INDIAN RIVER COUNTY – The United Way of Indian River County fundraising campaign is nearing the end and has already raised nearly $2.63 million – more than ever before in the organization’s 53 years. United Way volunteers officially thanked its campaign volunteers and donors with a celebration at Vero Beach Country Club.
Christie Loftus, United Way Board Chair, opened the evening’s remarks with nods to the event sponsor, HealthFirst Health Plans, and the organization’s Board of Directors.
Two young men, recognized as Andrew and James, shared their stories of homelessness as teens and how United Way funded programs helped move them into housing, school attendance, and jobs.
“I look out at you all and don’t recognize your faces but you’ve given me more than my biological family,” said James.
Campaign Co-Chairs Chad Morrison and Gerry Thistle shared the following highlights of the massive fundraising effort.
Elite Campaign Sponsors underwrote expenses keeping United Way costs at a minimum. A Campaign Cabinet was recruited to solicit donations in the areas of Business and Professionals, Residential, and Major Accounts, and 17 companies became Torchbearers, promising early results with a minimum gift of $12,000. Loaned Executives were recruited and given time off from local businesses to solicit more than 120 workplaces for corporate and employee support.
More than 40 new Leadership Investment Society donors added to those individuals giving $1,000 or more. Twelve new Alexis de Tocqueville Society contributors, (those giving $10,000 or more), helped make up the $850,000 brought in by that group.
The John’s Island community ran the largest residential campaign contributing $650,000. The Windsor and Indian River Club communities increased giving significantly.
Eight businesses and agencies stepped up to run new, workplace campaigns. Publix Supermarkets giving was up more than 14 percent, or $53,000 over last year. Piper Aircraft expanded its best practice campaign for a 35 percent increase over last year. Enterprise Leasing, Fellsmere Farms, SunUp ARC and CASTLE ran notably successful campaigns, and Brown & Brown Insurance ran their “That’s How We Roll” Bowl-a-thon for the third year of successful fundraising.
A direct mail campaign that included professionals, individuals and businesses collectively contributed $97,000. Gifts were handed out to the volunteers preparing the many thousands of pieces of mail that flowed out of the United Way office during campaign.
“Much to be thankful for and many people to be grateful to,” said Gerry Thistle, Campaign Co-Chair.
United Way CEO Michael Kint got to the heart of the work as he spoke to campaigners.
“I want to say my own thanks to you and let you know how important this campaign really is. Because of you, pregnant moms and families with young children are receiving healthcare, education and support; preschool children are getting quality care and learning; elementary students are receiving safe, effective, afterschool care and mentoring; teens are being inspired to community service, educational goals, and healthy growth and development; families are being supported with food, shelter and healthcare. Those living with substance abuse and domestic violence can get help, and the list goes on.”
He recognized partner non-profit agencies that actually carry out the direct services to people in need of help.
The Campaign Co-Chairs for the 2014-2015 Campaign, Mike and Leslie Swan, were introduced. United Way is already working through the process of deciding how to distribute the funds. One hundred community volunteers will study human service programs and make recommendations for funding. The United Way Board of Directors will make a final decision on 2014-2015 funding in May.
Soon after that, work for next year’s campaign begins.
United Way of Indian River County is encouraging people in the community to LIVE UNITED by donating to the annual campaign, helping spread the word about programs and services that help people in need, and volunteering their time and talent to a local cause.
For more information on how you can LIVE UNITED and help create a brighter future for those in need in the community, call (772) 567-8900 or visit www.unitedwayirc.org.