Alison Kerns receives Vic Marsh Award
Alison Kerns
The United Way of Tuscarawas County celebrated the conclusion of its 81st annual fundraising campaign with a virtual awards ceremony sponsored by Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital. Mitch and Kiley Kendall, Edward Jones financial advisers and 2023 United Way campaign chair, announced a record-breaking campaign for another year with a total of $770,677.45.
“We are so pleased to announce another record-breaking United Way campaign. This would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of countless volunteers, partnership agencies and local businesses. This is one of a multitude of examples that shows the generosity of the people of Tuscarawas County. We want to offer our deepest gratitude to all who gave of their time, talent and treasure to support the United Way this year,” the Kendalls said.
Proceeds from the United Way campaign will provide funding to 16 area health and human service programs and special grants focusing on building a sustainable community.
The awards ceremony began with recognition of the volunteers serving on the 2023 campaign team. These volunteers included Dr. Tom Rogers, Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital; Bonnie Schrock, Andreas Furniture; Jeanne Stephen, Tuscarawas County Clerk of Courts; Elizabeth Stephenson, Tuscarawas County Court of Common Pleas; Agnes Swigart, community volunteer; Elaine Tedrow, The Commercial & Savings Bank; and Andrew Wright, Hanhart Agency.
A number of local companies and organizations were presented with awards for their contributions to the 2023 campaign.
Leadership Circle Awards were announced for the businesses and organizations with outstanding overall employee and corporate giving. These included Allied Machine & Engineering, Andreas Furniture, Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital, Dominion Energy Ohio, Dover Chemical, DoverPhila Federal Credit Union, Family Office Equipment, First Federal Community Bank, First National Bank of Dennison, Giant Eagle, Gradall, Kennedy Insurance, L.J. Smith Inc., McInturf Realty, Metal Masters Inc., New Philadelphia City Schools, Newton Asphalt Paving Inc., Park National Bank, Parkway Auto Group, R & J Cylinder and Machine, Rea & Associates Inc., Superior Clay, The Commercial & Savings Bank, Timken, Troyer & Associates, Tuscarawas County Probate and Juvenile Court, TuscoMFG, and Unified Bank.
President’s Award recipients recorded a 10% increase in giving. These included Andreas Furniture, Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Ohio, Claymont City Schools, DoverPhila Federal Credit Union, Family Office Equipment, Giant Eagle, Hanhart Agency, Harcatus CAO, Mobile Meals of Dover-New Philadelphia, McInturf Realty, Park National Bank, Parkway Auto Group, R & J Cylinder and Machine, Troyer & Associates, Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce, and TuscoMFG.
The Media Awards recognized area media partners for their contribution to the community and the United Way. These included WJER Radio, WTUZ Radio, The Bargain Hunter-Tuscarawas County, The Budget, Local Broadcast Network, The Times Reporter and WBTC Radio.
The final award was the Vic Marsh Annual Service Award to Alison Kerns of New Philadelphia. Kerns was selected by the United Way Board of Trustees to honor her dedication to the United Way of Tuscarawas County and the community.
Kerns has been a longtime supporter of the United Way, starting in 1996 when she began her career at the United Way of Tuscarawas County. Kerns worked as associate director, vice president and ultimately president until 2016.
Kerns continued her legacy as a community leader as executive director of HARCATUS Tri-County Community Action Organization, where she remains today. Kerns has continued to support the United Way both personally and professionally. Under Kerns’ leadership HARCATUS has received a Pioneer Award, a President’s Award and a Leadership Circle Award from the United Way.
“Alison is dedicated, compassionate and inspiring. She is a true asset to the community. Thank you again to Alison for her generous and selfless service to the United Way and Tuscarawas County,” said Robin Waltz, president/CEO of UWTC.
The virtual award ceremony can be viewed at www.tuscunitedway.org.
To donate, volunteer or for more information, call 330-343-7772 or visit www.tuscunitedway.org.