3 Winners Named in Heartland United Way $50k Giveaway
GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA (December 16, 2025) Donors called the Heartland United Way an “easy yes” as three of them took home a cash prize Tuesday during the first-ever $50k Giveaway.
Campaign Chairs Kent and Tonja Brown generously donated the prize money hoping to spark excitement to believe in the magic of giving. It’s the magic that comes from people in Hall, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick Counties uniting with their dollars and their time.
“We grew up here in Grand Island. We both did. So, we are part of this community. It’s part of us and that makes things like this an easy ‘yes,’” said Tonja.
Three winners benefited from that “yes.” Janis Alkire, Credit Management Services, was the $5,000 winner. Maritza Navas Salazar, Amur, took home $15,000 and Paul McKinney, Eakes Office Solutions, was the top $30,000 winner.
Those who donated at least $312, or $6 a week, could enter to win one of 25 silver bells. Those bell winners were then eligible for cash prizes.
The final bell was drawn by Brian Gallagher dressed as Santa at the Tuesday event. Tom Pirnie was selected as the first name drawn who was present.
Every year gifts like this turn into opportunities for kids, financial security for families, and healthier communities through the Heartland United Way annual campaign. Seventy-nine local businesses held workplace campaigns this year.
“We help children thrive. We help heal. We give people hope. We feed people. There are so many ways that your one gift and your one way of supporting the Heartland United Way makes a huge difference so thank you, thank you, thank you,” said Heartland United way President and CPO Karen Rathke.
“I know a lot of people personally that have been offered help by all the organizations that United [Way] helps so it’s just near and dear to my heart because I know how positively that has effected the people I know personally,” said Navas Salazar.
“The United Way does such good work in our communities. They work with so many organizations that improve the lives of families and kids and it’s just one of those things that you just can’t say, ‘no’ to,” said McKinney.
The annual campaign helps fund Heartland United Way programs as well as programs for 20 partner agencies.
“Getting to see the day to day workings of these agencies and what they can do for our communities is just it’s not only something special but it’s humbling to know the hours that they put in, the labor of love that they put in and that reached me actually a long time ago but even more so being on the board,” said Kent. “United is the way and every hour of time volunteered, every dollar donated, every voice advocating for people and families here in our community helps strengthen our community and that’s really reaches our heart.”
The Browns thanked a team that united around them to help encourage donations.
A $30,000 match from Edward Jones Grand Island & Edward Jones Aurora for those donating $500 or more for the first time or increasing their gift over $500 turned into $127,682.89.
Tom and Sue Pirnie pledged an additional $1,000 for every new Alexis de Tocqueville Society member who gives $10,000 or more to the Heartland United Way. Two new donors joined this group.
The Browns also enlisted a group of volunteers who encouraged others in their field to get involved alongside them. Tom & Sue Pirnie, Andy Marsh, Zach Butz, Todd Price, Hannah Fair, Jerad Knott, Courteney Wardyn, Dr. Chad Hudnall, Dr. Chris Waters, Dr. Kavir Saxena, Joe and Jan Cook, & Bruce & Judy Smith all served as Division Chairs.
Heartland United Way Board members announced a campaign total of $1,733,587. The Browns said they’re not done yet and encouraged people to give through the end of the year. You can give by going to https://www.heartlandunitedway.org/donate or visiting the Heartland United Way office at 1441 N. Webb Road in Grand Island.
A huge thank you to Hy-Vee for providing refreshments, Devo K-9 Klean Up for sponsoring our entertainment - Hastings Symphony String Quartet - and to Raising Nebraska and Sure Sound & Lighting for the venue as well as sound and screens.