Vi Berkner began Grant County Combined Appeal in 1961. She served as it’s first director for 8 years. Before Vi decided to start Grant County Combined Appeal, she had a wonderful group of ladies who would collect door-to-door for different organizations. It was usually the same group of ladies every year. That is when Vi decided to combine the drives.
At first it was very difficult to combine the drives because some of the organizations did not want to combine. There were struggles but Vi persisted.
When Vi directed the drive, 1961-1969, it was very different. Each town and all 17 townships had a captain and several workers under them. There were usually 200 volunteers who would collect donations throughout Grant County. The women were very dedicated to the cause.
At first it was very difficult to combine the drives because some of the organizations did not want to combine. There were struggles but Vi persisted.
When Vi directed the drive, 1961-1969, it was very different. Each town and all 17 townships had a captain and several workers under them. There were usually 200 volunteers who would collect donations throughout Grant County. The women were very dedicated to the cause.