INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — At an End of Campaign Thank You party Tuesday evening, United Way 2012-13 campaign co-chairs Amy and Bob Brunjes announced that an impressive $2,476,591 has been raise to date – happily adding that a $10,000 check received just that evening from an anonymous donor, brought the amount even closer to the ambitious $2,525,000 goal.
United Way supporters and staff, volunteers and partner agency representatives gathered at the Vero Beach Country Club to celebrate and thank one another for the remarkable community wide fundraising effort.
As Yogi Berra famously said, “It ain’t over ‘till it’s over,” and in this case, the campaign will continue until the May 21 board meeting when final decisions will determine distribution allocations.
With a successful end clearly in sight, the mood was one of celebratory camaraderie for a job well done.
The event was underwritten by Health First Health Plans, a Brevard County based integrated health system, soon opening a Miracle Mile location.
“Bob and Amy Brunjes have worked their fannies off,” said United Way chief development officer Michelle Malyn.
“They were ever present; both of them have major responsibilities, but yet they found the time to devote to the campaign. I really have to commend them.”
Roger Smith remarked on the intergenerational aspect of United Way saying, “For as long as I can remember I’ve been a United Way supporter; it’s a great organization. My father was involved with United Way and it just carries on.”
The event honored everyone involved in the massive effort, giving particular recognition to Leadership Investment and Alexis de Tocqueville Society members, who together donated more than $1 million, and to Leadership Torchbearers, Elite Campaign Sponsors, Campaign Cabinet members and Loaned Executives
“We did very well,” said Michael Kint, United Way of Indian River County CEO. “We’re seven percent ahead of where we were this time last year. It’s all good.”
Board president Gerry Thistle welcomed guests saying, “We talk about “Living United.” It means taking your time, your treasure and your talent and advocating for United Way so that the whole community can benefit.”
Spotlighting a successful partner agency program, Thistle introduced a trio of poised young ladies who participate in the Gifford Youth Activity Center’s After School Education Program, noting that 95 percent of program participants complete their homework before heading home, and 98 percent improve their grades.
“To be in the room with so many caring and generous people is humbling,” said Amy Brunjes, external affairs manager at Florida Power and Light.
“I’m coming out of this as blessed as the people we help.”
“It was really an honor and a privilege to work with people who have such a passion for the campaign,” said Bob Brunjes, president and publisher of Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers.
“The fact that Amy and I had a chance to do this together was a bonus; we really enjoyed that.”
The pair shared numerous campaign highlights, giving special recognition to Publix Supermarkets, for contributing a particularly noteworthy $373,000; $210,000 from employees.
“Changing people’s lives has always got to be our top goal,” said Kint.
Thanking the Brunjes he added, “The success of this campaign is due to their leadership and the teams they put together.”
At the conclusion of the evening, the couple announced that Chad Morrison, president of Florida Floor Fashions and a former United Way board chairman, has stepped up to chair the 2013-14 Campaign.