The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
United Way kicks off fundraising season
United Way of Greater Lorain County held its annual Campaign Kickoff on Aug. 17 to officially begin the donation season and show the community the services it provides.
“This is the eighth year of having the event at Mike Bass Ford, and we couldn’t be happier about how the event is turning out,” said Ryan Aroney, marketing and development director for United Way of Greater Lorain County. “The event signals the beginning of fundraising season for us.”
Aroney said it’s important to United Way to offer the event for free.
“It allows the community to stop by and see what’s going on,” he said. “It allows us to build up that energy and excitement for what we’re doing.
“It also allows people to come and meet the people who run our 11 collaboratives and learn what they do to help people in Lorain County.”
Aroney said the event has grown over the years.
“We add a little to it each year, but the core of it being about the community is still there,” he said.
“It has gotten to the point where people say they will see me at Mike Bass in August.
“People start to look forward to it each year, and that makes me truly proud of it and the work everyone does to put it on. It’s our way of thanking the community for the support they have given us that allows us to support others.”
Bill Harper, executive director of United Way of Greater Lorain County, said he can’t thank Mike Bass enough.
“They have continued to host this event and have been very supportive,” Harper said. “The Bass family is so generous to the people of this community. They give us this showroom and allow us to host the event during their business hours.
“It’s the perfect venue because it’s in the middle of the county. I can’t say how much we appreciate everything they have done.”
Harper said more help is needed to help others in the county.
“We need the community’s help in fighting for the health, education and financial stability of low-income working families in our community,” he said. “We believe Greater Lorain County can be engaging, inclusive and thriving if we all set aside our individual agendas and collaborate to solve these complex social problems.”
Jim Bass, owner of Mike Bass Ford, said he was pleased to see the large turnout at the event.
“I’m glad we can provide the facility for such a great event,” Bass said. “United Way does so many great things for those who are less fortunate. I’m glad we can play our part.”
Bass said United Way is important because of the changing landscape of the county.
“Times have changed since this dealership was founded 30 to 40 years ago,” he said. “We have become more aware of certain income and drug addiction problems. United Way stays ahead and knows the current landscape of this county. They know exactly where the support is needed and how to give it.”
Lea Goldsmith, of North Ridgeville, said she attended the event because she is aware of United Way’s work.
“I’ve done work for North Ridgeville Heart and Sole, so I know the work that is done by these collaboratives,” Goldsmith said. “I figured I would bring my girls down and see what was going on and allow them to have a good time.”
Mike Diedrick, of Oberlin, also was very impressed with the event.
“The event is ran very well, Ryan (Aroney) does a great job,” Diedrick said. “United Way continues to do great things. People should help out United Way however they can. They truly make the county a better place.”
United Way has looked to collaborate to achieve better results by pooling resources and supporting capacity building within the agencies that lead the collaboratives.
As a result, United Way’s work with the Community Collaboratives has received prominent local and national attention over the past few years, ranking in the top 10 nationally for United Ways of similar size and being named the Ohio United Way of the Year for 2016, according to a United Way news release.
In addition to dollars raised through the annual fundraising campaign, United Way and its more than 150 collaborative partners work together to leverage additional funds through outside grants.
With this model in place, more than 50 cents is added to each dollar raised through the annual campaign, the release said.
This year’s campaign is chaired by Stacy Kilgore, senior health care business manager at PolyOne Corporation. The Campaign Cabinet includes: Tim Alcorn of AM 930 WEOL; Keith Brown of Lorain County Community College; Brad Calabrese of UH Avon Health Center; Peggy Chamberlain, retired; Amonica Davis of the Nordson Corporation Foundation; Tanya de Almeida of the Ford Ohio Assembly Plant; Marge Little, retired; Kyle Maurer of Fiber-Seal; and Kosta Mathiellis of the Cleveland Clinic.
The free lunchtime event was hosted by Alcorn and featured United Way supporters and community members wearing Live United T-shirts and enjoying grilled hamburgers and hotdogs sponsored by Mike Bass Ford. Side dishes were prepared by the LCCC Culinary Arts Program and desserts from the Residence Inn by Marriott at the Emerald Event Center in Avon. Entertainment was provided by Just Dreaming Entertainment, local mascots including Slider from The Cleveland Indians, and the Lorain High School Marching Band, the release said.
Those interested in getting involved with this year’s campaign can learn more at uwloraincounty.org. Upcoming opportunities include the Week of Caring from Sept. 10 through 16 which will include a variety of volunteer projects throughout Greater Lorain County, according to the release.