|
 |
|
|
 |
Back
April 26, 2008 10:00am-2:00pm - Kids Fair
December 15, 2008 - 3/3/08 Coloring Contest
Entries published on March 3, 2008 Peru Tribune - United Way of Miami Co. Easter Coloring Contest
January 23, 2008 - Victory Celebration!
July 14-19, 2008 - 7/2008 Circus Week
June 14-19, 2008 - 6/2008 4H-Fair Booth
November 28, 2008 - 12/2008 United Way Drive
November, 2008 - 11/2008 Essay Contest
October 25, 2008 - 10/2008 Make a Difference Day
October 27, 2007 - Make a Difference Day
Saturday, August 16, 2008 - 9/2008 Kick-Off
Winners to be announced on Thanksgiving - United Way Essay Contest
|
|
|
|
 |
|
This time it really hit home!
The United Way of Miami County has yet again beat its annual fundraising goal and collected more money than ever before. But the accomplishment has meant a little more this year to Debi Miser, the organization's executive director.
Each year Miser gives presentations about the United Way at local businesses, encouraging the employees to donate. The United Way helps to fund a number of local welfare, health and social service agencies.
"I always say you think it's never going to happen to you, you're never going to need the services the United Way provides," she said.
But this year Miser did need those services ‹ in the midst of dealing with her late husband Mike's battle with cancer, she called on Wabash-Miami Home Health Care and Hospice, a UW agency, for help. They helped her manage Mike's medications ‹ and perhaps more importantly ‹ offered her emotional support.
"They would call and ask how I was handling things," she explained. "They asked if I needed a break and also offered advice on what I needed to be prepared for down the road.
"It can hit anyone, at any time," she continued, speaking of the tragedies that United Way agencies support residents through. "One day my husband was healthy as a horse and the next he had stage four cancer."
Mike passed away in June 2007, a short nine-months after he was stricken with the disease.
Ever grateful for the assistance the agency offered, Miser said she is very thankful Wabash/Miami Home Health Care and Hospice is in Miami County for residents to take advantage of.
Sharing this first hand account with businesses helped her get across the point that the United Way makes a real difference.
The total of donations collected shattered this year's goal of $330,000 and amounted to $395,051, or 119.7 percent of that, the highest percentage of goal raised in the state.
"It just blows my mind," Miser said of the total.
A number of local companies stepped up to the plate and matched 100 percent of their employees' giving, including American Stationery, AmericanTrust Federal Savings Bank, Square D, American Express, Beacon Credit Union, Daw-Co, National City Bank, Koenig, Bob Schwartz, Guyer the Mover, First Merchants Bank, First Farmer's Bank and Trust and numerous other businesses, adding to the feat.
"Given the economy of the community, I think these companies really feel like they are contributing back to their employees," Miser explained.
The United Way of Miami County has increased its giving every year since 2000 and totals are up more than $143,000 since that time. Last year $348,000 was raised.
Miser said increased publicity was another attribute that contributed to the campaign's success. Events like a children's Easter coloring contest, a Thanksgiving essay contest, Make a Difference Day and the kickoff on the RiverWalk increased the United Way's visibility and allowed residents to see the different agencies and services available to them.
"It shows people that the United Way is a human resources agency that pulls from different directions to help you find the resources you need," Miser said.
Additionally, first-time volunteers were able to solicit donations from area businesses and workers that had never given before.
Dedicated volunteers and excellent leadership from Don Cates, this year's campaign chairperson, and other committee leaders also lead to the success, Miser said.
"Sometimes thank you is just not enough," Cates remarked. "The campaign cabinet is thrilled with our results this year ... just when we thought we may have hit a plateau, this wonderful community topped itself yet again. We cannot say enough how impressive this growth is or how proud this community should be of itself. I want to thank the thousands of donors, the great volunteers and our agencies for such a wonderful year ‹ you have truly given many lives a lift."
"We want the whole community to celebrate," Miser said, noting the record-breaking total was raised in the year of the United Way's 50th anniversary. "This ensures that help will be there for citizens when they need it."
The United Way always needs new volunteers to work in the office, help with fundraising campaigns or serve on the Board of Directors. For more information, call (765) 473-4240.
|
|
|
Fundraiser
|
119.7%
of this year's
$330,000
Goal
has been reached!
|
The United Way
of Miami County
13 East Main Street
Peru, IN 46970
Ph: (765) 473-4240
Fx: (765) 473-7567
|
|
|
|
