United Way kicking off fund drive
Jackson County United Way will kickoff the 2010 fund drive campaign with a picnic for contributors and campaign solicitors at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at One Chamber Square in downtown Seymour.
Early Bird presentations and introduction of the drive team will begin at noon.
Nate Tormoehlen, United Way president, will be host of the event, and drive chair Marc Woods and vice drive chair Jackie Sciarra will introduce division chairs and solicitors.
All United Way agencies will have representatives mingling with those in attendance to share agency stories and information.
Companies who have completed their campaign before Friday will be recognized as Early Birds pacesetters.
All United Way contributors who plan to attend this year’s kickoff are asked to call the United Way office to make reservations no later than Tuesday. Companies making reservations through Greater Seymour Chamber of Commerce should not make additional reservations at the United Way.
Anyone wishing to have their pledge included in the Early Bird total must report to the office no later than Tuesday.
Ruth Ann Rebber, executive director, reminds all county residents who are not reached at their work place may make a pledge by calling 522-5450. Credit card payment is accepted. There is no door-to-door residential solicitation in Jackson County.
“Twenty one agencies will benefit from this year’s campaign,” Executive Director Ruth Ann Rebber said. “These agencies sustained an allocation reduction for 2010 because of the reduction in support. This year’s campaign is critical to these agencies and the programs they provide.”
This year’s goal is the same as last year — $950,000.
Because of a Lilly Endowment grant, the local United Way has a chance to match new donations this year up to $95,000 total.
“The great news is a matching grant opportunity from Indiana United Way and Lilly Endowment,” Rebber said. “All new or increased pledges beginning at $500 or more will be matched dollar for dollar.”
Increased support will increase allocation dollars, and the match dollars will support Jackson County Successful Schools, Financial Education and VITA tax sites.
“The United Way campaign depends on the generosity of the entire county to reach the goal,” Rebber said. “This year’s campaign will allow the agencies to continue their work. Special thanks goes out to everyone who pledged last year. We are looking forward to their support this year and to the support of new donors who realize the importance of the agencies and the lives they touch.”
Carolyn Alberring, campaign director, is asking that any Jackson County donor who has given to United Way for 25 years or more to contact the office to be recognized as a Diamond Donor. Loyal Contributors, those who have given 10 to 24 years, will also be recognized. These may be individual, corporate or employee contributors.
Schwarz Pharma, Aisin USA, Walmart Distribution, Cummins Seymour Engine Plant, Schneck Medical Center and Rumpke will be luncheon sponsors.
Member agencies
Agencies that will receive operating funds this year from Jackson County United Way: Red Cross, Hoosier Hills Boy Scouts, Kentuckiana Girl Scouts, Mental Health America-Jackson County, Jackson County ARC, Boys & Girls Club of Seymour, Girls Inc. of Jackson County, Head Start, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, Salvation Army, Meals On Wheels, Child Care Network, Read Jackson County, Turning Point, Anchor House and Senior Citizen Centers in Brownstown, Crothersville, Freetown, Medora and Seymour.
