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THE MATTERHORN WAS FLOCKED BY SUPERHEROES
November 12 2009
THE MATTERHORN WAS FLOCKED BY SUPERHEROES
ELKHART- Today, United Way of Elkhart County honored a community of superheroes at their annual awards luncheon. Master of Ceremonies’, Pam Hluchota (Key Bank) began by quoting the Webster’s Dictionary definition of a “Superhero” stating “a fictional hero having extraordinary or superhuman powers” in which she announced Webster’s was wrong “as today we see that there is nothing fictional about the (superheroes) we are recognizing”.
For over 25 years the United Way has recognized outstanding service to the Elkhart County Community by awarding the Arthur J. Decio Volunteer of the Year award. This award, named after him was presented to Carla Darr by Mr. Decio. Darr who works for Elkhart Community Schools coordinated a free evening tutoring program at school and coordinated the first ever United Way Daly Reading Camp this past spring. This program used 100 community volunteers to work in teams of 3 to tutor students in grades first through third on improving reading skills. The success of the program and the unique collaboration of community members helped Mary Daly and CARES receive a 2010 Indiana Youth Initiative (IYI) award.
Linda Rothrock (Harvest Basket For Community Services) presented on behalf of the United Way, three “Golden Egg” trophies to the municipalities of Elkhart City (most food raised) and Goshen City (most money raised and most food raised per capita) for their contributions during the National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive in May.
Dick Paulen (Barnes & Thornburg) awarded the inaugural LIVE UNITED Award. This special award is given to individuals who through team work, going above and beyond the call of duty and through determination have improved the lives of people in Elkhart County.
On behalf of the United Way and the Board of Directors, Paulen presented Mike Keim and Mike Cataldo of the United States Postal Service with the LIVE UNITED award for their dedication and work on the NALC Postal Food Drive. This year over 144,000lbs of food was collected in one day and was placed on the shelves of local food pantries by the next business day.
Representatives from 1st Source Bank presented to Alex Strati a check from the proceeds of their “Community Spirit Days”. During the months of August-October, 1st Source donated $10 to United Way for every checking account they opened. Heading up the annual United Way fund raising campaign for the past two years is Alex Strati (Old National Bank).
Alex announced that this year’s campaign was run differently from the beginning. The volunteers and staff were committed in making small strides through increasing various areas of the campaign by 10%. A Community Incentive Raffle was established with great support from three corporate partners (Tom Naquin Auto Group, Menno Travel and Martin’s Super Markets).
And the United Way Staff hit the pavement and took hands on approach to managing the campaign. Strati stated that “it’s paying off”. The United Way has currently raised over $1.1 million dollars with 58% of the campaign still left to wrap up in the next week. “There has been an increase in employee giving, corporate giving and community philanthropy.”
Strati recognized two groups including companies whose fundraising campaigns increased “$10,000 Plus”.
- ADEC
- Elkhart Community Schools
- Utilimaster
- Heartland RV
- Earthway Products
- NIBCO
- ADEC
- Bimbo Bakery
- Earthway Products
- Nappanee City Employees
- Walnut Hill Early Childhood Development Center
- TR Arnold and Associates
- Elkhart County Employees
Strati announced that these companies will receive special recognition once the campaign is finished as they anticipate more companies being added to the list. The homage to superheroes completed with a keynote address from Mr. Jack Cittadine on the spirit of Elkhart County.
The United Way campaign will complete on November 20th. The United Way offices will be moving to 601 CR 17, Elkhart on November 23rd.
WHY LIVE UNITED.
When we reach out a hand to one we influence the condition of all.
When you give to the United Way, you're lending a hand to your neighbors, family and friends who live right here in Elkhart County.
When we LIVE UNITED... Elkhart County does more... it's that simple.
EDUCATION.
Helping children and youth achieve their potential.
- Kindergarten Readiness
Readiness to succeed in school means children enter kindergarten developmentally on track. - Elementary Readiness
Reading on grade-level by fourth grade means elementary students are prepared to succeed in later grades and to graduate from high school - High School Graduation
Academic achievement is reflected in one-time high school graduation rates
Click here to see how we're meeting these goals.
INCOME.
Promoting financial stability and independence.
- Adult Education
How can adults best engage with post-high school learning opportunities to, in two years or less, move from a low-skill job to a middle skill job? - Financial Literacy
How can a family best learn the fundamental money skills they need to successfully meet their basic needs? - Savings & Assets
How can a family best develop the assets they need to remain financially stable during changes in income, illness or other events.
Click here to see how we're meeting these goals.
HEALTH.
Improving people's health.
- Dental
Untreated dental health problems interfere with the ability to learn, eat and work. - Hunger
If a person is hungry, everything else in life becomes a challenge. - Medical Self-Advocacy
How can a family best learn the fundamental skills they need to successfully navigate a difficult diagnosis?
Click here to see how we're meeting these goals.
