United Way of Monroe County and more than 150 volunteers and community members enthusiastically launched the 2014-2015 “Let’s Create a Better Tomorrow.” fundraising campaign during a luncheon Wednesday, September 10th. Attendees were inspired by keynote speaker Anthony Thompson, Indiana University Associate Athletic Director.
Other speakers included:
• Barry Lessow, United Way Executive Director
• Heidi Schulz, United Way Campaign Chair
• Dennis Cromwell, Indiana University Campaign Co-Chair, Office of the Vice President for Information Technology
Campaign leaders announced a fundraising goal of $1,410,000. Last year, individuals and workplaces donated $1,403,593 to help United Way improve our community. The board set a goal that recognizes current economic pressures but reflects the opportunity United Way has to make a significant and sustained positive impact.
Funds raised during the campaign stay local and will support vital programs throughout the coming year. United Way works with member agencies and community partners to create a better tomorrow and make a difference in people’s lives. Donations ensure people in our community have a good education, build their earnings, and can afford the essentials for their families. United Way focuses on helping people in the short-term while creating long-term solutions to the most pressing issues in our community.
Keynote speaker Indiana University Associate Athletic Director Anthony Thompson shared the personal impact that United Way donors made in his life. “I've been a United Way recipient, volunteer, and donor. United Way made a better tomorrow for my family growing up. They were there for us when the bills were overdue and when we needed winter coats. United Way was there to give us a sense of self-worth, a sense of value. If it had not been for United Way, I would not be standing before you today. United Way is about reaching out, lifting someone else up, they give a hand up, not a hand out. They want you to be the best version of yourself. It is when we all join together our time, talents, and treasures, that United Way succeeds, that we all succeed.”
United Way Executive Director Barry Lessow remarked, “All successful teams have a game plan and measure how they are doing. I can tell you three things: We understand the opportunities for winning are better than ever, we know the demand for our services in many cases is greater than ever, and I think we are responding stronger and smarter than ever. Thanks to your support of United Way, more kids are going to kindergarten prepared to learn and more teens are graduating high school with a plan for their future. People have access to better training opportunities, they are able to access more types of medical services at no charge, and they are enrolling in health care plans for the first time. We will continue to measure how we are doing to make sure we are investing your money wisely.”
Campaign Chair Heidi Schulz spoke of the crucial role of each and every donor. Schulz said, “There is so much opportunity to create a better tomorrow for our community when we focus on how we can improve people's lives. Our donors and volunteers are an integral part of our community's UNITED WAY of approaching problems, of creating opportunity, of making an impact. Together we make sure everyone who shares this community has the chance for a better tomorrow."
IU Campaign Co-Chair Dennis Cromwell spoke of the many reasons why and how people can get involved. “I know that many of us find personal connections as we look over the names of the 25 United Way member agencies. It might be a community issue that we are passionate about like feeding hungry families or the agency that assisted our friends or family members through a crisis. Giving our time and donations to the United Way campaign ensures that the work of all these agencies continues and that members of our community are positively affected. Even a small donation makes a difference because those connections in a community multiply through personal contact and assistance. We start today and we will build a better tomorrow.”
Several positive outcomes from funded partnerships were reported.
- In the past year, 100% of the high-school seniors in United Way funded mentoring programs successfully graduated from school.
- 93% of children taking part in programs at Middle Way House, a United Way member agency, improved or maintained their grades and 92% had fewer absent or tardy days at school.
- This past spring, Free Community Tax Service volunteers assisted low- and moderate-income people file 3,136 federal returns.
- Patients at Volunteers in Medicine received 12,390 needed prescriptions at no cost.
- 142,913 bags of groceries and 1,234,005 meals were provided to community members at risk of hunger in Monroe, Owen, and Greene counties.
- 1,187 elderly neighbors were able to stay safely in their homes because affordable housing and home-based nutrition, visitation, and repair services were provided by member agency Area 10 on Aging.
See how donations are hard at work throughout the year and read stories of success
During the event, Kelly Cornett with Indiana University and long-time campaign volunteer was honored with the Mary Alice Gray Award for extraordinary volunteer service.
Those who wish to join United Way in creating a better tomorrow in our community can securely donate online via credit card. Donors can also download a pledge card and contribute in the form of cash, check, credit card, automatic bank withdrawal, stocks and securities, or can choose to be billed. Those participating in workplace campaigns can contribute via payroll deduction.
Held at the Henke Hall of Champions in the IU Memorial Stadium, the luncheon was sponsored by Indiana University.
Check out event coverage by The Herald-Times