United Way recognizes supporters
Banquet and awards ceremony celebrate 2003 campaign.
Lebanon Reporter

By MATT HENDRIX
Lifestyle Reporter

LEBANON — Supporters of the United Way of Central Indiana’s Boone County operations gathered at Ulen Country Club Wednesday for a luncheon and awards ceremony celebrating a successful 2003 campaign.

“I’m astounded at the turnout today, what the community cares about how they’ve carried out their campaigns,” said Katherine Saldaña, Boone County coordinator for United Way of Central Indiana.

The campaign raised $142,016.15 — 33 percent more than what was collected the previous year. That money will help six United Way agencies based in Boone County and dozens of others that have a presence here.

The six locally based agencies are Arc Rehab Services, Boone County Cancer Society, Boone County Senior Services, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Zionsville, the Lebanon Boys & Girls Club and Mental Health Association of Boone County.

During an awards ceremony, Saldaña and WRTV—6 meteorologist Paul Poteet, the event’s master of ceremonies, recognized businesses, organizations and individuals who played significant roles in the 2003 fund-raising campaign.

Campaign committee members for 2003 included Myles Hartwig of Edward Jones in Zionsville, Nicole Noonchester of the State Bank of Lizton and Brent Cardin of Arc Rehab. Retiring members Donna Krivacic of Vectren and Allen Woods of Edward Jones also earned recognition.

So did retiring United Way board members, Jeff Welty of Home National Bank, Lisa Latz John of the Community Foundation of Boone County and Ray Ingham of Witham Health Services. Cardin is another retiring board member.

New board members include Robert Taylor of the Lebanon Community School Corp. and attorney Tamie Morog.

-- Companies get nod for their efforts

Poteet joked that the amount raised during the campaign was the biggest figure he’d seen since he “accidentally opened (fellow Meteorologist) Kevin Gregory’s paycheck.” He then honored award recipients with a program that included a unique blend of recognition and humor.

Two big awards for “Campaign Excellence went to Gander Mountain and Wal-Mart store no.1275. Saldaña applauded the companies for encouraging volunteerism among employees and have corporate support for their local efforts.

In addition to donating money from individual paychecks, Gander Mountain employees donated money that was supposed to go to a company Christmas party to the United Way instead. Local Wal-Mart employees gave significant financial contributions that were matched by its corporate office.

Lebanon High School received an “Outstanding School” award. All six Lebanon Community School Corp. schools participated in this year’s campaign, but the high school stood out for having the highest percentage of employee giving.

Arc Rehab and Boone County Senior Services received “Agencies That Give Back” awards for running employee campaigns, participating in “Day of Caring” activities and providing opportunities for their clients and employees.

The State Bank of Lizton and National FFA Organization won “Spirit of Volunteerism” awards for consistently showing “they care not only about raising money, but about changing the community for the better,” Poteet said. “They put in ‘sweat equity’ along with dollars.” Both companies offer time off during the work day for employees to volunteer.

Other award winners included Boone REMC and Time Warner Book Group for “Campaign Achievement.” Poteet said the two companies receiving the award are huge community supporters.

“Many organizations, not just United Way agencies, ask repeatedly for support. These two companies always try to find a way to support them,” he said. “Not only do they support other groups, there support for United Way on a corporate level has been substantial and unwavering over the years.”

Kramer Lumber; General Cable; Parr Richey Obremsky and Morton; Hendrickson Trailer Suspension and Total Logistics Control were the five winners of “Campaign Leadership” awards. United Way saluted them for encourage giving by, among other methods, conducting group meetings, giving prizes for those attending group meetings, providing translators for employees that speak a second language and encouraging volunteerism.

Several people representing companies and organizations received individual recognition for their work as employee coordinators.

Marsha Haws of Hendrickson Trailer Suspension took home the “Coordinator of the Year” award. Saldaña credited Haws for believing in the United Way and teaching others about how United Way the touches lives of individuals in their community.

Alicia Fisher of Time Warner Book Group received a “Perseverance Award,” and Anita Davids of Excel Graphics got an award for “Outstanding Small Business Coordinator.” State Bank of Lizton’s Noonchester earned an “Outstanding Pacesetter” award, and Michelle Harmon of Arrow Electronics received a “Special Events” award. George Bulthuis of Total Logistics Control was awarded the “Outstanding First Time Coordinator” honor.

Saldaña said the luncheon and awards were a way to say ‘thank you’ to contributors and volunteers, but also provided a chance to celebrate all the United Way does in Boone County. Last year, more than half of all Boone County residents received some kind of service from at least one United Way agency, she said.

“It about a senior who can stay in their own home and maintain their independence; a person with disabilities who can get a job and hold it down, because someone was willing to train them... a cancer society client who can keep their dignity because of a wig or other support they receive,” Saldaña said.

The United Way coordinator also encouraged community members to work together and grow as Boone County’s population does the same.

“I challenge you all to work together and put aside differences that may have been here in the past,” she said. “As we grow, we have to be ready to extend our services.”

She urged those in attendance to support not just United Way agencies, but all of Boone County’s extensive not-for-profit network. She also reminded them that volunteer work can be just as valuable as financial contributions.

“An investment of your heart is a much bigger investment,” she said.