United Way honors those in area who gave passionately
Bonnie Ferguson, newly appointed board president of Unite Way Wayne and Holmes, closed out the annual luncheon by talking about the high hopes of the future of United Way and its partners.
United Way Wayne and Holmes Counties recently hosted its annual meeting and award luncheon at Certified Angus Beef in Wooster, and in doing so, it honored the many individuals and companies that have been instrumental in helping it touch the lives of countless people throughout the two counties.
Katie Koglman, CEO of United Way Wayne and Holmes, said 2024 was another spectacular year of giving and serving from communities and companies throughout the two counties, and she said they can never give enough thanks to those who support their campaign.
“Thank you all in celebrating all of our united accomplishments,” Koglman said. “Thank you for displaying philanthropical leadership, to our leaders in giving and tour friends who made an incredible impact on our neighbors in need last year. Because of your generosity, 2024 was filled with stories of lives changed, often in unexpected and powerful ways.”
She said the majority of financial giving to UW came with no strings attached, noting many of the donation forms are earmarked for “greatest need.”
“We value the fact that you trust our organization to meet the greatest needs in our communities,” Koglman said. “The greatest need looks different every single day.”
The stories of how UW has impacted the lives of people in the area are countless, and Koglman shared several stories about how lives were changed for the better, thanks to the compassion and giving that took place in 2024.
Sarah Ann Mathias, president of the board of directors at UW, took care of the business portion of the meeting before turning the event over to the award portion of the day.
Trisha Ross of Western Reserve Group was honored as the 2024 Ambassador of the Year. Employee per Capita giving honors were presented to Wooster Hydrostatics, United Titanium and Cleveland Clinic, and Corporate per Capita giving awards were presented to Albright Welding Supply, United Titanium and MCTV.
The 100% Participation Corporations awards supporting UW’s workplace campaign that celebrates 100% employee giving went to Wooster Hydrostatics and Whitaker Myers, and 100% Participation Partners included AnaZao, Catholic Charities Wayne County, and NAMI Wayne and Holmes Counties.
Western Reserve Group was honored as this year’s recipient of the Stanley’s Cup, an award named to honor a pair of local philanthropists, the late Stanley Gault and the late Stanley Welty Jr.
Koglman said this award is the highest recognition presented by UW and goes to the company that shows outstanding service to the respective communities.
Kara Macko of Western Reserve Group said it was a complete surprise of her company being tabbed as this year’s UW honor.
Macko said WRG puts a major emphasis on giving back to every community in which they are involved.
“In the past several years, we have done a full campaign focusing on community service opportunities, and we always try to make it fun,” Macko said. “We try to come up with themes and encourage our people that every single dollar counts when it comes to giving.”
She said CEO Greg Brunn has been imperative in the company’s effort to give back, and Macko said that mission tied together with supporting United Way is an easy focal point.
“We really appreciate the variety of organizations they work with,” Macko said of UW. “There are so many stories to connect with that in some way impact each one of us.”
United Titanium has been a consistent company when it comes to connecting with and supporting UW’s efforts.
Don Noble said the giving attitude starts first and foremost with President Mike Reardon, who sets the example by giving back in many ways including having United Way come in and give a presentation to the company.
“It’s important to know where our dollars go and how United Way is affecting the community,” Noble said. “It makes it very easy to give, and Mike makes that very apparent in everything he does in leading us.”
While the local companies were lauded for their effort to support UW, it also celebrated the many individuals who found ways to give back.
That included honoring a pair of volunteers in Kathie Clyde and Kathy Gorman, who were named 2024 Volunteers of the Year.
While Clyde was unable to attend the event, Gorman said finding time to commit to serving both UW and the communities that benefit from its efforts is easy for both her and Clyde.
“I’ve been doing this a couple of years, and I am willing to do whatever they ask of me because it is important and necessary work,” Gorman said.
Gorman works closely with the efforts of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, doing book work and organizational work that helps UW promote Parton’s efforts to get books into children’s hands all around the nation.
Gorman, a longtime teacher, said since she retired, she has been able to pour more time and energy into volunteering.
“I don’t think we could do without United Way,” Gorman said, “especially now with the way things are changing with funding. They are so important, and it’s been an honor to be able to volunteer to be part of their effort.”
Bonnie Ferguson, newly appointed board president of UW Wayne and Holmes, closed the event by thanking former President Sarah Ann Mathias for her energy and effort in leading the board before talking about the future.
“I look forward to leading the board,” Ferguson said. “We have high hopes.”
She introduced UW’s newest funding program, Gifts of Gratitude, which will see UW’s board seeking nominations from people who share stories about local nonprofit organizations helping in a time of need. The board will then award a special $500 donation on behalf of the chosen recipient.
“We encourage everyone to help spread the word to share these stories of help and gratitude,” Ferguson said.
United Way Wayne and Holmes has already seen giving in 2025 and is looking forward to seeing this year’s award winners celebrated at next year’s event.