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United Way Celebrates Success; Thanks Investors and Volunteers
Supporters of Char-Em United Way gathered June 17 to celebrate the success of its recent campaign, thank those involved, distribute community investment allocations to partner agencies, and make the annual John Newton Awards and Campaign Awards. The Celebration Breakfast was hosted by the Ozone Club at the Odawa Casino Resort.
United Way President, Bob Carlile, welcomed guests. He thanked everyone for their role in raising $337,842 in pledges and donations – a record amount for the local United Way. Carlile acknowledged the Board of Directors, other volunteers, and staff who worked on the fall United Way campaign. He thanked event sponsors: Odawa Casino Resorts; Northern Michigan Regional Hospital; North Central Michigan College; King Insurance Agency; and Petoskey Plastics.
Martha Lancaster, Executive Director, presented the Year in Review highlighting activities of United Way. She noted adoption and implementation of a three-year strategic plan as a significant accomplishment. A successful launch of the agency’s new Volunteer Connections program was also noted. She encouraged the guests to visit the United Way website to learn more about its activities. www.charemunitedway.org
“We are pleased to have raised 4% more funds than in the previous campaign, considering the economic challenges this past year,” said Lancaster. “It is clear that the community recognizes the impact that is made through a donation to Char-Em United Way – both through investments in programs of our Partner Agencies and through our strategic initiatives and projects.”
Campaign Co-Chairs, Dale Hull and Joanne Curtis were honored for their leadership, and campaign volunteers were acknowledged.
Donors to the United Way Leadership Circle were also noted for their significant support. These included 30 Businesses and Foundations and 107 Individuals/Families who made campaign gifts of $500 or more. The Tocqueville Society, honoring donors of $10,000 was begun during the past year, with 8 initial members. The Frey Foundation provided a challenge grant of $15,000, and many local businesses provided in-kind support.
United Way Business Partners, those businesses which conduct employee worksite campaigns, were also recognized. This year, 90 businesses, schools, and non-profit agencies of various sizes conducted worksite campaigns, and over 1,000 employees and retirees contributed $173,897 through payroll deduction and direct gifts.
Emcee Scott MacKenzie noted that workplace giving continues to be the mainstay of the United Way campaign, contributing over half the funds raised. “You may note some businesses missing from the list, and we’d love to help you start a workplace campaign next year.”
Savanah Zednicek, United Way Administrative/Program Assistant presented Campaign Awards to Business Partners and campaign volunteers. Eight campaigns were noted as new campaigns, with the “Community Builder” award. Sixteen earned the “You Raise Me Up Award” by increasing their giving by at least 8.4%.
Friendship Centers of Emmet County earned the “You’ve Got a Friend” award for best campaign of a partner agency. Fletch’s of Petoskey won the “When You Believe” award for the best first-year campaign. Lisa Hoyt earned the “Campaigner of the Year” award for her efforts as workplace campaign coordinator at the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce. Circuit Controls Corporation was honored with the “Outstanding Campaign” award for conducting a successful workplace campaign that greatly increased donor participation and an increase of 84% in funds raised.
Treasurer Barb Perreault announced the Community Investment Allocations of $168,175 made to 29 programs of 26 agencies, an increase over the amount invested last year. (List of Partner Agencies and Funded Programs follows.)
Donna Newton presented the annual the John Newton Awards for Excellence. The awards are named for her late husband who was a Char-Em United Way board president and volunteered his time and talents for many other local organizations. The award is given annually to both an individual and a company who, through their actions, gave significantly to the health and human services in Charlevoix and Emmet counties.
This year’s individual recipient is Mary Obzut. Obzut, a local hair stylist and business owner, was honored for her work with Project Connect, the Women’s Resource Center and other local causes and organizations.
The Petoskey High School Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) organization received the Organizational Newton Award. FCCLA conducted food and hygiene supply drives for Project Connect, volunteered at the Day of Caring as well as many other community service activities throughout the year. Advisor Barb Kennedy accepted the award.
Lancaster closed the meeting with a peek at upcoming activities. She encouraged those present to participate in the virtual Day of Action on June 21 by pledging to Give, Advocate, Volunteer. Those pledges can be posted on Char-Em United Way’s Facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/charemunitedway?ref=ts She also encouraged everyone to vote for Char-Em United Way in the Chase Community Giving contest on Facebook.
“If we win, the community wins,” Lancaster concluded.
For more information about Char-Em United Way contact: 231-487-1006 or info@charemunitedway.org.
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