United Way of Logan County unveiled results from its 2015-16 campaign Wednesday at its LIVE UNITED Awards Luncheon at Café 212 in Bellefontaine, showing the effort raised $723,050 to help meet the local social service needs.
NetGain Information Systems and AcuSport Corporation took home the Traveling Trophies as our top honorees at the LIVE UNITED Awards Wednesday. From left, Mike Minnich and Meghan Williams of NetGain accept the Small Business trophy from Chad Wilkinson, while Nita Wilkinson awards the Large Business trophy to Acusport’s Shannan Stover, Megan Cauley, and Janet Siders. (PHOTO | UNITED WAY) |
The totals represent 100.4 percent of United Way’s $720,000 goal established last summer. This marks the fourth straight year of campaign increases and the most funds generated since 2006.
“It was amazing to see so many great campaigns and the generosity that everybody delivered here in Logan County throughout the season,” said Chad Wilkinson, who along with his wife Nita, served as volunteer co-chairs of the campaign.
“We were humbled by the experience. It was definitely something that we appreciate being a part of.”
AcuSport Corp. and NetGain Information Systems were awarded with the prestigious Traveling Trophies, representing United Way’s top honor for philanthropic achievement.
The trophies are annually presented to the workplaces with the highest giving per capita in two divisions: large business (100 or more associates) and small (fewer than 100).
AcuSport raised $91,360 in its fall campaign by using a number of internal giving incentives and a generous $453 average employee gift. NetGain’s campaign increased by 19 percent from a year ago, raising $13,008 among just 27 employees.
“There’s just a commitment to United Way that comes from the top and reaches every person here,” said Janet Siders, who accepted the trophy on behalf of AcuSport. “I appreciate their giving. Every dollar makes an impact.”
Twenty-seven workplaces earned a Gold Campaign Award for giving levels achieved this fall. These workplaces have 50 percent of their employees giving to United Way; have an average employee gift of $150 or more; or provide a 100 percent corporate match of employee giving.
Gold winners were AGC Automotive Glass, Bellefontaine City Schools, Belletech Corp., Citizens Federal Savings & Loan Co., City of Bellefontaine, Civista Bank, Consolidated Care Inc., Honda of America Manufacturing Inc., Honda Transmission Manufacturing, Humble Construction Co., Liberty National Bank, Logan County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Logan County Electric Cooperative, Logan County Family Court, Lutheran Community Services, PNC Bank, PowerBuilt Material Handling Solutions LLC, Precision Custom Products Inc., Rath Information Systems Inc., Smith Smith Montgomery & Chamberlain LLC, SpartanNash Co., Steve Austin’s Auto Group, Thompson Dunlap & Heydinger LTD, Transportation Research Center Inc., Universal Health & Hospice Inc., V-Teck Communications Inc. and World Class Plastics Inc.
Seven workplaces earned a Silver Campaign Award for having at least 40 percent participation; an average gift of $100 or more; or a $100 per capital corporate gift.
Honored were Logan Acres, Logan County Department of Job & Family Services, Mary Rutan Hospital. NEX Transport Inc., Ohio Hi-Point Career Center, Riverside Local School District and RTC Industries.
Six workplaces earned a Bronze Campaign Award for having at least 25 percent participation; an average employee gift of $52 or more; or a $52 per capita employee gift. Bronze winners were Benjamin Logan Local School District, Community Health & Wellness Partners, Green Hills Community, Indian Lake Local School District, the Kroger Co. and Midwest Regional Education Service Center.
Interim HealthCare Inc. and Thomas & Marker Construction Co. were awarded with a Good Neighbor Award for generous corporate gifts.
Monies raised already have been allocated for use within the community this year, with 26 programs of 21 local service agencies receiving quarterly United Way funding. Dollars were also set aside for additional agencies to apply for one-time grants.
Four new funded agencies are receiving United Way campaign dollars in 2016, including Community Action Organization’s tax preparation program, Meals-on-Wheels through LifeCare Alliance,summer lunches and back-to-school supplies at the Neighborhood Outreach Centers and senior rides via Transportation Logan County.
This is in addition to popular stand-bys such as Catholic Charities’ Second Harvest Food Bank, Lutheran Community Services’ Our Daily Bread, Warm Clothes for Kids, the Caring Hearts Hospice program of Universal Health, Logan County Cancer Society and more.
It’s the mission of United Way of Logan County to facilitate successful agency partnerships that enable a safe, healthy and caring community, Executive Director Dave Bezusko said.
More than just a fundraiser, United Way collaborates with businesses, non-profits, government and civic organizations to help meet the social service needs of the community, he said.
For more information, visit www.uwlogan.org or call (937) 592-2886.