball tournament!"

"Renata is a former United Way Board member and simply an awesome community-minded person," says Troy Tymesen, Co-committee member and Interim City Administrator. The committee is a great group of people to be around. We have fun and raise money. These events bring our coworkers together providing for more of a friendship atmosphere."

"As a city entity," shares McLeod, "It is nice to be able to give back knowing the funds stay local. Our culture for giving is really to have fun with it and make it easy on the employees to do so. The giving experience just adds to the quality of life we have here at the City."

Renata McLeod served on the United Way Board from 2005-2011, which is the maximum term limit. She has participated in the Day of Caring since its inception six years ago. She currently serves as city clerk for the city of Coeur d'Alene and has worked for the city for 25 years. She is married to Bill and has a wonderful 2 1/2-year-old daughter, who keeps her very busy.

Volunteer Opportunity: Fernan Family Carnival

The Fernan Family Carnival is on May 30, from 5-8 p.m. This event is open to the public and promises to be widely attended. The Fernan Elementary PTA is looking for some community volunteers to help out and support the parent/teacher staff for a fun-filled family event. Opportunities include popcorn and cotton candy vendors, dunk tank attendant, bouncy house attendants, doughnut walk and pie eating contest support, silent auction/raffle attendants, and carnival game attendants. All volunteers must register through the United Way Volunteer Center and be approved through the Fernan PTA.

For details about these opportunities and other volunteer opportunities in the community, please visit www.kootenaiunitedway.org, click on the "VOLUNTEER" link to GET CONNECTED to our Volunteer Center, or contact Jeanette Laster at United Way of Kootenai County, (208) 667-8112, Ext. 101.