The United Way of Marquette County launched its annual campaign Sunday, Sept. 27, with a $350,000 fundraising goal. The inaugural Steins for Good event at Ore Dock Brewing Company in Marquette kicked off the drive.
The Oktoberfest-style fundraiser drew community members to the brewery for live music from The Knockabouts, a stein-holding contest, a frozen shirt contest, a pretzel eating contest, costume judging and locally brewed beer, according to WZMQ 19 News. Doors opened at 1 p.m., and the event was free to attend.
Executive Director Andrew Rickauer told WLUC TV6 that all campaign funds go to supporting ALICE families. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, meaning households that earn above the federal poverty level but cannot afford basic needs where they live.
The 2026 United for ALICE report found that 43 percent of households in Marquette County struggled to meet basic needs financially in 2024. Seventeen percent lived in poverty, above the state average of 13 percent. Rickauer cited inflation and housing costs as the two major factors driving that increase when the report was released in June.
"Twenty-six partner agencies we work with cover really all basic needs; youth programs, senior programs, food and housing," Rickauer said at the event, as reported by WLUC TV6. "Really, the broad spectrum of what keep the community strong."
Those agencies include the Janzen House and the Women's Center, according to WLUC's pre-event coverage. The campaign also funds the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free tax preparation, and a food insecurity program, Rickauer told MyUPNow in August.
Rickauer told WZMQ on Sept. 27 that the organization hopes to make Steins for Good an annual fall tradition. He told WLUC TV6 days earlier that it's United Way's largest fundraiser.
The United Way of Marquette County's website states its partner agencies helped more than 16,000 people last year. The annual campaign remains open, and residents can contribute at uwmqt.org/donate.
