United Way of Putnam County sets annual goal of $185,000

Friday, September 6, 2013
Keynote speaker Debbie Christy spoke about the everyday heroes in her life since her son Drew's automobile accident.

The residents of Putnam County may not wear capes or a fancy suit on a daily basis, but that does not mean that they can't be a hero to someone.

Be an everyday hero. That was the theme of the United Way of Putnam County's annual kick-off breakfast on Friday morning, which took place at the Inn at DePauw.

United Way Vice President and Campaign Chair Cathy Tipton opened the breakfast by emphasizing the point of being an everyday hero.

"Putnam County along with many other communities our size continue to weather tough economic times," explained Tipton. "Therefore, United Way of Putnam County looks to the generous residents of this community to step up and be an everyday hero."

Tipton illustrated the fact that many of us aren't lucky enough to be bit by a radioactive spider like Spiderman or have a father bequeath one a million dollar corporation like Iron Man, but at one point everyone had a dream of being a super hero.

"We can all be heroes for the United Way," Tipton said. "To me, a hero is someone who makes a difference day to day in the lives of multiple people or even just one person. Someone that can be counted on and is respected. Someone who is trustworthy and who is there to listen when one is having problems and gives advice when asked upon."

Tipton added that a hero may not make noticeable differences in the world, but what a hero does do is makes a difference in the lives of those around them solely because they care and not what they could potential gain from it.

Helping each other is, in its simplest form, the goal of the United Way of Putnam County's 13 partner agencies -- American Red Cross, Hope Haven Horse Farm, Imagination Library, Johnson Nichols Health Clinic, Mental Health America, Putnam County Comprehensive Services, Putnam County Chaplaincy Association, Council on the Aging and Aged, Family Support Services, Youth Development Commission, Reading Improvement Center, Summer Enrichment Program and YMCA of Clay County.

Education, health and income are the three key initiatives that United Way supports through its partner agencies, which Tipton noted serve 27,335 individuals in Putnam County annually.

Announcing the goal of $185,000, just $5,000 more than the previous year, Tipton informed the community that any amount donated big or small can make a difference in the lives of others. If a monetary donation is not possible Tipton noted that there is always a great need for volunteers.

"The need is vast in our community," Tipton said. "After all, who doesn't want to be an everyday hero?"

Tipton also introduced the morning's keynote speaker, Debbie Christy, a recipient of the good work United Way has done in the community.

Christy is the mother of Drew, a 2006 South Putnam graduate, who was more than halfway through his sophomore year at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, when he suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of a Feb. 22, 2008 automobile accident.

"We have been touched to be a part of the United Way. I'm a real face of someone who has been helped," said Christy. "Our son Drew was in a coma for five months and we waited and we did therapy, we did everything we could do. We knew whatever it took that we'd be there for him and we would do everything possible. Now, he's awake and he beat all the odds because he's a one-percenter."

Holding a special place in her heart is Hope Haven, which was founded by Christina Menke.

"Drew is able to participate in horseback riding," Christy explained. "She (Christina) teaches through her passion. Her passion for people and her passion for horses. They are committed volunteers at Hope Haven. They share hope and they share joy. The current riders love to come to Hope Haven. They come there because they feel loved."

It is Hope Haven that has helped Drew progress physically, emotionally and socially. It's those volunteers who are heroes to Drew.

"I want you to know that we're really people and we're really affected," Christy explained. "I remember when I was a kid and I would watch superheroes. Heroes were known by their suits. You'd never mix up Captain America with Spiderman because you knew them by their uniforms.

"What I want to do today, is encourage you to whatever you're wearing whether it's your three-piece suit or your jogging suit, whatever you're wearing to be a superhero. Because it doesn't matter what you wear you can be a superhero to someone because you participate in their lives and its small things."

Christy noted that her family has been affected by big bursts, people who have given large amounts of money to help with medical bills as well as small amounts. Big or small, they have made a difference.

"Sometimes people think that 'I can't do much so I can't do anything,'" Christy explained. "You can do something. Help someone that's all you have to do. One of the best things you can do is just be aware."

In a touching moment, Christy gave thanks to all of the heroes in their lives, including the first responders, people who made her family meals at the hospital, people who sent gift cards, Drew's South Putnam trainer, his previous football coach and his wife and all people who have donated their time and talent. They have made a huge difference.

"Heroes are made by the paths they choose and not the powers they are graced with," Christy said. "These aren't superhuman characters in a comic book or a movie. These are super humans, special people. We are so thankful."

United Way of Putnam County Vice President and Campaign Manager Cathy Tipton chats with keynote speaker Debbie Christy following her speech during United Way's annual kick-off breakfast on Friday morning.

Ending her speech, Christy noted that one does not need to wear a cape or a special uniform to help someone, just be ready.

"You cannot help everyone, but you can help someone," Christy said. "People everywhere are waiting for heroes and you just may be their best hope."

United Way President David Bohmer also spoke during the breakfast as noting that due to United Way Executive Director Jennifer Edwards and their accountant being unable to get together to go over the 2013 pacesetters for the campaign, Bohmer was unable to make that annual announcement.

"I do want to thank Wal-Mart, Crown, Therese Cunningham and Jennifer Edwards for helping set the pace on the start of a campaign to reach our goal," Bohmer said.

Before leaving the podium, Bohmer made note that this would be his last year with United Way of Putnam County.

"This is my second time as president here at the United Way," Bohmer explained. "This is my 20th year in Greencastle and it will come to an end this year, I will be retiring from DePauw."

Bohmer went on to explain that with his three children and four grandchildren living in Chicago, he and his wife will be heading to Chicago to be close to family.

"I remain a deep believer in the United Way," Bohmer said. "I believer in the potential that this organization has. Most importantly what I believe in the organizations that United Way supports. The potential is there. I believe that the potential is much deeper in Putnam County than what we've been able to achieve at this point, but I think with continued hard work and a very good board that potential is going to be there."

For information on supporting the United Way of Putnam County 2012-13 annual campaign, contact Edwards at 653-5638 or visit unitedwayofputnamcounty.org.

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