A+ Progress Report Marysville Schools staff double United Way donations to over $20,000 23 October 2009

Patrick Dundr of the Marysville Journal-Tribune takes a photo for the newspaper of Shari Marsh (United Way), Denise Grow (Memorial Hospital and United Way Board Member), Mary Ann Conley (Marysville Schools and United Way Board Member), Evan Smith (National City/PNC Bank and United Way Campaign Committee), and Kristy Rowland (Marysville Schools). Conley and Rowland organized one of the most successful workplace campaigns in the history of United Way of Union County. Teachers and staff at the Marysville Schools just completed a United Way campaign of historic proportions, doubling their total donations from last year to $20,072. It’s the first time a workplace giving more than $10,000 doubled in one year since the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company accomplished the feat in the mid-90’s. "Our staff works everyday helping kids and families," said Larry Zimmerman, Superintendent of the Marysville Schools. "They also understand many need assistance from United Way. The contribution from our staff is way of giving back in another way to the kids we serve and assuring they get served in ways schools cannot provide. The giving by the Marysville School staff is a true tribute to the staff here. They are tremendous individuals who want the best for kids and they are very caring." "They ran a textbook campaign," said Shari Marsh, United Way’s Executive Director. "I am very excited about the support we receive from the Marysville School system. The United Way of Union County values its community partners and does its best to complement their efforts in serving our shared community." Campaign Coordinators Kristy Rowland and Mary Ann Conley increased awareness by setting up United Way presentations at every school. Almost half of the staff participated, with 316 donors giving an average gift of $63. The staff at Raymond Elementary had the largest average gift. Creekview Intermediate had the largest growth in number of participants. Mill Valley Elementary earned a Pizza Party for having the largest percentage of staff participating. Marysville Schools made a similar $10,000 jump in giving over a two-year period between 2003 and 2005. Marysville Schools efforts boosted the United Way campaign to $374,000 to 42% of its $900,000 campaign goal. About one month remains in the drive and more help is needed to help the organization meet the needs of our community. Funding requests of United Way’s Member Agencies are 23% higher than last year as the number of people turn to them for social service needs increases. The Salvation Army has served 362 local households this year in its Homeless Prevention Program, providing rent or utility assistance to families who have eviction notices or utilities shut off. The North Union Personal Needs Pantry served a whopping 56 households in one day earlier this month. "We have a tremendous amount of ground to cover and financial contributions this year are more important than ever," said Luke Braun, United Way’s volunteer Campaign Chair. "If you can give, please consider it." 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. More than 50 area workplaces are conducting workplace campaigns this year. 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.