United Way hopes to hit goal by March 12 annual meeting

Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Jennifer Edwards

The thermometer is filling up, but not quite full yet as the United Way of Putnam County is within 20 percent of meeting this year's fundraising goal of $185,000.

However, the organization needs the public's help to meet the goal by its annual meeting on Wednesday, March 12.

The Annual Meeting and Silent Auction is scheduled for 6-9 p.m. at the Putnam County Fairgrounds in an event sponsored by DePauw University, Cloverdale Rockwell Foundation and First National Bank.

All auction proceeds will go directly into the campaign total to be announced at the end of the night.

Open to the public, event details and reservations are on the United Way website, unitedwayofputnamcounty.org. Silent auction items are listed on its Facebook page.

Longtime board member and retiring current President David Bohmer has agreed to wear a super hero mask to the annual meeting if the goal of $185,000 is met prior to the event.

However, if United Way somehow surpasses that goal and hits last year's goal of $200,000, Bohmer will wear a full Superman costume to the event.

"Deciding the needs of the community is too great to give up on our goal," United Way Executive Director Jennifer Edwards said in asking the public's support.

"Last year, we had allocation requests in excess of $140,000," she added. "We were able to take on one new partner agency last year and this year, we have additional partner applicants, which will increase the allocation requests. The more we raise, the more we can allocate right here in Putnam County to help our residents."

"Be an everyday hero" isn't just a catchy slogan designed for this year's United Way campaign, it is reality, Edwards said.

"It's a reminder that we are all working together to make our community stronger and more vibrant," she added. "It is a reminder that if we join hands and support one another, then everyone who lives here will have a better future and we become an 'everyday hero' to someone whose need we have helped meet."

Because of the support from the community's "heroes" last year, United Way of Putnam County:

-- Raised $178,000.

-- Funded 13 local partner agencies this year.

-- Awarded $10,000 in Community Impact Grants.

-- Contributed 1,500 volunteer hours in Putnam County.

"As of this date, we are right at 80 percent of our goal," Edwards said. "We are roughly $37,000 from our goal of $185,000. We are hoping our residents and businesses can rise up and help us hit the top of the thermometer this year. The more we raise, the more we can allocate to our partners right here in Putnam County."

Here is how people can help:

-- Pledge now. Pledges can be paid any time during the coming year, but you must pledge now for it to count toward the 2013 campaign and thus be allocated into the community during the 2014 fiscal year.

-- Donate now. Contribute via mail or via Paypal at unitedwayofputnamcounty.org.

-- Join the 100 x $100 campaign. United Way is looking for 100 businesses to contribute $100 now to raise $10,000 directly into its campaign.

-- Host an employee campaign at your company/business in the next few days.

All contributions are tax deductible and all donors will be recognized at the United Way annual meeting on March 12.

United Way would also like to take this time to thank the restaurants who participated in its United We Dine Campaign in October as well as the community who dined with them to support our organization in the amount of $3,200: 2 West Bistro, Almost Home, Charlie's, Chief's, McDonald's (Greencastle and Cloverdale), Monical's Pizza, Moore's Bar and The Putnam Inn.

In other news, the United Way partner application process is currently open to any Putnam County 501C3 organization in need of funding. More information is available in the office or on the website unitedwayofputnamcounty.org.

Applications are due by Friday, March 21.

In other United Way news, Edwards also announced that last week the organization received an anonymous $10,000 donation into its Endowment Fund with PCCF.

The United Way of Putnam County is an active community partner that works closely with other social service agencies, nonprofit organizations, community leaders and businesses to seek ideal ways to meet the human services needs of Putnam County residents.

Anyone who has not supported this year's campaign is invited to participate by giving or pledging today. No amount is too small to impact the community. A tax-deductible gift can be made via the website unitedwayofputnamcounty.org or by mailing a check to P.O. Box 365, Greencastle, IN 46135.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: