Derek Fields is a United Way jack-of-all-trades. As a multi-year donor, Fields says “I always felt that United Way was a great avenue for my own charitable giving because of their ability to connect with so many member agencies here in our community.” However, his involvement doesn’t stop there. Not only does Fields sit on the United Way Board of Directors, he also serves as a “Champion” for the campaign at his place of employment, IU Health Bloomington, where he is Director of Pharmacy Services.
Through the hard work of Fields and his fellow Champion, Pam Chapman, the IU Health campaign has been pulling out all the stops to raise funds for our community! In addition to payroll donations and direct gifts from employees, IU Health is selling United Way souvenir cups that can be reused for discounted drinks in the cafeteria through late January. Near cash registers in the cafeteria they have United Way buckets for staff to drop their change into.
Department Ambassadors are also volunteering to promote the campaign. They are encouraging everyone to show their personal support for United Way through “I Fight For” cards displayed on the wall. And, as the cherry on top, IU Health is hosting a Pie and Pastry Palooza where IU Health leaders provided desserts for staff to come in, sample, and hopefully make a donation.
Fields believes everyone should get involved with United Way because our mission “encompasses how we address those critical needs in our community.” He continued, saying, “I’m motivated to help others with the building blocks for creating a better life and I believe that’s a reason why many others are motivated by the United Way mission as well.”
He tells one particular story about how providing those building blocks really can change lives. “Recently during our local campaign, I was speaking with one of our staff,” Fields explains. “He came to the booth to make a donation and told me his story about when he was homeless and how United Way helped him get back on his feet. United Way’s focus on essentials was a key factor for him as he gained stability and eventually employment here at IU Health. For me, that just brought it full circle. Being a board member, being a donor, and now having a connection with someone who had a chance to make that change.”
“When I give my time or my money to any charitable organization,” concluded Fields, “I want to know that it has a positive impact and, with United Way of Monroe County, I’ve seen the evidence of the positive impact they’re creating for our community."
