Mankato United Way’s Fire and Ice is record-breaking success

The Greater Mankato Area United Way supports 55 programs within 36 agencies across a four-county area, including Blue Earth, Nicollet, Le Sueur, and Waseca counties. The Fire and Ice Ball, held every December, is their largest annual fundraising event, helping to sustain their impactful work year-round.

APX Construction Group prides itself on giving back to the communities where we live and work. In 2022 alone, we supported over 65 nonprofit organizations through sponsorships, donations, volunteering, and in-kind contributions. Our APX Giving program empowers employees to connect with causes they’re passionate about, fostering a culture of community engagement. Strengthening our communities through collaborative efforts makes our region a better place to live, work, and thrive. By partnering with organizations like United Way, we’re building more than structures—we’re building hope and opportunity for everyone.

Fire and Ice Conceptual Renderings

One of the many causes championed by APX Construction Group this year was the United Way’s Fire and Ice Ball. The goal of the APX creative team was to use the innovative thinking that sets us apart in the commercial construction industry to create an exciting new layout for the event. Using our 3-D design tools and the Fire and Ice theme of ‘Old Hollywood Glamour,’ we got to work on flipping the Mayo Clinic Health Systems Event Center inside out. The concept started by imagining bringing socializing into the center of the room.

The event program moved to a two-tiered center stage. The bars surrounded the stage on the floor with cocktail tables and room for conversation. Banquet tables for dinner were arranged around the perimeter of the room. A four-sided lighted marquee framed the center stages, becoming the decor’s centerpiece. The APX creative team designed and constructed the marquee using foam board insulation, galvanized mending plates, duct tape, and zip ties (lots of zip ties!). The final product stretched 133 linear feet, and installation took over 10 hours

We are incredibly grateful to the United Way staff and Fire & Ice committee for trusting us with this project. The result was impactful, transforming the event into an intimate atmosphere—not an easy task in a room of 700 people!

The Fire and Ice Ball took place on December 3, starting with a live song and dance number by United Way 2023 Campaign Chair Matt Atwood and dancers from Dance Express. Impact stories, heartfelt thank-yous, a live performance by 11-year-old Savanna Hedlund, and a live auction followed. The evening concluded with music from The Blue Water Kings and the announcement of the Can-Am side-by-side raffle winner.

The event netted a record $320,000 to support the United Way’s work of funding basic needs, health, and education in our region. APX Construction Group understands the importance of organizations like the Greater Mankato Area United Way that help keep our region strong, so we chose to give our time, talents, and treasure.

Conclusions

Thank you to all who attended the event and continue to lift our local nonprofits. Your support enables us to address critical challenges and create meaningful change in our community. Together, we are not just raising funds; we are building brighter futures for those who need it most. At APX, we are proud to stand alongside community leaders, volunteers, and donors who work tirelessly to make a difference. Events like the Fire and Ice Ball remind us of the power of collaboration and how collective action can positively impact lives. Let’s continue building a stronger, more connected region—one project, cause, and event at a time.