2020-2021

Spirit of Giving

3Rivers Federal Credit Union

United Way of Allen County’s highest award, the Spirit of Giving Award, recognizes a company that exemplifies what it means to LIVE UNITED. This company consistently gives back to the community it serves and fosters an environment of philanthropy within its organization.

The 2020 Spirit of Giving Award recognizes 3Rivers Federal Credit Union for their multiple successes this year, including an increase in their campaign of over $20,000. President & CEO Don Cates encourages his team members to contribute to the mission and to stay engaged with United Way year-round. Don sets a great example by serving in many capacities for United Way of Allen County including current Board Chair and Tocqueville Society member. 3Rivers Federal Credit Union has donated countless hours to further the mission of United Way of Allen County by participating in Over The Edge, Day of Caring, and several other volunteer events.

3Rivers Federal Credit Union receives this award because they understand that engagement and living the mission of United Way are vital parts of a strong workplace campaign.

 

 

OUTSTANDING WORKPLACE CAMPAIGN (LARGE)

Fort Wayne Community Schools & Fort Wayne Education Association

The 2020 Campaign Award Recipient for Outstanding Large Organization recognizes Fort Wayne Community Schools and the Fort Wayne Education Association for their dedication and accomplishments this year. Fort Wayne Community Schools adopted an all-virtual Mobile Cause campaign during the COVID pandemic. In this challenging time, they were able to increase their total giving over the prior year. They ran a best practices campaign by holding ambassador training and establishing ambassadors at each school. Dr. Mark Daniel, the Superintendent, supported the campaign by providing video messaging and letters of support for the United Way campaign.

Melanie Hall was the employee campaign coordinator and was instrumental in implementing a virtual campaign during the pandemic and raising more money than the previous year, this was her final year in her role, congratulations on your retirement Melanie!

 

 

OUTSTANDING WORKPLACE CAMPAIGN (MEDIUM)

Regal Beloit

The 2020 Campaign Award Recipient for Outstanding Medium Organization recognizes Regal Beloit for their multiple successes this year. Regal Beloit ran a best practice campaign including engaging United Way fundraising activities during the campaign that helped involve the employees. While employee pledges were down due to the pandemic, Regal Beloit stepped up for their community in this time of need. Regal Beloit was able to increase their corporate donation to make up for employee pledges.

 

 

OUTSTANDING WORKPLACE CAMPAIGN (SMALL)

Summit Brands

The 2020 Campaign Award for Outstanding Small Organization recognizes Summit Brands for their achievements this year.

Summit Brands provided a corporate match on all employee donations. They also allowed a United Way presentation at their outdoor all-employee meeting to talk about community efforts during the pandemic. They distributed UWAC packets to the staff to encourage giving and to keep United Way top of mind.

 

 

OUTSTANDING PARTNER AGENCY

Brightpoint

The 2020 Campaign Award Recipient for Outstanding Partner Agency recognizes Brightpoint for their dedication and accomplishments this year. Brightpoint uplifts our community with programs for children, youth, and families in order to remove the causes and conditions of poverty. With programs focused on educational opportunities, family stability, housing solutions, and community investment, Brightpoint is serving families and individuals in our area in the ways they need it most.

Brightpoint launched their first-ever virtual campaign and far surpassed their fundraising goal. Utilizing Best Practices, Brightpoint adapted to the virtual landscape brought about by COVID-19 and saw great success in a year of the unexpected. As an organization, they continue to challenge themselves and look for ways to grow as a community partner.

 

 

OUTSTANDING CAUSE CAMPAIGN (ORGANIZATION)

AEP Foundation on behalf of Indiana Michigan Power

Outstanding Cause campaign is a new honor given to a company that went above its normal giving to invest in a specific cause set forth by UWAC. This first-time honor goes to AEP Foundation on behalf of I&M for their significant contribution to Strong Neighborhoods via the Over the Edge event. AEP Foundation was not only a sponsor of this event and initiative, but their CEO also participated and raised funds internally for this cause.

 

 

OUTSTANDING CAUSE CAMPAIGN (INDIVIDUAL)

Kathy Callen and John Powell

Outstanding Cause campaign (Individual) is a new honor given to an individual or combined donor who went above their normal giving to invest in a specific cause set forth by UWAC. This first-time honor goes to Kathy Callen and John Powell for their significant contribution to the United Way Equity and Diversity Fund established on Giving Tuesday. Kathy and John not only donated to this cause but have specifically donated to many other causes on behalf of our community and are long-time Tocqueville Society Donors.

 

 

OUTSTANDING COLLABORATION

Women's Fund of Greater Fort Wayne

Outstanding Collaboration honors an organization that goes above and beyond to partner with UWAC to better serve the community that we love. This year’s honor goes to the Women’s Fund of Greater Fort Wayne for their partnership with Women United of Allen County an affinity group of United Way. The Women’s Fund seeks to improve the lives of Women and Girls and their collaboration with Women United will serve to strengthen both missions resulting in stronger, more unified efforts on behalf of our community. We are honored to offer dual membership options from both organizations and look forward to collaborating with the Women’s Fund for years to come.

 

 

MONIGNOR THIELE

H. Joseph Cohen, J.D.

We are grateful to award H. Joseph Cohen, J.D. with the 2021 Monsignor Thiele Award, an award that recognizes a committed United Way advocate. Joe Cohen is a partner at Barrett McNagny where his practice areas include Health Care Law Labor & Employment Relations, Litigation Services, and Biotechnology Law. Joe Cohen has spent a significant amount of his time giving back to his community, during this time he has served in many volunteer roles for United Way that include Board of Directors for nine years, Community Impact Committee member, Chair of the 211 Advisory Committee member, Emergency Relief Fund Advisory Committee member, and CEO Search Committee.

Joe’s passion for his community is shown through his servant leadership to Allen County. He is the Vice-Chair of the Board for Mad Anthony’s Children’s Hope House, Chair of the board for Easter Seals/ARC of Northeast Indiana, and is on the Indiana University – Fort Wayne Nursing External Advisory Board. Joe Cohen embodies what it means to Live United as he has shown his commitment to serving and leading his community, this is why he has earned the 2021 Monsignor Thiele Award.

 

 

OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY IMPACT

Paula Hughes-Schuh

The Community Impact Award recognizes Paula Hughes-Schuh for her dedication and leadership of the Recovery Site during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only did she successfully oversee the setup, daily operation, finances, and coordination of multiple vendors and community partners of the Recovery Site, but through her excellent business acumen, she was able to identify and implement significant cost savings to utilize community resources more efficiently.

Paula is receiving this award because of her commitment and work to eliminate barriers and improve care for the homeless population in our community who lacked access to essential resources to recover safely and with dignity from COVID-19. Her steady leadership during this public health crisis and her compassion for those she was serving are unmatched.

 

 

OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER

Ben Anderson

The 2020 Outstanding Volunteer Award recognizes Ben Anderson with Fox Contractors Corporation for his continuous efforts as the Volunteer Resource Coordinator for Day of Caring.

Ben is receiving this award because he has committed to assisting United Way of Allen County’s Day of Caring for 11 years. Ben works with numerous local and national companies to secure resource donations and in-kind services, which are vital to making Day of Caring a success each year. We are grateful to his company, Fox Contractors Corporation, for allowing Ben to take the time to prepare for Day of Caring with United Way. Due to his networks through his work, he is able to recruit other volunteers to assist as Resource Drivers and maintains excellent relationships with all partners.