News

We Kicked It Off...

August 20 2009

MIDDLEBURY, IN-  The United Way of Elkhart County launched their 88^th annual fundraising campaign today at the Essenhaus and Conference Center in Middlebury.             

Campaign Chairman Alex Strati (Old National Bank) announced that the 2009-10 campaign theme “Reach out a Hand to one and Influence the Condition of All… That’s how we LIVE UNITED” is the essence of the United Way’s campaign strategy.  A strategy that relies on the “Power of 10%”.  Campaign organizers and volunteers believe by increasing efforts by as little as 10% the impact will be incredible.  Therefore, corporations who give an annual corporate gift are being asked to consider giving 10% more.  Donors who “lead the way” through leadership gifts of $1,000 or more are also being asked to consider increasing their gifts by 10%.            

As a way to encourage new donors, the United Way of Elkhart County has launched a brand new Community Incentive Raffle.  Strati announced that anyone who gives $3 or more a week to the United Way campaign will be eligible for one of three prizes which were generously donated by three corporate friends.  The drawing will take place on December 7^th, 2009.  Prizes include a new Chevy Aveo donated by Tom Naquin Chevrolet-Nissan-Cadillac, Inc.,  a seven night all expenses paid Royal Caribbean cruise sponsored by Menno Travel and $2,000 in free groceries donated by Martin’s Super Markets.                            

In the wake of a difficult economic situation in Elkhart County, Phil Penn (Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce) spoke to the group about the resilient spirit of Elkhart County.  He outlined news headlines from the past several years.  Noted that “people” claim the RV business will never come back and that Elkhart County will become a ghost town.  “They don’t know us.  They don’t know the spirit of the people who live here.”  Penn highlighted companies in the community who have passionately supported the United Way during the past year.  Clearly communicating that in Elkhart County, we continue to move forward despite the challenges we face.              

Capt. Steve Woodard (Salvation Army, Elkhart) reflected on the collaborative nature of United Way.  While United Way is best recognized for their financial support to area non-profits; the United Way also brings people together to address situations in our community that are not being addressed through the current social service structure.  The work of the United Way goes beyond filtering money into existing social service agencies.  The United Way offers opportunities for everyone to give, advocate and volunteer.  

Major Jason Pollom closed with a benediction quoting Bono (lead singer from U2) “God is in the slums, in the cardboard boxes where the poor play house… God is in the silence of a mother who has infected her child with a virus that will end both their lives… God is in the cries heard under the rubble of war… God is in the debris of wasted opportunity and lives, and God is with us if we are with them.”            

 The event ended with the debut of the 2009 campaign video.  Individuals wishing to learn more about the United Way should visit www.unitedwayec.org