2026 Lead United: Small Plates, Big Impact; A Flannel & Fireside Soiree

Gather for a cozy evening of connection featuring a fireside chat with United Way of Dane County President & CEO, Renee Moe, alongside inspiring stories from fellow Lead United households and a delicious small plates dinner.

Pull on your favorite flannel or sweater for an evening of conversation, community and a touch of fall-inspired fun as we celebrate the difference you're making across Dane County. Enjoy elevated classic comfort foods crafted by Chef Dave, a roasted S’mores treat or stop by our photo station to capture a portrait (solo or with your guest) and, if you're feeling inspired, share a quick video testimonial about why you support United Way.

• Two complimentary tickets for households that give annual leadership gifts. This includes any household contributing $1,000+ annually or enrolled in our United Way Step-Up Program, including Lead United, Tocqueville Society, and qualifying Women United households.
• $50 for non-members

Small Plates created by Chef Dave, Executive Chef and Owner of Ollie’s and St. Charles Station in Fitchburg, WI. Known throughout Madison for his restaurant ventures and passion for cooking, Dave has been creating delicious cuisine for over 20 years.

• Roasted Chicken – served on a bed of smoked potato puree and roasted vegetables
• Beef short ribs – braised beef ribs, served on a bed of smoked potato purée with mushrooms, onions, and bacon and a rich demiglace
• Mushroom Risotto – Shiitake, cremini, and oyster mushroom risotto finished with sweet cream (Vegetarian)
• Roasted Vegetable Cup – roasted root vegetables- carrots, parsnips and assorted squash (Vegan)
• Grilled Cheese Dippers – Golden and buttery grilled cheese paired with a warm cup of tomato soup

• Deviled Eggs – Deviled eggs topped with smoked paprika, and green onion (GF, DF)
• Caprese Skewer – Fresh mozzarella, basil, and grape tomatoes on skewers sprinkled with salt and pepper, and drizzled with balsamic reduction (Vegetarian)
• Apple Salad Cup – Honey crisp apples, dried cranberries, Car Valley Menage, candied pecans, red onion, and an apricot vinaigrette (GF, Vegan option available as well).
• Potato Roll and Cornbread – Freshly baked potato bread rolls and house made cornbread with butter

• Chocolate Mousse Cups – House made chocolate mousse with vanilla bean whipped cream and macerated berries in individual cups
• Pumpkin Bars – Flavorful spiced pumpkin bars with velvety frosting (GF, Vegan)

Lead United is a network of more than 1,400 households across Dane County that are committed to accelerating change, together. As United Way of Dane County’s largest donor base, we are a network of caring philanthropic leaders dedicated to tackling the toughest issues facing our neighbors. Through leadership gifts of $1,000+ annually (or $40 per paycheck), Lead United members invest in making Dane County a place where everyone has what they need to thrive. Through our collective investment, we empower United Way to create long-term change for local families through the Plan for Community Well-Being. And we gather throughout the year to learn, engage and connect as a community.

Women United is a network of women across Dane County who believe in the power of investing in each other. We know financial insecurity doesn’t discriminate, and too many women, especially mothers, work full time or juggle multiple jobs while struggling to get by. Whether we’ve lived this experience or stand beside those who have, we’re united to lift others as we climb. Through gifts of $1,000+ annually (or $40 per paycheck), our members invest in bold strategies that help women and their families build the futures they envision. We also invest in our members through opportunities for personal and professional growth and by supporting corporate women’s groups.