United Way of Northeastern Minnesota organizes multiple events each year to support our programs.
Your participation in these events helps to raise more than $250,000 annually!
Power of the Purse
January 29, 2026, Iron Trail Motors Event Center (Virginia)
The 18th annual Power of the Purse event, presented by Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. will unite costumed ticketholders to play Wicked! themed games and bid on fabulous packages to support Imagination Library. Tickets have sold out for this year's "Wicked" themed event: join the wait list!
United for Veterans Bingo Night
February 25, 2026, VFW 2948 (International Falls)
The International Falls VFW is hosting Bingo Night in support of United Way of Northeastern Minnesota's United for Veterans program for the fourth year in a row! Click here to learn more.
Annual Celebration (60th Anniversary)
March 26, 2026, Fortune Bay (Tower)
Celebrate the local workplaces, organizations, and individuals who have united to change lives and our community over the past 60 years. Ticket sales open February 1st; join presenting sponsor Fairview Range in supporting this event to secure your seat early!
Flavor of the North
April 23, 2026, Club Mesabi - Range Recreation Civic Center (Eveleth)
Taste the best dishes local restaurants have to offer and vote for your favorites, plus bid on items in our biggest auction of the year to support Buddy Backpacks. Bookmark our event page; tickets open March 1st and will sell out within the day!
Power of the Purse
May 8, 2026, MN Elks Lodge #1599 (International Falls)
This popular themed event is making its much-anticipated return to Koochiching County. All proceeds will support local youth programming. Ticket sales open March 9th; secure your seat early by sponsoring this event!
United for Veterans Cash Raffle Drawing Party
May 2026 Event Details TBA
Purchase tickets to win cash. All ticket proceeds support UWNEMN's United for Veterans program. Click here for the results of last year's raffle.
$10,000 Golf Ball Drop
July 30, 2026, Eshquaguma Country Club (Gilbert)
Purchase a golf ball for Drop 1, Drop 2, or both to be dropped from a crane onto a golf green. If your ball goes in the hole, you win cash! All proceeds support Buddy Backpacks. Click here to learn more!
Restaurant Week
August 10-16, 2026, Koochiching County
Dine out to give back! For one week a year, Koochiching County restaurants donate portions of their food and beverage sales to support local UWNEMN programs and partner agencies. Click here to see 2025 specials!
Beans Bags for the Brave
September 18, Hibbing Memorial Building
Join the second annual tournament to add your team's name to the traveling trophy AND support local veterans. Adolfson & Peterson Construction (AP) and Park State Bank united in 2025 to bring AP's popular Duluth charity bean bag tournament to the Iron Range, and they selected UWNEMN's United for Veterans program as the beneficiary! Click here to see last year's event results.
Bucks for Backpacks Raffle
2026 Date and Location TBA
Every $100 ticket purchased helps feed local children at-risk of hunger AND enters you to win big cash prizes. Click here to see last year's results!
Make a difference AND earn special event perks by sponsoring and/or donating an auction or raffle item to support one or more of this year's UWNEMN events!
Call UWNEMN Resource Development and Events Director Elizabeth Kelly at 218-295-2424 to learn more.