Latz Honored with United Way Award - Friday, November 16, 2007

FORT WAYNE (Dec. 17, 2007) – Longtime Fort Wayne resident Bill Latz received the first “Bill Latz Award” from United Way of Allen County in late November.

Latz passed away December 9, 2007 at the age of 85.

Latz was given the leadership award during a recognition dinner Wednesday, November 14, 2007 at the United Arts Center.

“It is fitting that the first-ever Leadership Award from United Way of Allen County honors a man who teaches us with humor not to take ourselves too seriously; and with humility not to value ourselves too much; and with humanity to strive to leave the world a better place by the way we live,” said Marilyn Moran-Townsend, a United Way volunteer who presented the award to Latz.

The Bill Latz Award will be given only when a volunteer has provided extraordinary leadership and service to United Way of Allen County. Recipients will have provided 20 or more years of service to United Way, will be at least Platinum Level donors of $5,000 and above year after year, and will have made other exemplary contributions to the organization.

Latz had a long list of accomplishments, including serving as State Representative for four terms; Allen County Council President; Better Business Bureau Board Chair; Public Transportation Corporation Board Chair; Convention and Tourism Bureau board member; Civic Theatre board member, and Vice President of Arts United. Latz served in the United States Army, was a trustee of the Utility Center, Executive Director of the State Office Building Commission and operated one of Fort Wayne’s premiere department stores.

Latz’s service to United Way of Allen County was extensive. He began volunteering in 1942 and served in almost every United Way volunteer capacity; he was the Board Chair, Campaign Chair and an Account Executive. He served on the Leadership Circle Council, the Nominating Committee, the Task Force on Duplication of Services, the Panel Allocation Admissions, the Priorities Committee, the Reinvention Task Force and the Diversity Committee. He held the distinguished title of Board Director Emeritus and stepped in as Interim Director prior to the hiring of a permanent President and CEO in 1994. Latz and his wife, Danny, were Diamond Donors for more than 20 years.

United Way of Allen County works to build a stronger community by addressing the needs of people in the most effective manner possible and providing lasting change. Through the generosity and shared concern of the community, United Way secures resources to help support more than 70 services across Allen County. United Way priorities are services that improve success in school, promote family stability and meet basic needs while integrating diversity and inclusion efforts.

Contacts:
Rick Farrant, Director of Marketing & Communications, 422-4776, rickf@uwacin.org
Mary Tyndall, e-Communication Coordinator, 422-4776, maryt@uwacin.com