United Way celebrates a community effort of caring
The United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Wooster Police Department’s Matt Cruise for his countless hours donated to serving others and aiding in United Ways’ efforts. He is pictured with executive director Katie Koglman.
United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties is a single organization, but it is reliant on many others to fulfill its purpose. On April 9 many gathered in celebration of a year of accomplishments at the United Way annual meeting at Certified Angus Beef Culinary Institute in Wooster.
Outgoing United Way board president Pam Zanone said the past year was one that was challenging as the organization sought a new director. She said despite the big changes that took place this year, United Way’s goal of mobilizing community resources to help people measurably improve their lives was achieved through the caring of many community members, businesses and organizations.
“Thank you to you, each and every donor. Whether you donate your time, your talents or treasures, we are grateful to you,” Zanone said.
Zanone introduced new executive director Katie Koglman, who has slid into the leadership role and kept the efforts of United Wayne rolling along.
In the six months Koglman has been with United Way, she has helped steer the organization along its fundraising path. Part of that was creating a $1.3 million fundraising goal that proved to be attainable as donors and supporters of United Way stepped up and made it happen for the first time in seven years.
“Because of you, we can build a better support system,” Koglman said.
Koglman then talked about why she joined United Way as its new executive director.
“The reason that gets me up in the morning and keeps me up at night is that I never needed United Way,” Koglman said. “Growing up, my life was full of love and laughter and faith and loyalty.”
Koglman said she always had family and friends who were there to love and support her. She recognized those traits aren’t central in some people’s lives, and that is why she felt driven to get involved with United Way.
“I joined United Way because I never needed United Way,” she said. “My needs have always been met by this strong family system. Regardless of life’s hurdles, help was always there. There are so many people in Holmes and Wayne county who like me grew up with little or nothing. However, unlike me they don’t have a support system. Unlike me their parents are in jail or addicted to drugs and alcohol. Unlike me they are on the brink of hopelessness. United Way and our partner organizations serve as that support system.
No one person or organization can meet the need, but united we become a support system for the hopeless, the vulnerable, the troubled and those who need a leg up. The people we serve are in need of a support system: a comprehensive, holistic approach to get out of the hole and be able to seek their highest potential.”
Koglman then talked about the three legs that make the stool that supports those in need. Those legs include builders, weavers and warriors. She said builders work to seek alternate approaches to reconstruct the infrastructure. Weavers focus on linkages and connections, making sure the lines of communication are open. Warriors are the ones in the trenches solving the problems.
“Each day we may be a builder, a weaver or a warrior, and in this room I see builders and weavers and warriors,” Koglman said. “Thank you. You make a difference.”
The annual awards to community individuals and organizations who have been instrumental in making United Way a success were presented.
The Ambassador of the Year honor, recognizing an individual for growing their workplace campaign and creating new incentives in their commitment to United Way, was presented to Carla Redick of Wooster Community Hospital. The Rookie Ambassador of the Year award, which goes to a first-year participant, was given to Mick Rettig of G&S Bar and Wire.
The Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Wooster Police Department’s Matt Cruise for his countless hours donated to serving others and aiding in United Ways’ efforts.
The Allocation Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Elys Law of the College of Wooster for playing a critical role in deciding what programs are funded with United Way dollars.
The Rising Star award, given to a new workplace campaign that exceeded expectations in participation rate and contributions, went to Holmes Center for the Arts.
The Corporate Gift Award, which is presented to companies that contribute to the annual campaign fund in addition to their employee giving, was handed out to three different companies. The recipient for businesses between one and 50 employees was Wooster Hydrostatics, the honor for a company between 51 and 100 employees was United Titanium and the award for over 151 employees was given to PNC.
The Employee Giving Award, which follows the same structure as the Corporate Giving Award and is doled out to businesses that have the highest giving per capita, went to Wooster Hydrostatics, United Titanium and Seaman Corporation.
The Nonprofit Employee Giving Award was presented to LifeCare Hospice of Wooster for its continued contribution to United Way. The 100-percent Participation Awards were presented to six companies including National Alliance on Mental Illness, Planned Parenthood, The Salvation Army, Viola Startzman Clinic, Wooster Hydrostatics and Whitaker Myers.
Finally the Stanley’s Cup Award was presented to the Wayne County Public Library for its ongoing efforts to outstanding commitment to the community.
“The meaning behind it, with what the Stanleys have meant to the county and the library, makes this honor mean so much more for us,” Wayne County Public Library director Jennifer Shatzer said. “This award isn’t just me or even the library; it is an award dedicated to the hard work of our entire staff. We work really hard, and it is exciting to be recognized for something that we all share a great passion for.”