FORT WAYNE (May 14, 2009) – Indiana Michigan Power and members of IBEW 1392 have captured United Way of Allen County’s top award, the Spirit of Giving Award. This honor is given to campaign partners who excel in every area – percentage of participation, per capita giving and campaign growth. Awards were announced during a United Way celebration event May 4, 2009.
Seventy-four percent of Indiana Michigan Power employees took part in this year’s United Way campaign, with the average gift just under $200. Indiana and Michigan Power raised 19 percent more in the 2008-09 campaign than in the previous campaign. The Spirit of Giving trophy was created by local sculptor and United Way supporter Will Clark.
The Most Improved Campaign award went to OmniSource Corporation. OmniSource offered a dollar-for-dollar match for employee gifts for the first time in the 2008-09 campaign. This helped the company’s campaign total grow 195 percent and increase employee participation by 75 percent.
“We are so grateful to Indiana Michigan Power, OmniSource and the more than 300 local businesses and organizations that run United Way fundraising campaigns,” said Jerry Peterson, president and CEO of United Way of Allen County. “These campaign partners truly care about the people of this community and providing the social services that support basic needs, family stability and academic success for local students.”
United Way of Allen County’s 2008-09 annual workplace campaign brought in $4.7 million, approximately $100,000 under the previous workplace campaign total. More than 300 area businesses and organizations ran campaigns to help support social service programming at 37 local non-profit agencies. In addition to workplace campaigns, United Way of Allen County brought in almost $1 million in grant dollars last year.
“Given the difficult economy, I am thrilled that the community stepped up and helped us raise almost the same amount as last year,” said Ron Turpin, volunteer Campaign Chair. “People understand that United Way is one of the best ways to help people who are hurting and support local social services. I want to thank local residents for joining us in building a stronger community.”
Four area organizations were also honored with Outstanding Workplace Campaign awards. They are:
· 1-50 employees: Steel Dynamics Headquarters
· 51-250 employees: Old National Insurance Group,
· 251+ employees: STAR Financial Bank and
· Community organization: Fort Wayne Community Schools.
Four organizations were honored with an Outstanding Campaign Coordinator or Committee award. They are:
· 1-50 employees: Hylant Group, coordinator Jan D. Evrard and her committee,
· 51-250 employees: Regal Beloit, coordinator Tom Digate and his committee,
· 251+ employees: Superior Essex, coordinator M. Susana Worth and members her committee and
· Community organization: Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority, coordinator Ray Young and his committee.
Organizations receiving honorable mentions for Outstanding Campaign include: Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Lake City Bank, Momper Insulation, Lincoln Financial Group, Do it Best Corp., Medical Protective, Turnstone Center for Children and Adults with Disabilities and Neighborhood Health Clinics, Inc.
United Way of Allen County is an inclusive community leader that brings people together to find effective solutions to vital issues. As an effective fundraiser, United Way helps ensure a broad range of services that includes more than 70 programs and other strategic efforts to improve lives.
