VERO BEACH — As United Way supporters, volunteers and partner agency representatives gathered Tuesday evening at Costa d’Este for an end of campaign thank you party, everyone agreed that they’re not calling it quits until two months from now.
“We are about 18 percent behind goal, even with what we know is coming in,” said Michael Kint, United Way of Indian River County CEO. “It’s still a good number, and it will go a long way towards helping a lot of agencies, but we’re not done. The campaign is not over yet; that’s what we’ve been messaging. The board will not make the final decisions on distribution allocation until May 15.”
The party, which marked the near completion of the 51st annual campaign, honored all those who have worked toward the goal, giving particular recognition to Torchbearers, Elite Campaign Sponsors, Campaign Cabinet members and Loaned Executives. Additionally, bright gold stars marked the Walk of Fame, honoring 19 companies which had 100% participation.
“You can tell by my accent that I came from Kansas,” joked Simon Caldecott, president and CEO of Piper Aircraft which sponsored the event. Caldecott explained, in his decidedly English accent, that prior to moving to Vero Beach, he resided for 15 years in what he called tornado alley. “We are very proud to be a sponsor of United Way and look forward to many years ahead.”
United Way board chairman Chad Morrison thanked 2011-12 campaign co-chairs, Don and Chris Loftus calling them, “This dynamic duo, fondly known as the Lofti.”
The couple instituted a number of new initiatives this year, including the successful Casino Royal Campaign Kickoff and a number of mini fundraisers. They also resurrected the Jawbones vs. Sawbones softball game, which will again be held May 5, and added 15 new residential neighborhood campaigns.
“I want to recognize first, the staff of United Way; we have really stretched them,” said Chris Loftus before reiterating with a big grin, “We’re announcing an amount tonight, but the fat lady isn’t singing ‘till May 15.”
Going along with a tropical beachside theme, Don Loftus and Chad Morrison flipped a colorful surfboard to reveal the impressive amount raised to date of $2,309,028.
While the dollar amount is just shy of their $2.5 million goal, overall participation in the campaign has increased, as have the number of lives touched through more than 40 partner agencies.
Chris Loftus spoke about the new “people-meters” that were placed around the county to focus on the number of people served rather than solely on dollars raised, and estimated that 65,000 lives were touched through partner agency programs and community initiatives out of a population of approximately 140,000.
Before announcing that they will be passing the baton for the 2012/13 campaign to Amy and Bob Brunjes, she gave special recognition to Publix Supermarkets, which had increased their contribution to $313,000. “You talk about a company committed to United Way!”
“Even though we’re a little short, we’re not done yet,” recapped Don Loftus. Referencing the years he spent in Texas, he added with a drawl, “Y’all need to give yourself some applause.”