United Way celebrates 2021, dives in on '22

United Way celebrates 2021, dives in on '22
Carrolyn Salazar

Stanleys Cup, the United Way award named after the late philanthropists Stanley Gault and Stanley Welty, went this year to Whitaker-Myers with W-M’s Scott Allen, center, holding the cup. With Allen are Tami Scruggs, left, Seth Buckwalter, Chris Vanderzyden and UWWH chief executive officer Katie Koglman, who hosted the recent awards luncheon at Certified Angus Beef.

                        

The United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties is a community organization with a mission to mobilize community resources to help people measurably improve their lives. UWWH is continuously at work achieving this goal in Wayne and Holmes counties.

“Our goal is to step in and do what the community needs us to do,” said Katie Koglman, chief executive officer of UWWH.

One way the local group fulfilled that goal during the pandemic was to contract with Wayne County to create a vaccine hotline. “When the community calls on us, we try and do everything we can,” Koglman said.

United Way’s recent 2021 annual meeting was the first time the organization hosted this luncheon in person since 2019. Approximately 100 staff, board members, invited guests and honorees were in attendance to celebrate the work and community support shown the organization in the past year and to look ahead toward the 2022 campaign.

Certified Angus Beef in Wooster donated both lunch and venue with dessert donated by Miss Amy’s Bakery.

“The annual meeting is a look back and also an awards ceremony for those that have made an impact on United Way in the year prior,” said Carrolyn Salazar, UWWH associate director.

“The most prestigious award at this event is the Stanleys Cup,” Koglman said of the award named after the late philanthropists Stanley Gault and Stanley Welty. “This year we looked at all the amazing companies that support our organization, and we realized there was a gem. We are thrilled to honor Whitaker-Myers Group with the highest honor this year.”

United Way partners with many area groups and organizations. One of those newer partnership businesses, E & H Ace Hardware, received this year’s Rising Star award.

“We feel this is a partnership that will continue to grow,” Koglman said, noting the company came forward during the pandemic with a program asking customers to round up their purchases.

“In two years they donated over $46,000,” Koglman said. “They are selling items made in Ukraine to support United for Ukraine. Their generosity is unduplicated.”

Another highly anticipated award was Nonprofit of the Year.

“As a nonprofit leader myself, I know the importance of meeting the needs and specifically taking care of our aging population,” United Way board member Bonnie Hall said. “Beginning in 2020, we saw the needs of our older adults completely change.”

Hall described how the pandemic created new issues with the older members of the community including isolation, depression and loneliness combined with hunger, fear and worry. Catholic Charities Wayne County was named 2021 Nonprofit of the Year for stepping up to create a new program to provide the senior population with needed services, regardless of income.

The United Way relies heavily on volunteer hours, and each year it names a volunteer who has gone above and beyond. “This award is dear to our hearts,” Koglman said.

Vicky Hartzler was named Volunteer of the Year. Salazar said Hartzler not only gives of her time, but also gives from the heart.

“Without the thousands of volunteer hours given to our organization each year, we would be in trouble,” Salazar said. “Each and every minute that a volunteer gives helps us achieve our mission.”

Pat Simpson, recently retired from United Titanium, was recognized in absentia as Ambassador of the Year. Simpson ran the workplace campaign at the company for over 30 years.

“Because of Pat and (UT) President Mike Reardon, United Titanium continues to break United Way records with their level of giving,” Hall said.

Last year the employees’ combined giving was over $113,000. Since Simpson is currently traveling, Hall said, “Congratulations to Pat Simpson — wherever you are.”

Numerous companies were recognized for their employee giving programs and levels of participation in United Way’s annual giving campaign.

Many area groups make in-kind donations and raise funds. The 2021 In-Kind Donor of the Year went to Certified Angus Beef.

“They have gone above and beyond for United Way in 2021,” Salazar said. “Not only did they host our drive-thru annual meeting last year, they gave gift cards to our guests.”

Additionally, the company donated 1,500 beef hot dogs for UWWH’s Reading Under the Lights program. “The company also gives us board members and advice on human resource matters,” Salazar said. “Today, this meal and venue is another example of their generosity and kindness.”

The event included a changing of the guard with new officers elected for the nonprofit’s board of directors. Several new board members were installed while others retired from stints on board duty.

Ron Schlegel, new board president, briefly discussed United Way’s 2022 campaign and goals before adjourning the meeting.

“This year we are launching our JUST LOVE campaign,” he said. “In times of turmoil, despair and confusion, we realize the only remedy is love.”

He explained that tucked into attendees’ annual reports they would find a JUST LOVE window poster, and everyone was asked to display these at their home or office.

“You will see many JUST LOVE surprises throughout the next two years,” Schlegel said. “We will once again attempt to raise $1.65 million this year to meet the many needs in the community.”

Donations to UWWH may be made via the website, by texting JUSTLOVE to 44-321 or by mailing a check to United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties, 215 S. Walnut St., Wooster, OH 44691.

Additionally, a donation of $25 supports one child for one year to receive books through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Send a check to the above address or text FREEBOOKS to 44-321.

Looking ahead, United Way will host its annual Heart and Ghoul event in downtown Wooster on Oct. 29. The event includes options of running a half marathon, 10k, 5k or 1-mile route for walkers.

The coming year will also see a new partnership with The College of Wooster: a platform to help people connect to volunteer opportunities.

Current volunteer needs include the October Heart and Ghoul race event and an ongoing need for help with mailings, other tasks and the WHIRE line.

WHIRE is the Wayne Holmes Information Referral Exchange, which offers access to a variety of community services and resources.

Anyone interested in volunteering can call 330-264-5585. There also is a Facebook page listing volunteer opportunities with a variety of community partner nonprofit organizations. Visit www.facebook.com/groups/375841123252320.

Find United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties online on Instagram at @uwwhc and on TicTok at unitedwayofwayne_holmes.


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