The United Way of Marshall County (UWMC) celebrated those who help the organization meet needs in the community at its annual awards event. Companies who ran successful United Way campaigns and individuals who contributed in various ways were honored at the Plymouth Community Church on Thursday, April 27.
The 2016 annual campaign raised $425,000 in local donations and $50,000 in grant support from the Indiana Association of United Ways to support 22 nonprofit organizations and programs and services that focus on the building blocks for a better life: education, financial stability and health.
Featured United Way-supported programs included the 2-1-1 information and referral service, FamilyWize Prescription Discount Cards, Project Lead The Way, the Marshall County Career Success Coalition, Kindergarten Countdown, and Marshall County Promise. Also noted was United Way’s support of the Marshall County Initiative for the Homeless and Housing Insecure, the Marshall County Early Childhood Coalition and the Marshall County Food Council.
Honorees were:
Volunteer of the Year
Tom Blackburn, Ponderosa and Outgoing United Way Board President
The top 10 companies in the campaign were:
1 Nishikawa Cooper LLC
2 US Granules Corporation
3 Plymouth Community School Corporation
4 Oliver Ford Lincoln
5 Pregis Innovative Packaging
6 Plymouth Foundry, Inc.
7 Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center
8 Culver Educational Foundation
9 Morrow Insurance Agency
10 American Containers
Top Per Capita honors were presented in various categories as follows:
#1 Per Capita for County – Morrow Insurance Agency, Inc.
Faculty/Staff – Bremen Public Schools
Professional – Morrow Insurance Agency, Inc.
Commercial/Retail – Mid-City Supply Company
Small Industry – US Granules Corporation
Large Industry – Plymouth Foundry, Inc.
Plymouth High School Theatre Dept. was also recognized as Top Student Givers for their fundraising activities to support United Way.
Jeff Houin, UMWC President, praised the community for its support and highlighted efforts to continue to build a brighter future for Marshall County residents and communities. He noted that the legislative advocacy work that took place this year for a $9million expansion of Pre-K pilot programs to fifteen counties and a focus on rural communities is a prime illustration of efforts taking place to fight the most urgent needs in the community and bring systemic change.
Houin announced Rodney Jacobs as the 2017 Campaign Chair and thanked him for taking on the role for a second year to build on his experience and implement plans for deeper engagement with donors to better meet their expectations.
Plans are underway for the kickoff/fundraising event Taste of Marshall County on Saturday, August 12, at Young Amphitheater at Centennial Park in Plymouth. For more information and how to get involved, contact United Way of Marshall County at (574) 936-3366 or visit UWMC offices, 2701 N Michigan Street, Plymouth or online at http://www.marshallcountyuw.org/.
