UNITED WAY 'FAMILY FEUD': For United Way, ‘Family Feud’ is good way to start the day

For United Way, ‘Family Feud’ is good way to start the day
 
By Jeff Bahr
 
By competing in a game of “Family Feud” Wednesday morning, two groups of people demonstrated that the path to success is a united way.
The game was part of the Heartland United Way’s Pacesetter Kickoff, held at Tom Dinsdale Automotive. Two groups of five competed against each other in the game. One was called the Hoggatt family, in honor of First National Bank president John Hoggatt. The other was headed by Mark Miller. Will Armstrong, as emcee, played the role of Steve Harvey on the television game show.
 
“We’re going to compete for some awesome prizes, maybe some fake money, and a whole lot of fun,” Armstrong said.
Participants were asked the best ways to increase employee participation in the campaign. Another question asked for ways to put fun in fundraising.
 
The game came down to the final question, which pitted Hall County campaign chairman Ron Depue against Kody Hoover of Hornady Manufacturing. Team Hoggatt brought home the championship.
The survey says the “Family Feud” game was lively and fun. It was slightly unusual, though, to play the game before 10 a.m.
 
About 75 people attended the kickoff, which began at 8:30. The “Family Feud” game fit within a ‘70s theme, chosen because United Way is in its 70th year.
The most somber moments of the gathering belonged to a woman named Jessie, who has been helped by Heartland CASA twice. Jessie said her three sons were taken from her five years ago because of her addiction. At that time, she thought CASA volunteer Mindy Moyer was against her, trying to separate her from her children. Her opinion of Moyer changed, though.
“She has taught me to believe in myself,” she said. Moyer showed her “the life I was living wasn’t worth it.”
 
Moyer has continued to spend time with Jessie’s boys, even after the case was closed. “I love her boys. I feel like I have a relationship with them,” she said.
Moyer said she’s proud of Jessie and the progress she has made. “She really, really has turned her life around,” she said.
Moyer believes if you can save just one child “you have saved so much.”
 
In his talk, Hoggatt said that 75 percent of the Heartland United Way campaign is generated by people from Pacesetter businesses.
“The corporate giving in this community is second to none, and I’m really proud of that,” he said.
 
The businesses with the top 25 workplace campaigns each year are named Platinum Pacesetters. Gold Pacesetters are businesses that have at least 50 percent participation in the workplace campaign, have 10 or more employees and per capita giving of $50 or more.
 
The group was also addressed by Todd Price, chairman of the United Way board. Price said United Way officials work hard to make sure the money donated is spent wisely. He also said the people in the room have a lot of influence with their staffs and co-workers.
Heartland United Way employees showed attendees some of the new tools and resources “they have available to have successful campaigns,” Karen Rathke, president and chief professional officer, said in an interview. They also demonstrated “how you can have fun. When people are informed and engaged, they’re going to be more apt to support the United Way,” she said.
 
For the first time, Tom Dinsdale Automotive is donating two cars at one time to the United Way campaign. Those who contribute at least $270 will have a chance at winning one of two 2014 Hyundai Genesis sedans. Winners will be selected Dec. 15. For one of the cars, the person whose name is drawn must be present to win.
 
In addition to Depue, the area campaign chairs are Jayne Mann of Hamilton County, Judy Dugan of Howard County and Donna Jorgensen of Merrick County.
Others at the gathering included Brenda Olsen and Valerie Roth. Olsen, who works at Principal, is the United Way’s loaned executive for three months. Roth, a Wood River native, just started a one-year stint as Heartland United Way’s AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer. She will specialize in helping those in poverty.