A vibrant community, a healthy United Way
Funding goal is within reach as United Way moves into new home
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“A vibrant community has a healthy United Way.”
That statement was made by Rex Gingerich of Chariot Auto Group to United Way of Howard and Tipton Counties CEO Dana Neer shortly after Neer accepted the top position in the organization. He took the statement to heart and repeated it as the organization cut the ribbon on its new home along Buckeye Street on Feb. 23.
What has taken place since the United Way launched its annual fundraising campaign last November demonstrates the point. The vibrant community responded well, and the $1 million funding goal is within reach; proof that the organization is healthy once again.
“If we're faithful to the task, flourishing will follow,” said Neer. “It won't always be easy. We won’t take every victory, but we will have success and we will flourish.”
The funding campaign continues until March 14, when a wrap-up celebration will be held at The Hobson, 110 N. Washington St. Neer hopes that everyone will consider attending and sharing in the success the United Way has experienced.
But on Friday, the focus rested on the United Way’s relocation. After decades in a headquarters on West Walnut Street, the organization chose to move across the street to 125 N. Buckeye St., saving operational costs and giving up unused space in the process. The move took place on Feb. 9, with the assistance of (former United Way board president) Caleb Hollingsworth and his team from Hollingsworth Lumber.
“It was 62 degrees; we couldn’t have asked for more,” said Neer. “Caleb and seven or eight of his guys came over at 6 a.m. with their equipment and a roll-off container, and we just started moving, moving, moving.
“It was a fun move with a lot of activity. We lost a few things. We broke a few things, but that's pretty normal for a move. And now we are functioning in our new home. We love our home and the energy of this new space!”
Two weeks later, United Way board president Kevin Lechner took the golden scissors and joined dozens of community members in opening the new offices.
“I feel as good about the United Way as I have in six years,” said Lechner. “It's a great, great feeling. United Way has given this community everything they've had, through good times and bad, for 90-plus years. Now that we're in the present, this is our turn. It's our time to be the advocates, to be the givers. Let's take that challenge and live it the best we can.”
A special guest also attended the ribbon cutting. United Ways of Indiana CEO Michael Budd celebrated along with the community as the local organization enters a new era.
“What a great testament to this community and the United Way that you are here,” Budd said to the crowd. “I think this may be the most people I've seen at a ribbon cutting in a long time. Thank you for being here. We're excited to support United Way of Howard and Tipton Counties as it continues to serve this community in such a stellar way.
“We're so excited about where they are and the progress they've made. It's just been fantastic. We look forward to many, many years in this community, and continuing to see the collaborations, partnerships, and direct work that this organization can do.”
The funding campaign is in its final month, and there are still some larger donors out there yet to be pledged. And there are many smaller and individual donors to be reached. But 2023-24 campaign chairman Paul Wyman is confident the United Way will reach and even exceed its $1 million goal.
“It's been going incredibly well,” said Wyman. “The reception from the community has been phenomenal. We're just excited to be out there, seeing some of the companies that have done exciting and fun things with their campaigns in the past, and seeing them starting to do those things. It’s exciting for the community.”
There is still time to give. For those businesses and individuals who want to be a part of the United Way’s resurgence and help dozens of charitable organizations in Howard and Tipton counties, call 765-457-4357 to arrange for a visit or to submit a pledge. Additional information also can be found by visiting www.howardandtiptonunitedway.org.