United Way fetes community partners, corporate givers

Source: The Sun, Yuma, Ariz.儲存倉Oct. 04--United Way of Yuma County would not be able to assist the families, children and individuals that it does now without the community's support.The agency celebrated "outstanding achievements, big goals and the people who made it happen" during its annual recognition event on Tuesday."For the past year, we have had the honor of serving our community and working to unite people, ideas and resources to improve conditions in our community," said Madeleine Coil, president and CEO of United Way of Yuma County."With community, corporate and philanthropic partners, we asked you to give, advocate and volunteer, and we could not be more grateful for your support."In 2013, UWYC's vision was to "build a community where all children and youth success, families are self-sufficient, neighborhoods are vital and safe and all people enjoy maximum health and independence," Coil said.The board of directors, staff and volunteers focused on the issues of education, income and health with programs such as the Read On Yuma-School Readiness, Volunteer Income Tax Assistant and Financial Literacy-Adult Self-Sufficiency.The agency also promoted community volunteerism and healthy lifestyle choices.UWYC recognized the community partners, such as the Catholic Community Services and the Yuma Community Food Bank, "who make a difference in the community," said Karina Jones, resource development and marketing director.Thanks to local employee and corporate gifts, the agency gave its community partners a collective $121,217 in 2012/13."You helped make this happen. On behalf of the tens of thousands of people in Yuma County touched by our United Way, we thank you, and together, we can do more," Coil said.Mark Hutsell, incoming chairman of the UWYC board of trustees, noted that UWYC has come a long way in recent years."Your United Way of Yuma County is not the same United Way of five years ago when I first started on the board," he said."Through the hard work of Madeleine, her staff and you, our volunteers, United Way of Yuma County is leading the way with programs such as Read On Yuma, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, VITA and the FamilyWize card. Did you know (that) last year 8,600 people saved over one-half million dollars on their prescriptions with the FamilyWize card? And our VITA volunteers kept $2.5 million in the pockets of Yuma County residents," Hutsell explained.He thanked volunteers for their efforts. "On behalf of United Way of Yuma County, the staff and the board, thank you for giving back to our community.""It is you, our volunteers, who embody the spirit of 'Live Un迷你倉最平ted,'" he added. "You have taken an active role to improve health, income and education of those around you."Hutsell expects the next 12 months to be "exciting" as UWYC explores new programs and improves on its successes, he added.Recognition awardsThe agency presented the Spirit of Caring Award to organizations exhibiting outstanding support of United Way through employee and corporate gifts as well as their year-round commitment to the community. The awards went to:-- Yuma Regional Medical Center $66,270 (highest campaign in the county)-- Arizona Public Service-- City of Yuma-- Johnson Controls"Each of these organizations has individuals who take time out of their busy schedule to serve on committees. They organize meetings to encourage others around them to give," Jones said.APS received the Campaign Excellence Award for "demonstrating excellence" in its UW campaign with at least 75 percent employee participation.Campaign Leadership Awards were presented to organizations whose employees demonstrated exceptional leadership with at least $200 per capita giving. The awards went to:-- Enterprise Rent-A-Car (with an average gift of $314.40 from local employees)-- The Foothills BankJohnson Controls received the Campaign Chairman/Committee Award for its "one-of-a-kind campaign.""I've never seen such strong support from the leadership team and enthusiasm from employees. They go beyond the payroll deduction form and they make it fun for employees to not only give, but get involved in their community. They're a prime example of what it means to Live United," Jones said.Campaign Achievement Awards were presented to organizations that had a 25 percent increase over last year's campaign. They went to:-- Arizona Scuba Shack-- Dillard's-- Mohave State Bank (most increased at 213.6 percent)-- Northern Arizona University Yuma-- Yuma School District No. 1-- Outstanding Partner Agency-- The Freedom Library"Although Arizona Scuba Shack does not host a traditional campaign, they deserve to be recognized for their continued support of the UW. They have supported United Way for over 15 years and dedicate time each year to throw a fun and free scuba diving event for the community," Jones explained."Howard Blitz from The Freedom Library is an incredible partner agency. He attends all meetings and events, helps us spread the word about UW and has a passion to teach and improve the lives of others throughout our community," she added.Copyright: ___ (c)2013 The Sun (Yuma, Ariz.) Visit The Sun (Yuma, Ariz.) at .yumasun.com Distributed by MCT Information Services迷你倉