Press release from the United Way of Allen County:
United Way Reaches Campaign Goal!
Fort Wayne Metals Wins Top Campaign Award
United Way of Allen County Board Chair Ron Turpin announced today that United Way reached its $4.8 million workplace campaign goal for the 2009-10 campaign. The announcement came at United Way’s annual Community Celebration at the Public Safety Academy of Northeast Indiana.
“We all know that the economy this past year has not been good,” said Turpin. “That’s what makes this announcement so special. The donors, volunteers and staff put their heart into this campaign and worked tirelessly to raise the money needed to support crucial social services. Even though our pledges equal our goal, we know that in this economy that does not always equate to actual dollars. The communities’ continuing support is therefore more critical than ever.”
Donations to United Way of Allen County support more than 64 local programs and initiatives that provide services such as food, shelter, health care, day care, counseling, tutoring and services for seniors and those with disabilities. The funds are allocated by volunteers who carefully examine each program and its results. Programs must fall into one of three United Way focus areas: Basic Needs, Success in School and Family Stability.
In addition to the annual campaign, United Way brings in grants and other restricted dollars to support a number of key community initiatives. In 2009, United Way of Allen County brought in more than $800,000 in grants and restricted revenue. The final workplace campaign total is projected to be $4.8 million; more than 90 percent of campaign pledges are in, but some are still outstanding.
Campaign Awards
Turpin also announced that Fort Wayne Metals earned United Way of Allen County’s top campaign award, called the Spirit of Giving Award. Fort Wayne Metals increased its employee participation by 16 percent – 83 percent of their employees made a pledge to United Way in the 2009-10 campaign. Since 2005, Fort Wayne Metals has increased the amount of campaign dollars it raises by 65 percent.
“One of the reasons Fort Wayne Metals does such an incredible job for United Way is because their leadership is committed to this community,” said Turpin. “Scott Glaze inspires people to help others and encourages employees to put together a great fundraising effort. I thank Scott and all the Fort Wayne Metals staff for setting such a wonderful example for our community.”
Several other awards were announced during the celebration. The Cornerstone awards are given to those companies that have at least 65 percent employee participation, follow campaign best practices and experience growth in their campaign. The Pillar of Support awards are earned by companies that have at least 50 percent employee participation, have campaign growth and also follow best practices. The winners are as follows:
Cornerstone Companies: Barrett & McNagny, CVC Communications, Do it Best Corp., Erie Insurance Group, Fifth Third Bank, Fort Wayne Metals, Indiana Michigan Power/IBEW 1392, Old National Insurance Group, Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company, Regal Beloit, Steel Dynamics, Inc. and UPS.
Pillar of Support Companies: Asher Agency, BF Goodrich/USW Local 715, Grabill Bank, Hylant Group, Indiana Stamp, Johnson Controls, Lupke Rice Insurance and Financial Services, The Bair CPA Group, Inc. and Tower Bank.
Other Awards: Outstanding Campaign Committee was earned by the Indiana Michigan Power/IBEW 1392 campaign committee, the Most Improved Campaign went to Johnson Controls with 317 percent growth in their campaign, the Outstanding Agency Partner award was earned by Turnstone Center for Children and Adults with Disabilities. The following individuals won the Day of Caring Golden Paintbrush award for exceptional work on a Day of Caring service project: Terri Bercot, Mark Futter, Rick Hullinger, Paul Lutteringer, Shirley Strope, Clair Trump, and Jean Vrabel.
At the end of the Community Celebration, Jerry Peterson was honored as the outgoing President and CEO of United Way of Allen County. Peterson is moving to California to start a new career.
“We are so grateful to Jerry for leading United Way for the past several years,” said Irene Walters, past Board Chair for United Way. “His vision and compassion have helped us accomplish great things and positioned us to do even more in the future.”
Peterson leaves his post as CEO on May 1, 2010. United Way’s Executive Committee is charged with finding his replacement and they hope to have that accomplished by the fall of 2010.
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