The inaugural event, titled “Puzzling for a Cause,” required teams to complete a series of assembly and consumption tasks within a two-hour window. 

Ten teams signed up to participate in the fundraiser, each paying a $140 registration fee to support local initiatives. 

To qualify for a top finish, every group of four had to assemble an identical 500-piece puzzle featuring songbirds and flowers. Additionally, participants were required to finish two full bottles of wine, one red and one white, and consume all the food off an entire charcuterie board.

The event served as a new addition to the organization’s fundraising calendar, intended to provide a social activity while generating revenue for community services.

First-place winners (left to right) Randee Murphy, Kris Manderfeld, Lynne Schmid and Katie Stadheim proudly display their completed 500-piece puzzle after storming to victory in just 32 minutes and 7 seconds at the United Way of Brown County Area’s “Puzzling for a Cause” fundraiser at Turner Hall.(Photo by Amy Zents)

The team of Randee Murphy, Lynne Schmid, Kris Manderfeld, and Katie Stadheim, all from New Ulm, finished first-place finish with a recorded time of 32 minutes and seven seconds. 

This time included full assembly of the puzzle and consumption of all provided food and beverages. For their performance, the each member received a large beverage tumbler.

The winning group utilized a strategy involving manufacturer markings found on the reverse side of the puzzle pieces. 

Many 500-piece puzzles designed for high-speed assembly include a lettered grid on the back to aid in sorting. Team members chose to flip the pieces over and categorize them into alphabetical groups before they began assembly of the image.

“We decided early on that the letters were our best bet for speed,” Schmid said.

Champions (left to right) Randee Murphy, Kris Manderfeld, Lynne Schmid and Katie Stadheim celebrate their first-place finish with the empty wine bottles and cleared charcuterie board that helped them win the United Way speed-puzzling event. (Photo by Amy Zents)

By dividing the pieces into localized sets labeled A, B, C, and D, the team converted the 500-piece challenge into four separate 25-piece sections. This allowed each team member to focus on a specific quadrant of the puzzle simultaneously. 

While the technique sparked conversation among other participants, organizers confirmed the use of the lettered grid did not violate any established competition rules.

Second place was claimed by the team of Stacy Toltzman, Nicole Iverson, Suzanne Wels, and Anne Grunert. The team followed a standard assembly method, focusing on the perimeter and color-matching the imagery. They finished their puzzle and refreshments approximately 20 minutes after the first-place team and received tickets to the State Street Theater.

Third place went to the team of Jamie Holm, Melanie Boddy, Michelle Seifert, and Nancy Grausam. They also completed all requirements within the allotted time.

“The snacks were a great addition to the evening,” Grausam said.

Last-minute entrants Joe and Mary Eckstein turned a spontaneous decision into a memorable night at the United Way of Brown County Area’s “Puzzling for a Cause” fundraiser at Turner Hall. (Photo by Amy Zents)

The consumption requirements were a strict component of the competition. 

To qualify for a top-three finish, teams had to clear their boards entirely. Because the rules required the consumption of all dips and spreads, some participants used their fingers to finish the remaining portions of the cheese dip and jelly after their supply of crackers was exhausted.

Not all groups consisted of the standard four members. Joe and Mary Eckstein registered as a two-person team on the morning of the event. Despite the smaller roster, they happily worked on their puzzle for the sheer enjoyment of it.

“It’s for a good cause. and we love puzzles.” Joe Eckstein said.

Another table was occupied by Doug Booms, who participated as a solo team. Booms had been part of a team organized by his wife, Molly, but three members had to cancel due to a family emergency.

The inaugural event, titled "Puzzling for a Cause," required teams to complete a series of assembly and consumption tasks within a two-hour window. (Photo by Amy Zents)

Proceeds from the registration fees are designated for the United Way of the Brown County Area’s youth programs. 

These initiatives include Operation Lunchbox and the backpack program, which provide nutritional support for at-risk children over weekends when school meals are unavailable. 

The funds also support youth scholarship programs, which distributed nearly $25,000 in assistance during the previous year.

United Way Executive Director Sandra Juni said the board developed the puzzling event to supplement the financial needs of these specific youth initiatives. The idea emerged from a board meeting where members looked for interactive ways to engage the community.

“Our board was talking and we were brainstorming on potential things we can do to supplement the need we have for these youth programs,” Juni said.

In addition to youth programming, Juni manages other community services, such as the annual tax-preparation program. 

That program assisted approximately 1,200 individuals with their tax returns between February and April of the previous year. The organization coordinates with volunteers to ensure that residents have access to these services during the tax season.

“It can mean just a lot of phone calls and things, because people are always wondering who to call, and they may not have seen the information in the paper,” Juni said.

The United Way board is evaluating the success of the tournament. Juni mentioned that the organization may hold a similar event in the future, possibly during the winter months of January or February. 

Organizers are also considering the inclusion of other activities, such as sheephead card tournaments, to continue supporting the organization’s mission.

“I think it’s a great, fun event. Lots of laughs. Lots of eating and drinking and lots of fun,” Juni said.