Under the leadership of 2015 Chairpersons Andrew and Amy Donahoe, United Way exceeded its most recent annual campaign goal. Mr. Donahoe is manager of administration at KTH Parts and Mrs. Donahoe is director of hiring and employer services at Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce.
The United Way of Clark, Champaign and Madison Counties has announced that “through the tremendous generosity of Champaign County residents,” the 2015 United Way Campaign topped its goal of $237,000. More than $296,000 was raised in Champaign County. The dollars raised will be allocated to nonprofits that provide programs to those living in Champaign County. For over 25 years, Champaign County residents and businesses have supported United Way, according to information provided by campaign organizers. Programs funded have included pre-kindergarten readiness, shelter for the homeless and victims of domestic violence, income tax preparation assistance, food assistance, senior services, counseling, youth leadership and support for those experiencing the impact of cancer.
United Way works with agency partners, government, businesses and community leaders and donors to solve problems that are too complex for any one entity alone to tackle.
Mr. Donahoe reported that the top 10 giving companies in Champaign County were Honda of America, KTH Parts Industries, Nationwide Insurance, Community Mercy Health Partners, Civista Bank, The Peoples Bank, Kroger Company, Champaign County Employees, Honeywell and Orbis. These 10 workplace and employee campaigns generated over 80 percent of the amount raised. Mr. Donahoe thanked everyone who donated to this year’s campaign. Mrs. Donahoe remarked that no gift is too large or too small. A gift of just $1 day or $52 a year provides 10 families with groceries for a week, one night of shelter or an hour of counseling for a child in need. Donors can be assured that every gift received (unless designated to go outside the county by the donor) stays in Champaign County to impact those basic issues of health, education and income.
President’s Award
The President’s Award was presented to Larry Goings, manager of the EHS department and acts as the safety director for the KTH companies throughout North America. The President’s Award recognizes outstanding volunteer involvement and commitment to United Way. For over 10 years, Goings has been the employee campaign chair at KTH Parts Industries. Goings’ caring spirit and generosity extend far beyond United Way. He has organized associate teams for local river clean-up activities, Habitat for Humanity builds and other community activities. He has also organized internal events at KTH Parts Industries to raise money for needy families and organizations in our community, including Adopt-A-Family and others.
Spirit Award
The Spirit of United Way is awarded to an individual or an organization that has made extraordinary efforts to support United Way in its work to improve our community. This year’s award recognizes Robert Rothschild Farms. In December of 2015, Robert Rothschild Farms opened its famous Warehouse Sale to benefit United Way. “It was United Way’s good fortune to be associated with such a terrific company that does so much to support Champaign County,” said Kerry Pedraza of the United Way.
New award
For the first time, the United Way Board of Directors established The Nonprofit Leadership Award to recognize an agency or organization, which, through innovation and collaboration are achieving real, measurable results that bring the community closer to meeting United Way’s goals for long-term, sustainable community change. United Way of Clark, Champaign and Madison Counties is pleased to present the Champaign County YMCA with this award.
“The Y is committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility,” according to its mission statement. “United Way is proud to fund the Investing in Youth Program and a Summer Kindergarten Readiness Camp. Paul Waldsmith, Executive Director of the Y and the entire staff are actively involved throughout Champaign County. As a result, the Y is a leader in developing initiatives in response to community need,” Pedraza said. Examples of these initiatives include partnerships with the Chamber of Commerce, Community Mercy Health Partners, Early Childhood Taskforce, American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association.
The United Way of Clark, Champaign and Madison Counties raised $1,082,877. The results of the Madison County Annual Campaign will be released this week at the Campaign Celebration and Awards.
In June, 2016, United Way of Clark, Champaign and Madison will announce the allocations resulting from generosity of the 2015 Campaign.
