INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Mike and Leslie Swan, Susan Adams, and Michael Kint were headliners at the United Way Thank You event celebration at Vero Beach Country Club on Monday evening. The amount raised to date for the organization’s 2014-2015 annual campaign was announced as $2,791,065.
Michael Swan, a partner in the firm Rossway, Swan, Tierney and Barry, and his wife Leslie Swan, Supervisor of Elections, Indian River County, led teams of volunteers and raised the highest contribution total in United Way history. “We only have time to share highlights here tonight, but, it’s been a fantastic campaign demonstrating incredible philanthropy in Indian River County”, Mr. Swan said.
Highlights of the campaign included: Publix Supermarkets in Indian River County with the highest total contributions and the highest per capita giving out of 262 stores and 27 different districts in their region; 62 new donors giving $1,000 or more each brought in $88,650; and Tocqueville Society members, (those who contribute at least $10,000 annually), contributed $972,684 or 34.6% of total dollars raised.
Michael Kint, CEO, United Way of Indian River County thanked volunteers in community service such as Volunteer Income Tax Assistance preparers, Citizens Review Process teams, and those that serve on boards and committees. “We can’t thank everyone individually,” Kint said, “but I know that most of you support us with your time and treasure whether it be in fundraising or community service, you know who you are, so please accept our heartfelt thanks.”
Susan Adams, Mayor of Fellsmere and United Way Board Chair-elect, introduced the evening’s presenting sponsor Andrew Weintraub of Health-First Health Plans & Insurance.
The Edden Family provided music and their story of how United Way programs have stepped in to provide educational opportunities, a family priority.
Leslie Swan gave a rousing cheer for the 2015-2016 “sensational seven.” The seven ladies that have taken on the commitment to lead next year’s campaign include Kerry Bartlett, Susan Chenault, Janie Graves Hoover, Katie Kirk, Leah Muller, Lenora Ritchie, and Sue Tompkins.
United Way is already working through the process of making decisions on fund distribution. Non-profit agencies have submitted grant requests; more than 100 community volunteers will study human service programs and make recommendations for funding; and the United Way Board of Directors will make a final decision on 2015-2016 funding in May. Soon after that, work for next year’s campaign begins.
United Way of Indian River County invites people to get involved by helping others. Go to www.volunteerindianrivercounty to learn about local opportunities for service. For more information about United Way or to give online, visit the website at www.unitedwayirc.org.