Exmark, Toro donate to Gage County United Way

BEATRICE, NEB—Exmark is making a record donation to the Gage County United Way’s 2013 annual campaign. The $66,519.49 donation is a combination of pledges by Exmark employees and a donation by Exmark and the Toro Giving Program.

According to Emily Shockley at the Gage County United Way, Exmark is a strong supporter of the United Way fundraising effort for 2013, as it has been in the past. She credits the strong team of internal supporters—Exmark program coordinators David Rayburn and Rod Benson—for their diligent work on the campaign each year.

“The support we receive from Exmark is remarkable,” she says. “Exmark and the Toro Giving Program have donated to the Gage County United Way for a number of years, with record-setting donations made for the 2012 campaign and the current 2013 campaign.”

The donation will benefit nine agencies that support the needs of people across Gage County. Agencies served include the American Red Cross, Gage County Christmas Wish List, Pioneer Foster Grandparents, Girl Scouts, Mother-to-Mother Ministry, Beatrice Youth Recreation Inc. (YRI), YMCA, Salvation Army and Boy Scouts of America.

Exmark began raising funds in August and completed fundraising efforts Oct. 31. Benson says funds were raised through a combination of employee pledges, one-time donations and special events such as meals, a computer surplus sale, a garage sale (featuring Exmark clothing and merchandise), a jeans day badge sale, and assorted raffles.

“Our values define who we are, and that includes being engaged in our local community where we work,” Benson says. “Through the Gage County United Way, our contributions impact the people who live and work in Gage County. The United Way is a great way to assist various organizations and help numerous people in our community. The vast majority of the funds stay right here in Gage County and the Gage County United Way has very low overhead expenses.”