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United Way of Miami County 2008 History
It was a very interesting year for the United Way in 2008. We were able to close the campaign by December 31st and started the year with 117% of our goal from 2007. What an exciting time to be part of the United Way Board. Unfortunately things would turn for the worse as the economy fell into a severe recession. Locally was no exception as one factory closed and most others either laid employees off or cut hours. Gas prices started the year well over $4 a gallon and had most families under a cash flow crunch.
I have learned so much this past year as Board President. I knew it would be challenging following up such a successful year, and it was. We had a great Board with at one time 23 members which was one of the largest Boards in some time. As president I wanted to continue the path set before me but also make suggestions to lead to the future. Hopefully I served the board well.
**Board of Directors
We started the year with 23 Board members, the largest we have had in some time.
Unfortunately we lost members throughout the year due to job conflicts and commitment challenges
New Board Members included Dr. Andrew Melin, Melissa Magee, Sandy Chittum, Claire Smith and Jimmy Vincent.
**Board Highlights
The biggest highlight of the year would have been at the Resource Deployment meetings when we were able to allocate 100% to each agency.
We were also able to fund 6 special funding opportunities because of excess funds.
**2008 Kick-Off
Months of planning and what a day-the weather was perfect and everything went smooth. We had a great turnout for the Kick-Off which was a huge success.
Mike Siblisk provided food at his shop and was busy all day.
Most of the Board members attended and really showed what kind of dedicated board we had.
**Make a Difference Day
Weather caused this to be another wet M.A.D.D. Volunteers helped clean up around the toll house and other various clean up work through town.
Unfortunately attendance was poor and this day will most likely be moved earlier in the year
**Special Events
We really set a high goal for the Special Events committee. One type of event each month of the year was the goal.
The committee did a great job trying to meet this goal. Events held include; Easter Coloring Contest, Drug Card kickoff at Dukes Open House,
4-H Fair,Booth at Circus City Days, Campaign Kick-Off and a Christmas Tree Drive.
This committees focus is making sure the United Way of Miami County is out there in the public and represented in a positive manner.
**Agency Highlights
We had several agencies allow us to hold our monthly meetings at their place of business. They often provided lunch and was very informative and welcomed us with open arms.
The demand on all of our agencies was at high levels for most of 2008 and all but one agency stepped up and did the best they could do all year.
**2008 Campaign
The 2008 campaign set an extremely high goal due to the large amount raised in 2007. The goal was $420,000. A $90,000 increase from 2007.
Presentations were made at Square D, Bryan Steam, Peru High School and Maconaquah just to name a few.
The campaign had immediate challenges to overcome when we learned of Trelleborg closing and the loss of the Thrush-Thompson Foundation Gifts.
We worked towards expanding on the presentations to businesses and finding new and resourceful ways to raise funds in the future.
As of this we are currently at 73% of our goal.
**Office and Staff update
This year we were able to give Debi some help in the office. A part time administrative position was filled to answer phones and keep the office open when Debi had meetings.
Debi once again did a fantastic job running the United Way office. She was able to acquire multiple grants which provided much needed services for us without any cost to us. These include; Collaboration grant for advertising materials,new video used for the presentations and on our webpage.
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Fundraiser
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93.1%
of this year's
$300,000
Goal
has been reached!
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The United Way
of Miami County
13 East Main Street
Peru, IN 46970
Ph: (765) 473-4240
Fx: (765) 473-7567
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