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| Increased giving comes despite challenging year |
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| November 2, 2011 |
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MARYSVILLE -- When Honda of America Mfg. unveiled its campaign results to the Union County United Way Campaign Committee Tuesday morning, volunteers fought back tears of joy. Individual giving by Honda associates and the 50 percent corporate match combined for a $228,642 boost to the local United Way campaign. That represents a 6.8% increase in giving from a year ago.
“Given the unexpected and difficult circumstances earlier this year, we were unsure as to the impact those factors may have had on the campaign,” said Bobbie Trittschuh, Honda’s United Way project leader. “But I was not surprised by the way our associates responded, because they have always realized the importance of giving back to the community.”
The campaign, in existence at Honda since 1982, solicits contributions from associates at Honda of America Mfg., Inc., and Honda Engineering North America, Inc. This year more than 60 percent of associates participated, directing the majority of their pledges to agencies in their local communities. In total, associate pledges for the campaign, with the company match, surpassed the goal by raising more than $1,438,000 for local United Way agencies.
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“This really speaks volumes, because the economy has hurt them, too,” said Tony Eufinger, United Way of Union County Campaign Chair. “Honda has done so much for us and we wouldn’t be the community we are today without Honda. When the tsunami hit, Union County responded. And now, Honda is responding to the needs of Union County again. This is a prime example of how when people fall on hard times, they know that United Way is here for them.”
Honda’s impact on United Way is quite substantial. Its workplace campaign accounts for more than 25 percent of the United Way of Union County’s $900,000 fundraising goal. To date, United Way has raised more than $597,000 or 66% of that goal.
“This continues a trend of generous giving from places where we thought donations might be down because of the economy,” Eufinger said, noting that all four local school districts saw increased giving as well, and other public sector employers are also conducting successful workplace campaigns despite projected budget cuts and a lack of employee raises.
“A theme we’ve echoed throughout the campaign has been to ask yourself, ‘Do I have everything I need?’ If you can say ‘Yes’ to that question, then ask yourself, ‘What can I give to help someone who doesn’t?’” said Holly Zachariah, a United Way Campaign Committee volunteer. “Union County is responding.”
United Way’s annual campaign accounts for more than 90 percent of its revenues, which are used to fund social service programs in four impact areas. Emergency & Basic Needs, such as food, shelter, pantries, disaster and emergencies, and domestic violence. Health & Human Services, such as prescription medication, cancer support, hospice care, and mental health. Youth Services, such as scouting, mentoring, child care, literacy, and after-school opportunities. Senior Services such as activities and socialization.
The United Way campaign continues through the end of the year. Donations can be made online at www.unitedwayofunioncounty.org, via mail at P.O. Box 145, Marysville, Ohio, 43040, or via phone at (937) 644-8381.
United Way works to bring neighbors and resources together to improve lives in Union County. More than just a fundraiser, United Way collaborates with local businesses, government, and non-profit organizations to solve pressing social service issues large and small.
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Honda of America’s announcement of Union County designations in the United Way campaign account for a 25% boost to the thermometer on the courthouse lawn. L-R - Volunteers Becky Ransome, Kathy Dietsch, and Tony Eufinger. Honda of America’s Bobbie Trittschuh, volunteer Marian Jacques, and United Way Executive Director Shari Marsh.
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