04/26/12 United Way of Marshall County held their annual meeting and volunteer and donor recognition event Wednesday night at the Plymouth County Club.
During the annual meeting Allocations Chairman, Jessica Oliver presented the 2011 campaign requests. Request from 24 member agencies totaled $406,086. The allocation committee recommend distributing $240,186.44 with an additional $59,920.55 in donor designations for a total of $300,107.29.
The 2011 Cornerstone Partners were recognized for their vision and foresight in a news program where members donate substantial funds to take care of the operating expenses, thus allowing 100% of the dollars collected to go to the campaign. Businesses and individuals donating from $2,500 to $10,000 included the Marshall County Community Foundation, Stone Creek Homes, Johnson Danielson Funeral Home/ The Remembrance Centre, Oliver Ford Lincoln, Pregis Innovation Packaging, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Plymouth Foundry, Mr. & Mrs. Don Crews, Mrs. Neva Mason, Louise and Ralph Mason, and Carol and John Zeglis.
United Way President of the Board of Directors, Chris Eberly said, “This year’s campaign wasn’t so much like a race but more like a steeple chase with obstacles and challenges.” He presented the President’s Award to the staff, saying, “With their help, we came flaying at the very end of our campaign to tonight celebration.” Staff members include: Executive Director Linda Yoder, Ex. Assistant Lyn Ward, Accounting Assistant Deb Pfledderer and Assistant Director Jayne Gibson.
2011 United Way Campaign Chairman Chad Dreibelbis reflected on the drive. He opened by saying, “Just 448 short days ago I took over the helm from Melissa (Owen). He spoke about the circumstances and challenges last year’s campaign faced and felt attaining 90% of goal was satisfying. He wanted to open as many news doors as possible and said nearly $50,000 was raised by new donations. Chad talked about the campaign blitzes in Bremen and Plymouth and the Cornerstone Program. Two highlights were bringing the Penny War to St. Michael where 172 students raised $1,195 and his direct involvement with the radio shows on WTCA where they interviewed member agencies and learned where the United Way funds go and what struggles the agencies face.
