Bismarck’s Angel – Sydney Helgeson – “United Way Day Of Caring”

Making all of Bismarck AND North Dakota proud...

...we are lucky to have this awesome caring lady. She is a Bismarck High Demon alum who wore the crown as Miss North Dakota last year.

Traveling, and seeing new places, and people to meet - was part of her busy lifestyle. Some of her favorite memories are seeing young boys and girls' eyes light up when Sydney would visit their school. "Where's your castle?" some would ask Miss North Dakota.

I came in this morning on a normal run-of-the-mill Friday...

...boy did that change quickly. I was honored to sit down with this energetic person for about 20 minutes and talk about what is happening NEXT Wednesday - the 25th Anniversary United Way Day Of Caring  - For about a month now, Sydney has been working full-time for United Way!

I had a chance to see for myself all the wonderful things this place has for people

1140 S 12th Street - Jena Gullo and her staff of workers and volunteers help save and enrich lives. "a community center for families, a training center with computers for homeless men and women, and a multitude of services offered by partners right at The Center.  Services like onsite mental health and addiction case management, birth certificates and IDs, financial literacy programs, assistance with resumes and employment coaching, Child Watch by the YMCA, health and wellness classes by Family Wellness, bible studies, and many more will help clients at the Center get back on their feet and break through the cycle of poverty"  Here is what I wrote last year - https://965thewalleye.com/without-a-doubt-the-most-amazing-place-in-bismarck/

Sydney started as an intern with United Way back in 2021. She understands and is motivated by an amazing place that has a powerful impact on helping those in need. She knows the extent of the work they do. She sees the needs of the community every day. On Wednesday, August 14 - at 8:00 am United Way Day Of Caring will kick off at the YMCA - there will be breakfast and free t-shirts - from there, volunteers will spread off into 54 different project sites -  from non-profits, and churches - helping with painting, yard work etc. Getting your hands ON helping others - by the way, 100 volunteer slots need to be filled, and you can go to volunteerbisman.com to help out.

Watching Sydney's eyes grow wide, and her non-stop smile and passion...

...as she talked about her experiences of last year ( Miss North Dakota ), and so inspiring to hear the excitement in her voice talking about the United Way. Thank you, Sydney, United Way, to Jena Gullo and her whole staff for being there for other people. It truly is a North Dakota strength -