Mankato — Community members and businesses are invited to Greater Mankato Area United Way’s 2027 Campaign Kickoff & 95th Anniversary Celebration in Mankato from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center Banquet Hall.

The event is sponsored by Stifel. It is free and open to the public. Reserved tables of 8 are available for purchase for $95 at MankatoUnitedWay.org/95.

The event includes a late-night-show program starting at 4:15, with host Nick Wayne of MSU Mankato, emcee Jeff “Stunt Monkey” Lang of Radio Mankato, and bandleader Garrett Steinberg of Neon-LIVE. Music by Neon-LIVE takes place from 5 to 6 p.m. Free food while supplies last. Food is sponsored by Old National Bank and Subway. Cash bar. A portion of the proceeds from the signature cocktail/mocktail benefit Greater Mankato Area United Way.

Note: A ribbon-cutting by Greater Mankato Growth’s Ambassadors in honor of United Way’s anniversary takes place at 3:45 p.m. at the Event Center. Community members welcome.

Greater Mankato Area United Way will hold additional kickoffs throughout its service area in August and September.

Greater Mankato Area United Way’s 2027 campaign goal is $2,500,000 to support 75 programs and initiatives in Blue Earth, Le Sueur, Nicollet and Waseca counties. This is an increase from last year’s campaign goal of $2,450,000.

Each spring, 90+ community volunteers review all programs as part of the annual community-led vetting process. United Way programs and initiatives serve more than 65,000 people annually in the four-county area.

Kayla Olsen of Stifel is chairing Greater Mankato Area United Way’s 2027 campaign.
Businesses are invited to become a “Pacesetter” donor recognized at kickoff by pledging their corporate gift of $500 or more before the kickoff events. Pledges can be made by online at MankatoUnitedWay.org/donate or by contacting United Way at 507-345-4551.