Heartland United Way to kick off 2025/2026 Campaign
United is the Way is the call to action as the Heartland United Way kicks off another fundraising campaign following a record-setting year.
While everyone’s path is different, united is the way we improve lives and create possibilities for individuals and families across Hall, Hamilton, Howard, and Merrick Counties.
Dozens of local businesspeople will come together Tuesday to learn about the ways they and their employees can support the Heartland United Way and its 20 partner agencies.
A Workplace Campaign is a way for employees to easily give from their paycheck to put Hall, Hamilton, Howard, & Merrick Counties on the path to lasting change by creating youth opportunity, financial security, healthy communities, and community resiliency here at home.
Kent and Tonja Brown are the conductors on this journey, leading the 2025/2026 Campaign as chairs.
The Pacesetter Campaign Kickoff will be held on August 19, from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. at Burlington Station in Grand Island.
Campaign Chairs, representatives from HUW’s 20 partner agencies and staff will help get attendees on their way to getting involved, giving back and taking action.
The Heartland United Way’s 2025/2026 Campaign Chairs found Grand Island on the map as kids and continue to call it home.
Kent and Tonja Brown hit the ground running, leading an effort to make a lasting impact in Hall, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick Counties.
“Growing up and then working in this area, I’ve seen the changes and challenges that have occurred with the growth. The challenges haven’t lessened as the area has embraced and attempted to address many of the issues creating these challenges, so many hands are needed to help those who face them. The agencies of the HUW have become dear to our hearts, and they are many of the hands that help. I want them to succeed so I’ll do what I can to make them successful, including being the Campaign chair,” said Kent, who also currently serves as the Heartland United Way Board of Directors chair.
“The new slogan this year is ‘United is the Way.’ That sums it up! When individuals join their community by giving whatever they can, it adds up big and helps so many more people. No gift is too small, and no gift is too big. It just takes each of us to give, and the annual Campaign is a perfect time to do it, so join us!” said Tonja.
The Heartland United Way’s annual Campaign provides funding for our 20 community partners, Rural Community Impact grants, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, 211 24-Hour Resource Line, and holiday assistance programs.
United is the way we strengthen local resilience to advance health, youth opportunity, and financial security in our communities.
To learn more about how to get involved, give back and take action during this year’s Campaign, visit: https://www.heartlandunitedway.org/campaign-road-map.
Kent & Tonja Brown
Tonja Brown came to Grand Island as a 4th grader and has been here ever since. Kent moved from Omaha in 5th grade. Both are graduates of Grand Island Senior High. Kent graduated from the University of Nebraska Lincoln with a degree in Accounting. Tonja received a 2-year degree from Central Community College, a Bachelor’s degree from Bellevue University and a Master’s from The George Washington University – all without leaving Grand Island.
Kent will retire as CFO and president of Nebraska Truck Center Inc. in August after 43 years in the business. Tonja chairs Grow Grand Island after spending 16 years as a computer programmer at Central Community College and 20 years as COO for Kelly Supply Company/ KDSI.
The Brown’s community involvement spans decades, including leadership and volunteer roles in the Heartland United Way itself as well as community partners Scouting America, Heartland CASA and the Central Nebraska Council on Alcoholism and Addictions.
Between them, Kent and Tonja have served on many other boards, including Grand Island Chamber of Commerce (Chairs), Grand Island Rotary Club (Presidents), and GIPS Board of Education.