United Way of Indian River County volunteers, corporate partners, torchbearers, board members and staff packed the Grand Harbor Golf Club last Thursday to celebrate the spectacularly successful 2015-16 United Way Campaign. This year’s campaign was co-chaired for the first time by seven powerhouse women – Kerry Bartlett, Susan Chenault, Janie Hoover, Katie Kirk, Leah Muller, Lenora Ritchie and Sue Tompkins.
As CEO Michael Kint began to introduce the “sensational seven,” a special UPS delivery arrived with several packages for the ladies. As they opened the boxes, seven oversized silver numbers floated out. Surprisingly, despite this year’s campaign goal of $2,955,000, none of the balloons represented the number two. Applause erupted when a three popped out, indicating that the total to date was a record-breaking $3,004,570.
“And the campaign is not over; the final cut-off is officially June 30th,” said Kint. “This is going to be a new challenge to sustain or top those numbers each year.”
Enthusiastic supporters congratulated themselves on a job well done, pleased that the United Way thermometers all over town will “raise the red” to indicate that the goal has been met. The local United Way has amassed close to $54 million since 1961, raising the bar each year since that initial campaign amount of $41,000. The first $1 million mark was achieved in 1995-96, and 10 years later they reached $2 million. Now, another decade later, the ceiling has been topped yet again.
“We thought that Michael might miss all of us,” said Tompkins as she presented Kint with a framed photo of the seven co-chairs on horseback. “It’s a picture of all of us because we know you are going to want to have it on your desk and cherish this forever.”
The seven have bonded their friendship over the years through annual vacations at dude ranches in the Midwest, and long before the sensational seven moniker took hold began calling themselves the “Giddy Up Girls.” The audience broke into laughter when Tompkins dubbed Kint an honorary “Giddy Up Guy” for always being there for them as they deluged him with hundreds of phone calls and emails during the campaign.
Next year’s campaign chairs, Kyle and Debbie Morgan, will have the difficult task of attempting to fill seven sets of shoes as they try to reach the next level, but with the help of the United Way’s exceedingly dedicated staff, hundreds of campaign volunteers and the generosity of the community, they hope to make it happen.
“It’s not only about the number,” said Tracey Segal, UW Campaign director, explaining that the night was all about thanking everyone for being involved in the campaign and celebrating the people who work within the numerous United Way community initiatives.
“We cannot do what we do without you,” said Kint to attendees. “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”