This Speakout was submitted by Heidi Gullickson, executive director of the Brookings Area United Way.

As the executive director of Brookings Area United Way, it is with deep gratitude and joy that I share an incredible milestone — our 70th year of serving and strengthening the Brookings community.

What began in 1955 as the Brookings United Charities Fund, thanks to visionary leaders like Fishback, Kendall, Sexauer, Dalthorp, Blauert, McCann, and Chapman, has grown into what we now proudly call the Brookings Area United Way. Their legacy lives on in every act of generosity and every life uplifted.

Over the past seven decades, our community has experienced remarkable growth — from 17,000 residents to over 36,000 today. New schools have been built, families have flourished, and our college has evolved into a thriving university. With this growth has come both opportunity and need. Thanks to the unwavering support of our donors, board members, volunteers, and partners, the Brookings Area United Way has risen to meet those needs.

We have seen a dramatic increase in the number of local nonprofits we are honored to support — organizations that work tirelessly every day to care for children, families, seniors, and individuals facing adversity. Together, we’ve helped provide everything from children’s dental care and food support for seniors to mental health services and youth enrichment programs.

And when gaps appeared — when no one else could fill them — United Way stepped in. We launched programs, built coalitions, and worked hand-in-hand with community leaders, elected officials, and compassionate neighbors to create real, lasting change.

This 70th anniversary is not just a celebration of time — it’s a celebration of impact. It is a testament to the collective heart of this community and to the belief that when we Live United, we can do extraordinary things.

To our donors, past and present — thank you for believing in our mission. To our nonprofit partners — thank you for the life-changing work you do every day. To our current and past board members — thank you for your guidance and steadfast commitment. And to every person who has given, volunteered, or shared our story—your generosity has made all the difference.

Let us carry this legacy forward. As we honor our past, let’s invest in our future. Please consider making a gift to help us continue this important work for generations to come.