‘We are all #huMNkind’: thousands to gather at Target Field to

fill Backpacks for School Success at 6th annual United Way Action Day

Free event to feature live music by Twin Cities entertainers Ashley DuBose, Ryan Liestman, Ryan Bynum and Best Of Band

– a fun, inspiration-packed evening, complete with games and prizes on tap for whole family

(Minneapolis, July 28, 2016) – When thousands of volunteers descend upon Target Field, Thursday August 18th for the 6th annual United Way Action Day to help assemble 9,000 Backpacks for School Success, event organizers say attendees will experience a fun-filled and inspirational evening of music, community stories, and most of all, come away knowing they’re part of ‘#huMNkind.’

Greater Twin Cites United Way and the Minnesota Twins are co-hosting the 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. event. Attendees will enter into a festive atmosphere, starting with music on the plaza, courtesy of mix-master DJ D.Mil. They’ll then head to the volunteer stations on the Concourse to fill backpacks with school supplies to be sent to 18 United Way partner agencies serving kids and families. Children must be at least 8-years-old to volunteer.

The fun continues at 6:15 p.m. when show emcee, actor/comedian Shed G takes the stage located at the third baseline, to kick off the program and the concert by local entertainers. Headliners include Ashley DuBose of Season 5 of NBC’s The Voice fame, Minneapolis-based singer/songwriter Ryan Liestman, and Ryan Bynum and the Best Of Band. There’s something for everyone even the kids; activities include face painting, and life-sized games such as Jenga and Connect 4. And the kids can meet and hug TC Bear! There will also be opportunities to win prizes.

Inspirational stories from community members will be interspersed throughout the evening.

How is this event connected to United Way’s work? President and CEO Sarah Caruso said it starts with investing in humankind. “United Way helps people and communities realize their full potential. We can achieve this when everyone participates. We’re very excited, and grateful, that our community is pulling together to assemble these 9,000 school supply kits for kids who range in age from prekindergarten to high school. These supplies will help ensure all kids in our hometown are prepared for success when they start the new school year. I believe what we’ll witness at Action Day is the power of collective kindness.”

Once the school supply kits are assembled, crews will then load up trucks with the hundreds of boxes that will then be delivered on the same evening, to the agencies.
Although the event is free, organizers are asking the public to preregister as they are expecting a capacity crowd. Attendees will pick up their tickets once they arrive at Target Field.
For every use of #huMNkind on social media, event sponsors Land O’Lakes, Wells Fargo and Xcel Energy are donating up to $5,000.
To register and see full event details, including entertainment and the prize list, go to: www.gtcuw.org/actionday.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Marsha Pitts-Phillips Renee Brown
Director of Media Relations Senior Account Executive, Nemer Fieger
Marsha.Pitts-Phillips@gtcuw.org rbrown@nemerfieger.com
612-340-7401/desk 952-278-3107/desk
612-408-7828/cell 952-240-4984/cell

About Greater Twin Cities United Way
Ranked as Minnesota’s largest nongovernmental social services funder, United Way helps people and communities realize their full potential. United Way works in two areas—Safety Net and Education & Jobs. Learn more at https://www.gtcuw.org/ and about our free, 24-hour statewide multilingual information and referral service, United Way 2-1-1 at http://www.211unitedway.org/. Greater Twin Cities United Way serves Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott and western Washington counties. For more information call (612) 340-7400.