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United Way Cornerstone Society Campaign Results Announced

The Shelby County United Way’s Enhanced Giving Committee announced the results of the leadership giving efforts during the fall campaign.  The United Way’s leadership giving program, the Cornerstone Society, is comprised of individuals, or couples, as well as family foundations, who generously contribute $500 or more to the United Way’s annual campaign.

 In 2010, campaign contributions by Cornerstone Society members totaled close to 30 percent of the dollars raised. Jana Potts, Shelby County United Way’s Enhanced Giving coordinator, said “This community is very fortunate because even during a challenging economic year, these members remained steadfast in their commitment to the community.”  Shelby County United Way estimates the total dollars raised for the 2010 campaign at $1.36 million.

The current membership of the Cornerstone Society is 495 members. The number of donors contributing at a leadership level during the last campaign represents an increase of almost 8% over the previous campaign. Potts further states, “We cannot thank Cornerstone Society members enough for their dedication and support of United Way services in this community.”

In the coming weeks, the Enhanced Giving Committee will focus on the publication of the Cornerstone Society leadership directory.  The publication is used to recognize Cornerstone Society members and also includes corporate and organizational recognition.

Wilma Valentine Creative Learning Center host Cornerstone Society

The Shelby County United Way and Wilma Valentine Creative Learning Center held a luncheon on Thursday for the United Way’s Cornerstone Society members.  The Cornerstone Society is a leadership giving program which recognizes philanthropic leaders in Shelby County who generously contribute $500 or more to the United Way’s annual campaign.

The luncheon and tours were conducted on the campus of the Shelby County Board of Development Disabilities and provided an opportunity for Cornerstone Society members to tour the Wilma Valentine Center.  Created in 1992, the Wilma Valentine Creative Learning Center is a non-profit daycare center for all young preschool children.  The center provides specialized care to families whose children are experiencing developmental delays, severe behaviors or have been diagnosed with handicapping conditions.  The Center serves approximately sixty children each year and is the only facility of its kind in the state of Ohio.

Bob Parker, Shelby County United Way’s Executive Director, said “The purpose of this event was to show our leadership givers what this agency provides to families in need of this type of care for their children.  It is gratifying both to the United Way and to Wilma Valentine, when donors get to see firsthand the success this agency is having with children.”  Lisa Slonecker, Executive Director of Wilma Valentine Creative Learning Center remarked, “We are extremely grateful to the United Way. It was a privilege to host the Cornerstone Society Members and share with them a glimpse of how their support benefits the children and families in Shelby County. "

The agency luncheon and tour is a new event for the Enhanced Giving Committee and was introduced based on feedback from leadership givers.  Parker states, “Each year our leadership givers make a special commitment to improve the lives of those in our community and we want to offer them the opportunity to see how their gifts are at work at the agencies and through the programs we support.”

Gifts by Cornerstone Society members represented over one-fourth of the 2009 United Way campaign.  The Cornerstone Society leadership giving program offers four different levels of giving:  Friends ($500-$999), Benefactors ($1,000-$2,499), Patrons ($2,500-$4,999) and Champions ($5,000 and above).

Shelby County United Way and Compassionate Care Host Event

The Shelby County United Way and Compassionate Care of Shelby County held an event on Thursday evening for the United Way’s Cornerstone Society members. The Cornerstone Society is a leadership giving program which recognizes philanthropic leaders in Shelby County who generously contribute $500 or more to the United Way’s annual campaign.

The open house event was held at Compassionate Care and provided an opportunity for Cornerstone Society members to tour the faith-based healthcare center. Compassionate Care provides primary healthcare services to uninsured and underinsured residents of Shelby County. Since their inception in August 2007, Compassionate Care has provided primary healthcare services to over 1,400 uninsured residents of Shelby County.

Jana Potts, Shelby County United Way’s Enhanced Giving coordinator, said “This event offers our leadership givers an opportunity to see firsthand how donations from United Way’s annual campaign are at work in our community. The event also offers the United Way staff and board of trustees, as well as an agency, the chance to personally thank our leadership givers.” Potts further states, “Each year our leadership givers make a special commitment to improve the lives of those in our community, and Compassionate Care is a perfect example of how that commitment is making a positive impact.”

The agency tour is a new event for the Enhanced Giving Committee and was introduced based on feedback received from company representatives and leadership givers. Teresa Ditmer, Executive Director of Compassionate Care remarked, “Everyone here at Compassionate Care is very excited about hosting this year’s Cornerstone event for the United Way. Having people see our facility and learn more about what we do for the community is key to Compassionate Care’s ability to serve our neighbors in need.”

Gifts by Cornerstone Society members represented nearly one-fourth of the 2008 United Way campaign. The Cornerstone Society leadership giving program offers four different levels of giving: Friends ($500-$999), Benefactors ($1,000-$2,499), Patrons ($2,500-$4,999) and Champions ($5,000 and above).

Cornerstone Society members Glen and Vanis Phillips pause for a picture during their tour

	Compassionate Care Board Members Marcia Grigg and Charlie Rhyan talk with Cornerstone Society members John Deeds and Dan Bensman

Board Members John Scheu, John Deeds and Trip Brubacher along with 2009 Campaign Chair Cindy Helman, and Enhanced Giving Volunteer Ken Monnier

	Cornerstone Society members Trip Brubacher and Dennis Ruble

Cornerstone Society member and 2009 UW Board President, Rhonda Keister speaks with Cornerstone Society members Carole Crosley, Stan Crosley and Dave Fogt

	Compassionate Care Staff RN Carol Young leads Cornerstone Society members Jim and Cheryl Boyer on a tour

Susan Tolbert Transportation Manager, Cargill, Inc.

Question:
What inspires you to give to United Way?
Answer:
“I’m inspired by United Way agencies that promote and advance the health and overall well-being of the youth in my community.”

Ralph Keister Attorney, Faulkner, Garmhausen, Keister and Shenk

Question:
Why do you support our community through the United Way?
Answer:
“I support Shelby County through the United Way because it provides me the ability to support multiple agencies and needs through one gift.”

Walt Bennett
Executive Vice President, Thor Industries

Question:
As a leadership giver and past volunteer, what do you feel is the most important message to convey to the community?
Answer:
“As past President/Campaign Chairman and leadership giver to the United Way, I am obviously committed to its mission.

I believe United Way is an important coordinator of giving to agencies that serve a broad range of human services in our community. They question and review each agency represented and perform the necessary checks and balances to assure our community given dollars are put to the uses intended.

We should be proud of our community givers and the funds raised over the years as well as the diligent effort and responsible manner in which United Way conducts itself.”