The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
United Way exceeds goal for fundraising campaign
United Way of Lake County’s challenge to itself has paid off.
The organization, which saw a drop-off in raised campaign funds a year ago picked up the gauntlet thrown down by President and CEO Jennifer McCarty, who came to UWLC in January 2016.
McCarty set one of the highest goals for the organization in her first full campaign term, a 10 percent increase over the approximately $2.3 million raised last year.
During the UWLC Annual Meeting at LaMalfa Party Center in Mentor, it wasn’t difficult to surmise, even at the beginning of the April 27 event, that overall contributions raised not only met, but also surpassed the stated goal.
Tami Lewis, UWLC director of marketing and communications, said McCarty’s challenge and focus to meet a 10 percent increase further boosts the board’s confidence in their hiring decision.
“Jennifer is a dynamic force,” Lewis said. “She brought a lot of knowledge with her and immediately began to work on a plan that would allow UWLC to achieve growth for the first of many years.”
“The Power of One” 2016 Campaign Chair Scott J. Marn announced the amount raised at the conclusion of the luncheon, which also recognized the support and efforts of numerous area businesses, schools, individuals and organizations that either run employee pledge campaigns, contribute corporate donations or both.
“United Way of Lake County raised $2,525,346, exceeding our goal of $2,525,000,” Marn said, who also serves on Mentor City Council. “I’ve been honored to serve my community in this role and have been overwhelmed by the impact that can be made when Lake County’s businesses, organizations, agencies and residents join together for the greater good.
“The need in Lake County is great. It’s been a real eye-opener, and I plan to continue my support of United Way of Lake County and urge others to join me. There’s no better feeling than helping people in need and taking care of our own.”
McCarty happily express gratitude to Marn and his efforts.
“I couldn’t be more grateful to Scott for the countless hours he’s volunteered to raise funds and advocate on our behalf,” she said. “He is high energy and came with a lot of great ideas that he executed (on). We absolutely could not have realized this success without him.”
McCarty, who came to UWLC after five years at United Way of Greater Knoxville where she served as vice president of marketing, described the close of the campaign as a “great win” for the community.
“The 10 percent increase, it’s important to the community because there is a client behind every program that we serve, so increasing this goal was extremely important,” she said. “It’s awe-inspiring that people see what we do, appreciate it, see our value and come together. Not all communities are like Lake County.
“I’ve been awed by the generosity and the support in this community since I arrived here, and I’m proud to be a Lake County resident. We thanked a lot of volunteers today and those are just a fraction of the legion of volunteers who dedicate their time to helping people through their work with United Way of Lake County. Volunteer leadership is important to our structure and we’re always happy to acknowledge these folks.”
In additional news, UWLC Chairman of the Board Gabe Rhoads, of the Lubrizol Corp., passed the gavel to his successor, Robert Lee of Lincoln Electric.
Other event highlights included the remembrance of Bill Horvath and Tom Ruffner, two former board members who died last year.
The meeting also recognized outgoing board members Tom Benda, retired, the Lubrizol Corp.; Brent Buckley, attorney and managing partner of the law firm Buckley King; Joe Passafiume, general manager, Giant Eagle; Ray Somich, president, Spirit Media and WINT Radio; and Dave Wiles, president, CT Consultants.