United Way campaign just shy of 70% Honda drives donations over the $600,000 mark 12 November 2009

The fundraising efforts of local United Way volunteers have produced 69% of the organization's $900,000 campaign goal to date. Major donation announcements made this week have taken the giving total to $617,667. Honda of America, Mfg. reported a combined associate and corporate pledge of $222,669 to United Way of Union County on Thursday. The money coming to Union County accounts for 25% of what United Way hopes to raise locally this year. Honda of America, Mfg reported results of its annual United Way campaign on Thursday. $222,699 will be coming to Union County this year. The donation boosts the local United Way's campaign effort to $617,667, 69% of its $900,000 goal. From left to right: Ron Lietzke and Bobbie Jo Trittschuh of Honda of America, Mfg., Shari Marsh and Dave Bezusko of United Way of Union County, and Denise Grow, of Memorial Hospital of Union County and United Way volunteer. ’I am gratified that our associates maintained such a high participation level during these challenging times, because it shows their commitment to making a difference in their communities,“ said Tom Shoupe, member of Honda of America' Operations Committee and the United Way Campaign Chair at the company. These associates are involved in supporting their communities, and often volunteer their time and unique talents to organizations that make our communities better places to live and work. "This year, more than ever, the support of our top workplace campaigns is critical to our ability to meet the needs of our community," said Shari Marsh, Executive Director of the United Way of Union County. "Honda and its associates continue a tradition of caring in a time when it would have been easy for them to make their campaign a lower priority project internally. We are grateful that they continue to choose United Way as their way to give back, trusting us to stretch their contributions to make the biggest possible impact." 60% of Honda's workforce gave again this year, equaling last year's participation rate. The effort raised a total of $1.42 million for United Way's throughout Ohio. Nationwide Insurance in Columbus reported that $86,632 will be coming to Union County as a result of their campaign effort. The giving of many associates who commute to work from Union County and designate their pledge back home accounts for that large sum which will be United Way's third-largest workplace campaign. The Union County Board of Developmental Disabilities just completed a record-giving campaign raising $8,590, a 35% increase over last year. Employees within the City of Marysville increased giving 30% to $4,951. Other workplaces completing campaigns include Cannizzaro Bridges Jillisky & Streng, Central Ohio Youth Center, Citizens Bank, Fairbanks Local Schools, Fifth Third Bank, Honda Transmission, Jonathan Alder Local Schools, Marysville Schools, National City Bank, North Union Local Schools, Richwood Banking Company, Select Sires, Veyance Technologies, and Wal-Mart. United Way is awaiting campaign results from 42 additional Union County workplaces and 30 out-of-county businesses from which it usually receives designations. Campaign & PR Director Dave Bezusko says that projected results from those campaigns would take United Way to $797,000, or 89% of its goal. United Way is trying to raise $900,000 to fund over 30 local social service programs ranging from emergency & basic needs of food and shelter to after-school programs for children and socialization activities for seniors. "It's what that goal represents that's important," Bezusko said. "It's not a number. It's a family that's going to be turned away for help when they need it the most. If we don't make it, there won't be enough to go around when it's time to fund the agencies. If you've ever thought about giving to United Way and you never have, now is the time." The most familiar and most needed way for people to give is via payroll deduction during the United Way campaign at their workplace. This is because the gift is spread out over the course of the entire year, is tax-deductible, and is often matched by the employer. Residents may choose to make a personal gift by sending cash or check to United Way of Union County, PO Box 145, Marysville, Ohio, 43040 or can give online at www.unitedwayofunioncounty.org or by calling its office at (937) 644-8381.