United Way Recognizes Horton’s Generous Hearts

    Last week, a local company was awarded for their generosity to an important charitable effort. Horton Inc. of Britton was recognized at United Way of Northeastern SD’s 2024 Thank You Event. 
    According to their website, UWNESD includes six counties – Brown, Day, Edmunds, Marshall, McPherson, and Spink. 99 cents of every dollar raised in the area stays here, creating and strengthening programs that are fundamental to the success of individuals and families needing support. Since  2010, over $5.3 million have been distributed to missions focused on every stage of life – from babies to seniors. 
    At last week’s event, Horton was recognized as one of the organization’s Give from the Heart Winners. According to UWNESD Director Aaron Schultz, this award is given to businesses or groups that have had the highest increase in giving from the previous year. 
    Throughout 2023, Horton had a 51% increase in employee giving and raised over $28,000 in raffles, auctions and other special events. They also have 18 Rails Club members, which are donors who contribute over $500 throughout the year. 
    The United Way Committee at Horton does raffles, events and games throughout the year to raise funds, explained Laurie Gibson who is part of that committee. Some raffles that they have been doing are for items such as a freezer, grill, TV, NFL tickets & PTO. 
    “The biggest raffle that we did was the Queen of Hearts, which reached a total of $22,000 to split with the winner. It lasted for 25 weeks,” said Gibson. “All raffles, events and games that we do are only for the employees here at Horton. We just had an event for ‘Pi Day’ that was 3/14 where we did a silent pie auction and the employees volunteer to bake for this event. This event also ends with a pie in the face for a good show.”
    The money that they raise goes straight to the NESD United Way, Gibson added. “From the total amount we raised, we get 10% back to us to distribute around the Britton community.”
    “Horton has always been a super strong supporter of the United Way,” emphasized Schultz. “We are lucky that they have a great crew of givers out there.”
    Horton and the other groups and businesses that were recognized last week helped UWNESD raise $800,000 last year, above and beyond the organization’s goal of $750,000.