TERRE HAUTE —
The United Way of the Wabash Valley launched its pilot campaign Wednesday, with 20 companies aiming to jump start the fundraising en route to the 2012-13 goal of $1.86 million.
That goal is $10,000 higher than last year, said campaign Chairwoman Claudia Tanoos, who said the United Way has reached its goal for the last two years.
“You are setting our barometer and know that the need continues … the bottom line is we need money, we need dollars,” Tanoos said, in order to fund 60 programs and 33 agencies the United Way supports annually in six counties — Vigo, Sullivan, Clay, Parke, and Vermillion in Indiana and Clark County in Illinois.
Tanoos spoke as part of the pilot campaign kickoff — which gives 20 companies the chance to get the fundraising ball rolling over the next six weeks — on the campus of St. Mary-of-the-Woods College. The pilot campaign companies are Ampacet, Bemis, the city of Terre Haute, Clabber Girl, Duke Energy, Dupont, Elanco, Fifth Third Bank, Forrest Sherer Insurance, Novelis Corp., Old National Bank, Old National Insurance, real estate division comprised of Realtors in six counties, Riddell National Bank, Terre Haute Saving Bank, TRW, UAP Clinic, Union Hospital, Vectren and WTWO/WAWV.
The pilot campaign accounted for 40 percent, just less than $1 million, of the United Way’s goal last year.
Dottie King, president of St. Mary-of-the-Woods College and a member of the United Way’s board of directors, said she believes that organizations, like people, have a responsibility to give back to the community.
“You represent that attitude of giving back to the community,” King said at the kickoff. She then quoted Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, founder of the college, adding, “We are not called upon to do all the good possible, only that which we can do.”
Troy Fears, executive director of the United Way, said the agency has been selected by the Indiana Association of United Ways for matching grants, up to $190,000, on any new money raised.
“We had something similar to this two years ago,” Fears said. “It applies to any new gift of over $50, so any new gift up to a $500 increase, there is a 50-cent match. But, if someone gives over $500, it is a dollar for dollar match,” he said.
“So if you gave $1,000 last year, and give $1,500 this year, the $500 additional this year will be matched with $500, for a total of $2,000” coming to the United Way of the Wabash Valley, Fears said.
Fears said matching funds will be used for a community health initiative and a new program called family teaching kitchen, where the United Way will go to community centers to teach families how to make healthy meals, giving recipes and ingredients for the meals. The money also will go to expand a mobile market from Catholic Charities that brings fresh foods to different neighborhoods and communities. Both programs are still in the initial stages. “We don’t have a full-fledged plan yet as we don’t yet have the funds,” Fears said.
In addition, like last year, a person who donates $50 or more in new money will be entered into a drawing for a new Chevrolet car. The United Way is to announce details of that program today.
Howard Greninger can be reached at (812) 231-4204 or howard.greninger@tribstar.com.
Local & Bistate
Related Photos
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Tribune-Star/Joseph C. Garza A giving community: United Way of the Wabash Valley Executive Director Troy Fears explains how funds raised by the community help the community during the kickoff for the organization's pilot campaign Wednesday at St. Mary-of-the-Woods.
Discussion
United Way pilot campaign kicks off
Wabash Valley initiative aiming for $1.86M goal
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