United Way of Union County (Ohio), Inc.: Press Release

Big Pay Day for United Way
Honda and Nationwide report record results on same day
For Immediate Release
November 3, 2006

Steve Bishop, Honda of America, Mfg. Support Champion, Dave Bezusko, United Way of Union County, and John Eickhoff, Marysville Plant Champion for the 2007 Honda of America Mfg. United Way Campaign.

The local United Way campaign got a big boost from its top two corporate supporters on Thursday as Honda of America, Mfg. and Nationwide Insurance reported record results exceeding $365,000 designated to Union County for the 2006-07 campaign. The announcements were made during simultaneous ceremonies in Marysville and Columbus and represent almost half of United Way’s $750,000 goal.

Honda’s United Way designation to Union County totals $260,060.70, including an all-time high in associate giving at $173,373.80. The total represents a $20,000 increase over 2005. Overall Honda of America, Mfg. pledges to United Way’s across Ohio total more than $1.84 million.

“This is a true expression of our fundamental values here at Honda,” said Tom Shoupe, Senior Vice President of Company Services and 2006-07 Campaign Chair at the company. “This is truly a team effort and I want to thank the ‘white coats’ for all their work on this project.”

Nationwide’s United Way designation to Union County totals $105,044, marking the first time that a company based outside of the county exceeded $100,000. The total includes an all-time high in associate giving at $52,522, mostly from commuters who live within the county borders. Overall Nationwide pledges to United Way’s across the country total more than $16.4 million.

“Nationwide associates, agents and retirees have a strong committment to our communities,” said Jackie Sells, Manager of Community Programs at Nationwide. “We are delighted to continue and enhance our support to more than 800 local United Way's across the country!”

Buoyed by these reports, United Way has now raised more than $543,000, or 72% of its goal, with a month remaining in its campaign.

“We knew it was going to be a ‘make or break day’ for our campaign efforts,” said Dave Bezusko, Campaign & PR Director for United Way of Union County. “The importance of this day is the knowledge that if we finish November strong, this community has a realistic shot to reach its milestone goal of three quarters of a million dollars. That’s so necessary and will enable us to keep pace with the changing needs of our growing community.”

16 of the 19 workplace campaigns that have concluded to date report increased giving over 2005. United Way’s recently concluded Online Community Auction generated more than $9,000 in new money for the organization. Nestle R&D finished just shy of $30,000. Industrial Ceramic Products increased giving by more than $2,700 over last year while the Union County Board of MR/DD had more than $2,500 in new pledges.

“I am overwhelmed by these generous results,” Bezusko said. “This is good news for the thousands of families United Way programs will serve next year.”

United Way programs and services include more than 24 Member Agencies in Union County. Its campaign continues through November. If your workplace does not conduct a United Way campaign, you can give individually by sending a check to United Way of Union County, P.O. Box 145, Marysville, Ohio, 43040 or by visiting www.unitedwayofunioncounty.org. If your workplace would like to get involved, please contact Dave Bezusko at (937) 644-8381.