Richard Doermer Recipient of United Way Bill Latz Award for Leadership

FORT WAYNE (September 10, 2009) – Longtime Fort Wayne philanthropist Richard Doermer was honored with the United Way Bill Latz Award for Leadership September 8, 2009. The award was presented during United Way’s annual leadership reception at the home of Dick and Marni Waterfield.

Richard (Dick) Doermer and his late wife Weezie began volunteering for United Way in the mid-1950’s, when they helped with local fundraising efforts. He and his family foundation have made an annual gift to United Way of Allen County (and its predecessors The Community Chest and United Fund) for nearly 40 years. Mr. Doermer has included United Way of Allen County in his will, making him a member of the Beacon Society. He served in a number of roles for United Way, including Board Chair (1975 and 1976), Campaign Chair (1973) and Board Member Emeritus (current).

Mr. Doermer is a Fort Wayne native, South Side High School graduate and graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Cornell University law school. He is a veteran of WWII and the U.S. Navy.  He served as the bank president for Indiana Bank and Trust, Co. and retired after it eventually became NBD.

“Dick is a true community advocate,” said Julie Inskeep, a family friend who presented Mr. Doermer with the Latz award. “He loves Fort Wayne and shows that in a myriad of ways.  Luckily for us, he has chosen to work with the United Way for nearly 40 years. It is my honor to recognize him with this award.”

“Mr. Doermer has spent countless hours working to help local residents who struggle – with finances, family troubles, disabilities, education and other issues. His support for United Way has always been about what he could do to help others and in turn help our community be a better place,” said Jerry Peterson, president and CEO of United Way of Allen County. “On behalf of United Way and the many people our agency has served over the years, I want to thank Mr. Doermer for his incredible leadership and advocacy.”

The Bill Latz Award is 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 major donors for many years, and will have made other exemplary contributions to the organization.

Bill Latz passed away in December of 2007. His service to United Way of Allen County was extensive, including volunteering for the organization from 1942 to 2007. Latz served in almost every United Way volunteer capacity; he was the Board Chair, Campaign Chair and an Account Executive. 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.