United Way Thanks Community Supporters!
United Way of Greater Lorain County held its Campaign Thank You Reception at the Elyria Holiday Inn on Wednesday day, March 23, in honor of the companies and individuals that contributed to the success of the 2004 campaign. Ed Skimin, Owner of Emerge Inc., served as Master of Ceremonies. 240 people were on hand to celebrate a good campaign effort and to hear United Way announce where its 2004 fund raising total stood. The high spirited event was attended by business and labor leaders, community supporters, and numerous volunteers.
Rev. Dr. Melvin Woodard III, Chair of United Way’s Campaign, thanked all of the supporters of the United Way for their commitment to United Way and service to the community. Woodard noted that the 2004 campaign held some wonderful highlights the major ones being the many stirring examples of people’s generosity, their loyalty to United Way’s work, and their concern for others. Woodard said that he and the campaign cabinet had set a goal of $3.2 million which was an increase over the $3, 005,000 raised the previous year. He added that “in setting the goal I didn’t want our success to be based solely on the monies we raise. The true measure of success is the lives we are improving.” His comments concluded with a reflection on the answer to the question as to whether we “are we our brother’s keeper?” In poignant terms, he related how the answer to that question determines the quality of life in any community. Praising the support given by the community to United Way he said, “the answer, as to whether our community believes so, is yes”
The United Way campaign is still in progress. To date, pledges have reached $2,955,000. Final numbers will be tallied next month when contribution results are provided to United Way from campaigns still in progress. Agencies will receive funding from this campaign starting July 1st.
In addition to being a time to thank campaign volunteers and supporters, the thank you event was an opportunity to recognize outstanding company campaigns, campaign managers, and corporate support.
Three companies were honored with United Way’s highest award of the evening – "Community Spirit Award". Community Spirit Award recognizes not only dollar contributions, but also the quality of the campaign, employee support specific to United Way, and participation. The awards went to the following: Invacare Corporation, The May Department Stores – IT Operations & PolyOne Corporation. “Campaign Leaders Award” recognizes the corporate and employee giving of the top ten companies raising the most dollars in the 2004 campaign. The top ten are: Ford Motor Company/UAW, Invacare Corporation, Nordson Corporation, PolyOne Corporation, Ridge Tool Company, Lorain Tubular Operations, The May Department Stores – IT Operations, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, Bettcher Industries, Inc. and Lorain National Bank.
Four outstanding individuals were honored with Employee Campaign Manager Awards for their contributions in planning company campaigns: Christine Fitz, Linda Petro, Ernie Fena and Dave Domonkas.
Special Achievement Awards were also given to 24 companies and organizations for increased giving over last year by 50% or more.
The Awards portion of the celebration concluded with the presentation of the United Way Caring Heart Award. The award is given annually to the individual whose volunteer efforts and spirit evidence the care for others and the dedication to community service which are the trademarks of the county’s United Way. This year’s recipient is Dan Martin, Director of Lorain County Metropolitan Park District. In presenting the award Executive Director, Jerry Skully, referenced the long list of service Martin had given to United Way. He noted that “Dan is both a consummate professional and consummate caring person. Someone who always says ‘yes’ when asked to give help to the community and particularly to those in need”. Skully concluded by saying that “United Way’s mission is about what really matters in life: Giving not getting. And acts of integrity, compassion, courage and sacrifice which enrich, empower, encourage and uplift others, especially those in need.”
This year’s Thank You Event represented the third annual recognition of our partner agency volunteers also know as “Hometown Heroes”. Fourteen volunteers that were selected by their agencies for their selfless support were honored: Lila Muck, American Red Cross; Alendria (Lendy) Nalle, Arthritis Foundation; Wes Haddad, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County; Linda Wyrick, Catholic Charities Family Center; Wilma & Conrad Zeck, Child Care Resource Center; Walter “Joe” McManus & Russ Doan; Children’s Developmental Center; Joan McFarland, Family Planning Services of Lorain County; Lily Yee, Far West Center; Joyce Halliday, Girl Scouts of Erie Shores; Roberta Machesky, Lorain County Family YMCA; Brian Baker, Lorain county Labor Agency; Victor Turk, Neighborhood House Association; Dr. Griffith Dye, Oberlin Early Childhood Center; Karen Vick, Vermilion YMCA and Richard Geyser, Heart of Ohio Council Board Scouts of America. Each of them received a presentation folder that holds a beautifully designed certificate thanking them for the good work that they do on behalf of our community every day.
United Way provides financial support to 62 human service programs ranging from early childhood services through emergency shelter, family and senior services. Last year United Way programs serviced over 100,000 people in Lorain County. Money raised by United Way remains in Lorain County unless otherwise specified by donors. Citizens who live in Lorain County but work outside the county can pledge at their workplace and designate that their contribution be sent back to Lorain County.
Click here for additional photos from the Celebration Event.
Thanks to everyone who participated in campaign 2004. Your support positively impacts thousands of lives here in Lorain County.
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| Save the Date: |
Day of Caring Meeting
Wednesday, June 1, 2005
8:30a.m.
United Way offices
Campaign Kickoff/Day of Caring
Friday, September 9, 2005
7:00a.m. - 8:45a.m.
Westfield Shoppingtown Midway Mall |
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