For the past 52 years, the United Way of Indian River County has mobilized the caring power of our community in order to improve the lives of others. To honor their generosity and support, members of the Leadership Investment Society and Loyal Contributors were celebrated at a reception last Monday evening at the John’s Island Club.
Michael Kint, UWIRC CEO, explained that Leadership donors annually contribute more than $1,000 and up to $10,000, and Loyal Contributors are those who have given to any United Way for at least 10 years.
“We know how important the United Way is to this community and how deep its roots extend,” said Scott Alexander, regional president of Northern Trust, the event sponsor.
“I came back from the service in 1946 and started donating,” recalled Chuck Wurmstedt, a devoted supporter with wife Mary for 71 years. “I’ve been lucky all my life and felt I should help others.”
Norval Stephens, who with wife Diane has been part of the United Way family more than 60 years, shared, “One of the things I’m keen on is the cost of doing business. The best of the national foundations operates at a 6 to 16 percent range. We’re in the right range.”
Many of the donors said they appreciate the collaborative nature of the local member organizations, which helps them reach a broader audience.
“The United Way has always been a great place to share information and talk about bigger-picture issues,” explained Hope Woodhouse, UW Foundation board member, and John’s Island Community Service League first vice president.
“They have their finger on the pulse of the community.”
Giving a brief program, Kint introduced Antoine Jennings and Catherine De Schouwer, founders of the fledgling nonprofit Crossover Mission, noting, “They are a new agency, and the United Way doesn’t tend to motivate to programs that are young and new, but in them we saw a real potential to reach kids that were falling through the cracks.”
“I know what it’s like to be broken, lack hope and support,” explained Jennings, who was raised in Gifford without a positive male role model after his father was incarcerated for drug trafficking. Despite his talents as a basketball player, Jennings was on a similar path until being robbed at gunpoint. “I was laying there thinking about my whole life, the decisions I made, all the people that told me that I had so much potential and all the opportunities I missed.”
“When I met Antoine, he was 6-feet-5, with gold teeth and was wearing a do-rag. He was scary to me,” said De Schouwer
De Schouwer, who overcame her trepidation and unwaveringly pursued Jennings to coach her son.
Jennings and De Schouwer realized a joint passion to help children discover their self-worth.
“She has given me the opportunity to go back into the community to use a tool that I thought was worth nothing, basketball, to offer kids so much,” said Jennings.
“The work we do is vital for the long-term social and economic stability of our youth. There are over 1,500 children in our community that are not served by the existing programs,” added De Schouwer.
Kyle and Debbie Morgan, 2016-17 campaign chairs, closed the reception, giving their heartfelt outlook on the work of the United Way that collectively we can “change a life, a family, a community and a generation.”
