Lakes Area UW

05/28/2026

Join us for a llama-filled day of stories, crafts, games, music, and fun at Llama Llama Read-O-Rama!

Bring the kids out to the Northland Arboretum on June 27 from 11 AM–1 PM for this FREE family event focused on early childhood literacy and community connection. 🦙📚

✨ Enjoy:
• Story time & activities
• Face painting by Kari Roberts
• Interactive children’s music with WonderTrek activities
• Sing-along songs with Mike Mraz 
• FREE hotdogs served by the Nisswa Lions & BLA Lions Breakfast Club

Whether your little ones already love books or are just beginning their reading journey, this event is all about making reading fun, memorable, and exciting. ❤️

📍 Northland Arboretum – Baxter
🗓 Saturday, June 27
⏰ 11 AM–1 PM

05/19/2026

URGENT UPDATE: Bridges of Hope has been in communication with Crow Wing County Emergency Preparedness regarding the wildfire impacting households in our area.

To help coordinate community response efforts, Bridges of Hope has been asked to serve as the donation host and coordinating partner for support directed to households impacted by the wildfire. Financial contributions can be made on our website: https://www.bridgesofhopemn.org/donate

Lakes Area Heroes is coordinating support efforts for first responders. Donations for those efforts can be made here: https://www.lakesareaheroes.com/support

We're actively preparing our response and coordinating next steps with community partners. We will continue sharing updates as needs and response plans develop.

Thank you to everyone showing care and support for our community during this time.

05/05/2026

We want to take a moment to say a huge thank you to our event sponsors for the Kentucky Derby Run for the Roses event.

Event sponsors:

Cash Wise Liquor, Crow Wing Power, and Deerwood Bank

And also a big thank you to all businesses and individuals who donated items for our raffle:

Minnesota Twins, Takedown Gym, All Elements, Inc., Cragun's Resort on Gull Lake, Essentia Health, Midway Iron and Metal Inc. ,Pequot Manufacturing, Barstock Liquors , Brainerd Elks Lodge 615, Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union, Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union, Crow Wing County Attorneys Office, the Hoffman family, and The Pageant Shop.

Your generosity is what made the event so special — and ultimately, what helps us continue making an impact right here at home.

So truly — thank you.

05/04/2026

The hats were big.
The outfits were better.
And the energy? Even better.

From the wine pull and raffle prizes…
to the amazing food and drink specials…
this year’s Kentucky Derby event was one to remember.

But beyond all the fun, it was something more.

A room full of people showing up for their community -
laughing, connecting, and supporting the work happening right here at home through Lakes Area United Way.

So to everyone who came out and made it what it was…
thank you.

Already looking forward to next year 💛

05/04/2026

Pop-Up Pantry – May 7

We’re back this Thursday with another Pop-Up Pantry — and we’d love your help.

📅 Thursday, May 7
📍 CLC West Parking Lot
⏰ Food distribution starts at 10:00 AM

04/28/2026

Guys, bring your ladies… ladies, grab your hats 👒🐎

Something fun is coming to the Brainerd Lakes Area.

Join us Saturday, May 2 for Run for the Roses at Irma’s Kitchen at Cragun’s Resort (3:30–6:30 PM).

✨ Great food + drink specials
🎟️ Raffle prizes
🎩 Best Derby Hat & Costume Contest

A fun afternoon out, all for Lakes Area United Way.

🎟️ Tickets: $50
👉 https://anyregistration.com/run-for-the-roses-2026
Thank you to our sponsors: Deerwood Bank, Cash Wise Liquor, and Crow Wing Power.

And to our raffle donors: Minnesota Twins, Takedown Gym, Essentia Health, Crow Wing County Attorney’s Office, Pequot Tool, BLAEDC, MMFCU, Barstock Liquors, and Cragun’s.

04/21/2026

A big thank you to the Brainerd Noon Rotary Club for their generous support of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library! 📚

Because of their support, more children in our community will receive free books each month helping spark a love of reading from an early age.

04/21/2026

Big win for our community!

Congratulations to the Lakes Area Food Shelf in Baxter!!

If you or someone you know needs support, this is such an incredible resource.
And if you’re looking for a way to give back—check out their volunteer opportunities

Our Baxter location opens Tuesday 4/21!

04/20/2026

🌹 Run for the Roses 🐎

Join us Saturday, May 2nd, at Cragun’s Resort for an afternoon of community, connection, and a little Kentucky Derby flair!

Think delicious appetizers, signature drinks, and a room full of people coming together for something bigger.

Dress to impress for our Best Hat & Costume Contest, enter to win raffle prizes, and enjoy a fun afternoon with friends and neighbors—all while supporting Lakes Area United Way right here at home.

📍 Irma’s Kitchen @ Cragun’s Resort
🕒 3:30–6:30 PM

This is one you don’t want to miss!

A special thank you to our event sponsors: Deerwood Bank and Cash Wise Liquor

Thank you to the Minnesota Twins, Takedown Gym, Essentia Health, Crow Wing County Attorney’s Office, Crosslake businesses, and Barstock Liquors for your generous raffle items.

👉 Get your tickets: https://anyregistration.com/run-for-the-roses-2026

04/09/2026