By Juli Metzger, Campaign Communications, United Way of Delaware, Henry and Randolph Counties—
Muncie, IN—During a most remarkable fundraising campaign year, United Way of Delaware, Henry and Randolph Counties raised over $1.3 million amidst a global pandemic with unprecedented needs in its three-county footprint. In addition, United Way received Lilly Endowment Inc.’s Economic Relief Initiative grant funds through Indiana United Ways. This brought in an additional $1.1 million for the benefit of the three counties.
“We saw first-hand the steady work of our partners that made a lasting difference in the lives of so many in our community,” said United Way President & CEO Jenni Marsh. “I’ve never been prouder to be part of this organization. Not only was United Way able to innovate new ways to deliver our direct service reading programs, but we also maintained our grant commitments of over $800,000 to 28 partner organizations. On top of that, we awarded $1,150,000 in additional grants to help address urgent needs related to the pandemic.”
The annual Delaware County celebration held at Canan Commons this year, drew a socially distanced crowd and lots of praise for a job well done. This year’s co-chairs were Jeffrey Scott, Chancellor of Ivy Tech, Jeannie Hamblin-Fox, Site Director of the Ivy Tech Henry County Campus and Alisa Wells, Director of Community Engagement and Wraparound Support for Ivy Tech.
“This unique wrap up event was a chance to celebrate the work that’s been done and the progress that’s been made,” said Scott. “This could not have been accomplished without the continuous help of community volunteers, United Way staff and the board.”
As well as recognizing the Campaign Co-Chairs, United Way recognized key partners and volunteers who went above and beyond during 2020.
United Way’s highest honor, the Pat Botts Servant Leader Award was presented to Jennifer Dudley, CPA and Partner at Cardinal CPA Group. Like Pat Botts, Jennifer Dudley is truly a servant leader for United Way having taken on multiple leadership roles and serving in multiple capacities. For nearly a decade, Dudley has been serving on the finance committee. She served two terms on the board of directors and was the board treasurer most of that time. In fiscal year 2018-2019, Dudley was the chair of the board.
“Jennifer has that servant-leader heart we so appreciated and respected in Pat. Like him, she is a trusted advisor and United Way advocate, serving whenever we need her, and then always asking what more she can do,” said Marsh.
United Way also recognized and celebrated some of the community’s champions and key volunteers in 2020:
- Campaign Volunteer of the Year—Kourtney McCauliff, Loaned Ambassadors coordinator
- Workplace Champion of the Year – Bianca Sulanke, Ball State University workplace campaign coordinator
- The Spirit of United Way Award – Whitinger and Company
- Above and Beyond Award – Angela Stefanski, Campaign for Grade Level Reading volunteer and Ball State University associate professor of elementary education
- “Locked Down” Support Award – Open Door Health Services
- You Can Count on Me Awards – Nancy Carlson, volunteer and community advocate and Bob Ball of Inside Out
- Rise to the Challenge Award – In recognition of those businesses and organizations that increased the number of employees giving. Top five companies were:
Entertainment was provided by musical guests The Bashville Boys and Cool Beanz Band. Presenting sponsors of the event were Northwest Bank and the City of Muncie. Other sponsors included Magna Powertrain, Ivy Tech, Sight & Sound Music Center, and DeFur Voran.
The campaign’s success, even as many businesses struggled, is a sign that the community embraces United Way’s bold goal to end generational poverty.
Nearly half of Delaware County households are resource-limited, and complex community challenges continue to limit opportunities for these children and their families.
The programming and services provided by United Way and its community partners aims to conquer generational poverty by tackling third grade reading levels – the single greatest indicator of a child’s success in school and life. Campaign contributions, while focused on educational outcomes, are strategically invested in local programs to help stabilize families and individuals.
About United Way of Delaware, Henry and Randolph Counties
United Way of Delaware, Henry and Randolph Counties focuses resources on education, health and financial stability. The nonprofit fights to create lasting change in community conditions. With its bold goal to reach grade-level reading by 2024, United Way works to help children read at or above grade level by the end of their third-grade year. Learn more at InvitedToLiveUnited.org.
