Thank you, gracias, merci, grazie, arigato, danke, spasiba and mahalo – the message came through loud and clear at the United Way of Indian River County Thank You Celebration last Wednesday evening at the Quail Valley River Club.
With much to celebrate, Team Marine co-chairs Mary Cone, Georgia Irish, Bill Penney and Kim Prado announced that with three months left in the 2017-2018 campaign, they have reached 97 percent of the $3,040,000 goal.
The amount is a far cry from the $41,000 raised in the first campaign 57 years ago which supported nine agencies in a county with a population of 26,000. Today the local United Way serves a population of more than 151,000 through 30 traditional funded partners and six initiatives. Overall it has raised more than $60 million to help fund agencies that serve the community.
Stars were scattered about the tables highlighting community contributions and hammering home the message that Team Marine had “a little help from their friends,” including the 17 Torchbearers, 18 Elite Campaign Sponsors and 72 Alexis de Tocqueville members who donated a collective $1 million.
“Tonight is our opportunity to pay tribute to all of you who give, who advocate and who volunteer on behalf of your community and United Way. Thank you for living United,” said UWIRC CEO Michael Kint. “Tonight we celebrate a successful and a fulfilling year of mobilizing the caring power of our community.”
He noted that they are focusing their key efforts in the areas of education, health and financial stability by “bringing people together; fostering partnerships and collaborations that strengthen and improve conditions throughout the community.”
Rather than focus on the dollar amount of the campaign (locally the third largest), Penney said, “I want to talk about something that’s much more important and less numerical, and that’s the people. People, groups, organizations and community members have donated their time, energy and influence with the United Way to make our community a better place.”
Team Marine co-chairs noted that team members gave presentations at 114 workplaces and stuffed thousands of letters in direct mail campaigns. Publix continues to set the bar high, raising a record $587,482.
Jeff Schlitt, UW board chair-elect, said that the $3 million raised provides much-needed services and programs for local residents.
“Volunteers who serve on our Vision Councils and Citizens Review Panel, evaluate these needs, examine existing services, study best practices and look at the strengths and weaknesses of our system and ultimately make funding recommendations,” said Schlitt.
Additionally, their Volunteer Assistance Income Tax program has made a significant impact on local taxpayers’ “bottom line.” He said that since January, 21 volunteers have prepared almost 800 tax returns and collectively will bring over $1 million back to local taxpayers.
Donations will be accepted until June 30, when the campaign officially ends. To help them cross the finish line join United Way supporters at the fifth annual Jackie Robinson Celebration game on April 15 or the May 5 Citrus Classic golf tournament.
Kint also announced and introduced the 2018-2019 campaign co-chairs, Randy and Marge Riley with Kip and Mary Jacoby.
For more information, visit unitedwayirc.org.
Photos by: Denise Ritchie
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