Our Stories: Why We Support United Way
February 9, 2026
Stories connect us, inspire action, and unite communities. They remind us of where we’ve been…and show where we can go.
Learn why Dave Anderson, Rachael Chupka, and Danielle Schmitz choose to support United Way and why they believe in our mission.
Dave Anderson
Head of WI Commercial Banking, BMO - Market Leadership and Commitment
I first got involved with United Way as a loan executive in 1990. Fresh out of college, I witnessed how United Way supported the community through strong partnerships with employers in the local community that wanted to give back. I was amazed with the philanthropy of people that wanted to help solve some of the community's most challenging issues. That left a strong impression on me.
For more than 200 years, BMO has focused on building stronger communities to help shape the future and drive progress and prosperity for all. BMO's purpose is to boldly grow the good in business and life. Whether it's community, economic or environmental resilience, we grow the good to help communities thrive.
BMO’s purpose and United Way's impact in the community are aligned to help tackle the most pressing issues of need. We are thrilled to partner with the United Way to help create lasting solutions that will shape our community for generations.
Rachael Chupka
Northwestern Mutual
When I was a senior in college at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, I interned with United Way of Jefferson County. I loved getting the opportunity to work for an organization that directly supported the community I was living in.
As I have grown and continue to build a life here, I am glad I can give back to United Way to help others be successful and help grow our great community. Having the opportunity to give and support United Way through Northwestern Mutual's workplace campaign is truly the most amazing way I can think of to give back.
Seeing my story and passion for United Way shared with my Northwestern Mutual coworkers was truly an indescribable experience. I love United Way and its mission, and I am so proud to get to be even a small part of it and make a difference here in Wisconsin.
Danielle Schmitz
Johnson Controls
I've been involved with the United Way for over 30 years. I began in elementary school when I joined Girl Scouts, and I participated in United Way campaigns and activities for my entire school career.
Growing up, we didn't always have a lot, and there were times when housing insecurity was a real issue. We moved every year into less and less pleasant housing and eventually lived in one of my grandfather's rental properties in order to not end up homeless. I know now how lucky we were to have that kind of safety net and how uncommon that situation is.
When I first heard about the Safe & Stable Homes initiative, I knew I had found my real “why.” Providing that same safety net for other families is something that speaks directly to my soul. And now that I'm a mother myself, if I can help to ensure that other parents have one less worry, then at the end of the day, I've done something worth doing.
I'm so glad to be able to combine my passion for giving with everyone else's here at Johnson Controls. Together, we can have so much more impact than I can have on my own. And the JCI mission of building smarter, healthier, more sustainable communities aligned perfectly with United Way and Safe & Stable Homes.
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