Header Image
United Way donors’ $1.36M impacting thousandsBy Julie Blum
julie.blum@theindependent.com Mar 21, 2019 Updated Mar 22, 2019
Set to the theme of “What Your Donation Looks Like,” the Thursday event at Riverside Golf Club gave a snapshot of what was accomplished last year. It also served as a way to recognize volunteers and hear from those impacted by the agencies backed by the United Way.
More than $1.36 million was raised through the annual United Way campaign. That money helps support 19 community partner agencies that serve thousands of people in Hall, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick counties.
A volunteer and business were given special recognition for their respective work during the fundraising campaign.
The “Be the ONE” Award was given to Jayne Smith of Aurora.
The honor is awarded to a person, group or business that shares time, talent and treasures with the community.
United Way President and CEO Karen Rathke said Smith embodies the words “community” and “giving back.”
“If there’s a board or committee at the local, county or state level, she is there,” Rathke said. “People want her to be involved because they know the value that she brings.”
Smith is a past chairwoman of the United Way campaign, has joined the organization’s board and actively volunteers with the Hamilton County community campaign team.
Chief Industries was given the “LIVE UNITED” Award. The business raised $110,000 and earned the top ranking among workplace campaigns.
“This is an organization we are truly passionate about. We understand that our success is dependent upon the communities that we reside in and how successful those communities are, so we take it very seriously,” said D.J. Eihusen, CEO of Chief Industries.
About 72 percent of the total campaign dollars came from workplace campaigns. A new Campaign Coordinator Award was created this year and was given to Abbie Hassett with Hornady Manufacturing. The business increased its overall giving by more than $9,000.
A traveling trophy that recognizes a business with at least 30 employees that recorded its biggest increase in campaign participation was given to Lutz. The business had participation grow by 22 percent and had an average per capita gift of $478.
Rathke said progress was made the past year on strategic goals that include influencing policy, expanding diversified funding streams, engaging volunteers and decreasing childhood poverty.
“Until we win this fight against childhood poverty, we need you to help us find new solutions to old problems, to mobilize the best resources, to forge new partnerships and to inspire more people to join this fight,” she said.
One way that was done was launching the first CommUNITY School at Lincoln Elementary School. The United Way partnered with the Grand Island School District to start the program there in December. It is designed to offer a hub of resources and opportunities for students, families and community members to access services to strengthen health and well-being, education and learning and financial stability through community connections.
“It’s not just about the ABCs anymore. It’s really about embracing children in all aspects of their lives and that expands to their families and their communities and their neighborhoods,” Rathke said.
Maureen Omen, principal at Lincoln Elementary, said the partnership between the United Way and the school district is helping to meet the needs of students and their families.
“Our goal is to empower our parents in working with their children and the community to ensure student success and improve the quality of life for their family,” she said.
Other highlights from the past year include the annual Go Big Give fundraiser — a 24-hour giving event organized by the United Way and Grand Island Community Foundation — that was deemed a success. The 2018 effort raised $676,066 and the goal this year is $1 million. The money goes toward nonprofits in Hall, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick counties.
Communities outside of Grand Island benefited from community impact grants awarded to Hamilton, Howard and Merrick counties. Each county received $10,000 that was used to help fund after-school, mentorship and meal-assistance programs, as well as other organizations and agencies.
The 2-1-1 Community Services Helpline received 830 calls in 2018. The service provides assistance to callers by directing them to resources ranging from basic needs to public information.
Also during the meeting, new board members were elected. They include Zack Ireland, Barrett Hahn, Kavir Saxena and Monisha Sood. Board members who retired are Dawn Taylor, Vince Hernandez and Joe Grabowski.