For the very first time, United Way of Marshall County and the Marshall County Community Foundation held their annual meetings jointly and virtual. Due to the increase in positive cases of COVID-19 in Marshall County both boards of directors determined it was best to conduct the meetings online. They were held on Thursday, December 3rd.
The theme of this year was togetherness. The invitation said, “While we may be individually strong, we are collectively powerful!”
Executive Director of both organizations, Linda Yoder welcomed everyone to the meeting and served as master of ceremonies.
Sarah Smith, President of the United Way Board of Director introduced the Top Per Capita Givers. In Large Industry it was American Containers and the Small Industry was U.S. Granules. Looking in the Commercial division was Mid-City Supply while the professional division was Morrow Insurance. The Faculty/Staff giving for education was the Plymouth Community Schools Corp. and Student Giving was Riverside Intermediate School. The number one per capita giver in Marshall County this year was Morrow Insurance Agency.
Smith also recognized the 2019 Top 10 Givers with the City of Plymouth, John J. Oliver/U.S. Granules, Marshall County Community Foundation, 1st Source Foundation, Digger Specialties, Marshall County Commissioners, Town of Bremen, Mr. Leonard D. Isban, Marshall County Auditor and Gibson Foundation, Inc.
The Friends of the Foundation Award was presented to John J. Oliver, President of U.S. Granules. In April of this year John Oliver shared his deep concerns with United Way and the Community Foundation the sheer scope of the health and economic impact of the pandemic and the necessary measures to slow the spread. He was seeing all the cars at the Bread of Life Food Pantry on his way home and knew immediate action was needed. The Fund the Essentials Campaign was launched with the Marshall County Crossroads Team and a goal of $400,000. By the end of June the team raised over $508,000.
Sarah Smith said, The Fund the Essentials Campaign all started with John Oliver who saw a need and started to make some phone calls, ask questions and connect all the team members together.
The first grants from the Marshall County COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund were awarded by the United Way and Community Foundation boards in early April.
Several local citizens were recognized for their leadership including Marshall County Commissioner President Kevin Overmyer and Ginny Munroe who is President of the Culver Town Council along with Chad Towner from Saint Joseph Health Systems and Kreg Gruber and Dr. Jason Marker from Beacon Health Systems.
United Way of Marshall County also recognized the years of work and support of John “Jack” Oliver Jr. who passed away from COVID-19 earlier this year and June and Will Erwin for the years of volunteerism and support to the Marshall County Community Foundation.
