SPECIAL PROJECT GRANTS AVAILABLE FROM
SHELBY COUNTY UNITED WAY

The Shelby County United Way has announced that documentation to apply for Special Project Grants is now available. Special Project Grants are available one time a year to assist with material or equipment needs for 501 (c)(3) organizations, nonprofit agencies, or units of government serving the Shelby County United Way service area. A Special Project is defined as a time-limited grant awarded for an innovative project which improves the human service delivery system and/or addresses emerging or immediate community needs in Shelby County. There is a total of $50,000 available for 2008-09 in Shelby County United Way Special Grant funding for County nonprofit organizations.

There are three kinds of Special Grants available. Seed Money Special Project Grants are intended to provide short-term support for start-up development of new programs. The purpose is to promote the improvement of human services through the implementation of innovative programs. Special Assistance Grants are awarded to prior seed money grant applicants after the determination of need by a service agency. This year is the first year for the third type of grant which is a Community Support Grant. This grant will be awarded for services necessary to the community on an on-going basis that do not qualify for agency funding or the first two types of grants.

This process is coordinated by the Special Projects Team which is chaired by Board of Trustees member Ron Burns. Other members of the committee are Vice Chair John Deeds, Ric Abbott, Janice Benanzer, Rick Steenrod, and Deb Hovrstrydt.

UNITED WAY ANNOUNCES 2008 CAMPAIGN CHAIR

Iddy Andrews, Shelby County United Way Executive Director, has announced that the 2008 Campaign Chair will be Dave DeVelvis. Andrews states, “We are very pleased to have Dave as our 2008 Campaign Chair. He was our Large Manufacturing Chair during the 2007 Campaign, a current Board of Trustee Member, and the former Chair of the Events and Activities Committee. He brings experience and great enthusiasm to our 2008 campaign.”

DeVelvis is the President of Site Mgr Solutions, LTD & Sports Officials Online, LLC. He retired as the Information Technology Manager of the City of Sidney after 31 years of service. He is a graduate of Holy Angels High School and earned an Associate Degree from Edison State Community College and has attended Miami University and Wright State University.  

DeVelvis states, "I am very excited to have been given the opportunity to head up the 2008 Shelby County United Way campaign. Having been involved as a division chairperson for the past three campaigns, I feel I bring some experience to the position. Having served on the board of directors for the past five years, I certainly understand the importance of reaching our goal each year, since so many in the Shelby County community are counting on our success." Andrews and DeVelvis will begin assembling the 2008 Campaign Cabinet after the first of the year.

DeVelvis is a member of the Holy Angels Catholic Church and the Sidney American Legion. He and his wife, Linda, have three children, Keri who lives in Hilliard, OH; Josh from Liberty Township, OH; and Jason who lives in Westerville, OH.

SHELBY COUNTY UNITED WAY PROJECTS GOAL of $1.26 MILLION

The Shelby County United Way held a joyous 50th anniversary celebration finale for the 2007 campaign today 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM at the VFW Post #4239. Iddy Andrews, Executive Director of the Shelby County United Way stated, “This is truly a day to celebrate the generosity of the people and employees of companies and businesses here in Shelby County for the past 50 years.” The goal for 2007 was $1,260,000, and the actual dollars pledged at this time are $1,170,989 with a final amount projected at $1,405,291. The projections are based on donors and companies who still have campaigns running and are scheduled to end in the next couple of weeks. The theme this year which was carried out from the Kickoff to the Finale was, “Celebrating 50 Years of Neighbors Helping Neighbors.” The public was invited to attend today’s festivities, and approximately 170 people from Shelby County were in attendance. Members of the Board of Trustees, Campaign Cabinet, Staff, and Events and Activities Team wore United Way logo shirts donated by Holloway.

The luncheon began with a welcome by United Way Executive Director, Iddy Andrews, and the invocation was given by long-time United Way volunteer Phil Chilcote. Members of the Board of Trustees were introduced by Board President Bob Parker, as well as past campaign chairs, past presidents, representatives of the member agencies, and the United Way staff. Parker stated, “It is a very gratifying experience to see the citizens and work force of Shelby County celebrate the generosity of the community." Parker also introduced the 2007 Campaign Chairman, Frank Gilardi.

Gilardi made remarks about the campaign and recognized company and organization campaign coordinators and account volunteers. Gilardi also recognized businesses and organizations who earned Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze awards for the 2007 campaign as computed on available results Wednesday, November 7, at noon. These award winners are as follows:

AWARDS

PLATINUM

GOLD

SILVER

BRONZE

These award winners were also listed in the program which was handed out to all attendees. The actual award certificates will be presented the beginning of 2008. The highlight of the luncheon was when Gilardi revealed the results and projections for the 2007 campaign which had a goal of $1,260,000. Division results are as follows:

Gilardi stated, "It has truly been an honor to lead such a great team of campaign division leaders and volunteers.   So many individuals and organizations across our county pulled together with their donations of time, talent, and resources to make this campaign a great win for Shelby County."   Although this is the finale celebration, volunteers will continue to finalize pledges and donations which will continue to come into the Shelby County United Way office in the weeks to come.

Gifts of appreciation were presented to Division Leaders for the 2007 campaign as follows: Dave DeVelvis – Large Manufacturing Leader assisted by Doug Borchers; Dave Wolters – Small Manufacturing Leader assisted by Steve Miller; Tom Boecker and Bill McCaskey – Health Care Co-leaders; Jerry Vanderhorst and Steve Shuchat – Service Co-leaders; Larry Elsner – Professional Leader; Sue Britton – Nonprofit Leader; Duane Gaier, Jim Thompson, DeAnn Clayton – Public Service Employee Leaders; Education Co-leaders Michael Trego and Heather Neer; Priscilla Wilt – Special Gifts Leader; and Jason Heckman – Retail Leader.

Andrews made closing remarks including a presentation to Frank Gilardi in appreciation for his service, and Tony Schroeder was recognized for his service to the Board of Trustees for two full terms of office. Schroeder is a past president of the Board of Trustees.  Andrews also expressed her gratitude to the donors for their generosity to the annual campaign.

The final announcement of the day was that Dave DeVelvis, founder of  SiteMgr Solutions and President of Sports Officials Online, LLC, will be the 2008 United Way Campaign Chairman. DeVelvis was the 2007 Large Manufacturing Chair and previous Retail Chair for the Shelby County United Way Campaigns in past years.

Special recognition was given in the program to Cenveo for publication of the campaign brochures; Creative Marketing for the design work on the brochures; Holloway Sportswear for their donation of campaign shirts; Brad Reed for producing the local campaign video; Wal-Mart for their donation of cupcakes; V.F. W. #4239 for providing the location for the finale, and personal testimony in the video by Bill Mann.

The finale festivities were planned by the Events and Activities Committee including – Dave DeVelvis (chair), Ric Abbott, Brad Reed, Phil Chilcote, Sharon Maurice Jeanie Bosslet, Jana Potts, Jenny Ouhl, Loisann Kerns, Lori Brubacher, and, Jeff Raible.

For more information about the Shelby County United Way, call (937) 492-2101.

Freshway Foods United Way Campaign Flag Raising

Freshway Foods kicked off their 2007 Shelby County United Way campaign by raising the United Way flag today at their plant. Featured in the photo are left to right: Frank Blenham - Director of Operations - Aissata Seck, employee who gave the highest contributions from the production staff in the 2006 campaign, and Lynn Banas – Assistant Director of Human Resources.

Holloway United Way Campaign Flag Raising

From left to right: Mark Vondenhuevel - President of Holloway, Iddy Andrews – Executive Director of Shelby County United Way, Robin Slater, Vice President of Holloway.

SHELBY UNITED WAY SCHEDULES SECOND ROUND OF SPECIAL PROJECT GRANTS

For the first time in the history of The Shelby County United Way the Board of Trustees has announced they will hold a second round of Special Project Grant Awards. The first round was scheduled May 2007 and awards were granted to 14 different non-profit organizations. Iddy Andrews, Executive Director, states, “Our Board has evaluated our budget for Special Projects 2007 and made a decision to conduct a second round of grants so this money will be in the community making a difference immediately.” The documentation to apply for a Special Project Grant is now available at the Shelby County United Way, 121 E. North Street in Sidney.

Special Project Grants are available to assist with human service programming and projects for nonprofit organizations serving people in the Shelby County service area.  A Special Project is defined as a time-limited grant awarded for a program or project which improves the human service delivery system and/or addresses emerging or immediate community needs in Shelby County.

There are three kinds of Special Grants available. Seed Money Special Project Grants are intended to provide short-term support for start-up development of new programs. The purpose is to promote the improvement of human services through the implementation of innovative programs. Special Assistance Grants are awarded to prior seed money grant applicants after the determination of need by a service agency. This year is the first year for the third type of grant which is a Community Support Grant. This grant will be awarded for services necessary to the community on an on-going basis that do not qualify for agency funding or the first two types of grants.

The chair of the Special Projects Committee is Ron Burns, and other committee members are John Deeds, Ric Abbott, Jeanie Bosslet, Janice Benanzer, Rick Steenrod, Dave DeVelvis, and Deb Hovestrydt. They will carefully review all of the applications received and make recommendations for funding to the Shelby County United Way Board of Trustees.

Applications can be picked up by going to the Shelby County United Way, 121 E. North Street in Sidney, emailing lkerns@shelbycounitedway.org or by calling (937) 492-2101. The deadline to submit applications for this round of Special Projects is December 1, 2007.

UNITED WAY KICKOFFS 2007 CAMPAIGN

The Shelby County United Way opened their 50th annual 2007 Campaign Kickoff on September 13, with a rendition of Happy Birthday, and approximately 170 community volunteers andbusiness people were in attendance. The event was held at the American Legion Hall and was decorated thematically for a birthday party during the noon hour. Iddy Andrews, Executive Director, said “Holding our kickoff luncheon over the noon hour has become a traditional favorite with our supporters in the business world as well as in those in community service. What better way to spend your lunch hour than having a great meal for free while celebrating our 50th birthday with the community and our supporters!” The theme of the campaign is “Celebrating 50 Years of Neighbors Helping Neighbors.” Trustees, Campaign Cabinet Volunteers, Staff, and Events and Activities Committee members were all dressed in United Way shirts which were donated by Holloway Sportswear.

The opening prayer was given by Cindy Helman, former Shelby County United Way Board of Trustees President and long-time United Way and community volunteer.   Andrews gave the welcome, and opening comments were offered by President of the Board of Trustees, Bob Parker of Alcoa Home Exteriors. Parker read a proclamation by Ohio Governor Strickland recognizing “The Shelby County United Way 50th Anniversary.  Congratulations to the United Way for 50 years of successful coordinated charitable work.” He also recognized the United Way staff, board, and member agency representatives. Past Board Presidents as well as Past Campaign Chairs were asked to stand for recognition, and Parker thanked the Events and Activities Team for their dedication in planning the kickoff activities.

2007Campaign Chair, Frank Gilardi introducedthe division leaders introduced the division leaders asfollows:Dave DeVelvis – Large Manufacturing; Doug Borchers – Large Manufacturing Assistant; Dave Wolters – Small Manufacturing; Steve Miller – Small Manufacturing Assistant; Tom Boecker – Health Care; Bill McCaskey – Health Care; Jerry Vanderhorst – Service; Steve Shuchat – Service; Larry Elsner – Professional; Sue Britton – Nonprofits; Duane Gaier – City of Sidney Employees; DeAnn Clayton and Jim Thompson – Shelby County Employees; Priscilla Wilt – Special Gifts; Heather Neer – Shelby County Schools Education; Dr. Michael Trego – Sidney City Schools Education; and Jason Heckman – Retail. Gilardi also recognized the account managers as well as the company volunteers. Gilardi had high praise for the team of volunteers assembled for the 2007 campaign.

Gilardi recognized companies for First Dollars In: Choice One Engineering’s campaign raised$16,821.00 with 24 employees – an average of almost $701 per employee; Retiree Division with $7,900; Shelby County United Way with $1,904; Cargill with $1,000 for an early Special Event; Cassano’s Pizza King with $100; Cromes Funeral Home with $100; and the Sheriff’s Office with $100. Today’s 2007 campaign total is $27,825.  Those recognized for in-kind contributions to the kickoff and campaign were Cenveo, Creative Marketing Strategies, Brad Reed, S & H Manufacturing, Sidney American Legion, Holloway Sportswear Inc., Wal-Mart, Honda, and SiteMgr Solutions, Ltd. The goal for this year is $1,260,000.

Dave DeVelvis, chair of the Events and Activities Team, unveiled the new Shelby County United Way website which is at www.shelbycounitedway.org and also introduced the 2007 video participant, Bill Mann, a recipient of United Way services through ARC and the Rehabilitation Center.

The 2007 local video which was produced by Brad Reed was premiered and received applause from those in attendance. Andrews introduced the speaker for the luncheon. Susan Tolbert, NE Transportation Manager and Team of Cargill, Inc. shared Cargill success stories in running their 2006 United Way campaign which increased by 427.5%. Members of the Cargill team then answered questions from the attendees of the luncheon. Campaigns throughout the county will begin immediately and go through the finale on November 8, 2007.

Final remarks were made by Andrews including an invitation to everyone for the Campaign Finale on November 8, 11:30 AM, at the VFW Hall. The kickoff was planned by the Events and Activities Committee which is chaired by Dave DeVelvis. Members of the committee are Brad Reed, Jeanie Bosslet, Loisann Kerns, Jana Potts, Jenny Ouhl, Jeff Raible, Lori Brubacher, Sharon Maurice, Ric Abbott, and Phil Chilcote.

EMERSON CLIMATE TECHNOLOGIES AND SHELBY COUNTY UNITED WAY REPRESENTATIVES
JOIN FORCES TO KICK OFF THE 2007 CAMPAIGN WITH THE ANNUAL FLAG RAISING AT EMERSON.

Phil Grim,  IT Manager – 2007 Emerson UW Chairperson
Bob Anderson – VP of Human Resources
Frank Gilardi, 2007 Campaign Chairperson
Iddy Andrews, Shelby County United Way Director
Tom Sheehan, VP of Human Resources – Air Conditioning Division

UNITED WAY PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE SELECTS
THEME FOR 2007 CAMPAIGN

Dave DeVelvis, Chair of the Shelby County United Way Events and Activities Team, has announced the theme for the 2007 annual fall campaign – “Celebrating 50 Years of Neighbors Helping Neighbors." DeVelvis states, “We are celebrating our 50th anniversary and want to reconfirm that the Shelby County United Way continues to be centered on members of the community working together to make Shelby County a better place to live.” A number of activities will be held throughout the year celebrating the fact that the Shelby County United Way has been an integral part of the community for the last 50 years.

UNITED WAY ANNOUNCES 2007 CAMPAIGN CHAIR

Iddy Andrews, Shelby County United Way Executive Director, has announced that the 2007 Campaign Chair will be Frank Gilardi, CEO of Freshway Foods. Andrews states, “We are very pleased to have Frank as our 2007 Campaign Chair. He was our Large Manufacturing Chair in 2004 and is a committed volunteer to the United Way and many other community organizations.”

Gilardi is the CEO and Co-owner of Freshway Foods located in Sidney. He is a Lehman Catholic High School Foundation and School Board member. He is on the Wilson Hospital Foundation Board and was a capital campaign volunteer for the Wilson Hospital Women’s Health Center. Gilardi is a past Chair of the Sidney-Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and a past Board Member and President of the Sidney Airport Advisory Board. He has also served as a Board Member of the Holy Angels Soup Kitchen.

Gilardi states, “"It is my pleasure and honor to accept this leadership role for the 2007 campaign.   We have outstanding human services agencies that are making a difference every day, right here in Shelby County.  The continued success of this campaign is essential in meeting these needs going forward." Andrews and Gilardi have already begun assembling the 2007 Campaign Cabinet.

Gilardi is a member of the Holy Angels Catholic Church and of the Knights of Columbus. He is married to Julie, and they have a daughter, Jennifer.

UNITED WAY & US POSTAL CARRIERS JOIN FORCES TO
HELP FOOD PANTRIES

The National Association of Letter Carriers, in conjunction with the United States Postal Service Workers and the Shelby County United Way are partnering together to assist food pantries in Shelby County restock their shelves. Residents can help by placing food donations at their mailbox on May 12 before letter carriers arrive. Non-perishable food items including meat, soup, juice, pasta, vegetables, cereal, and rice are requested. The carrier will take these items to the post office where they will be sorted by volunteers with the United Way and local food pantries. Please exclude any glass or perishable items.

Food pantries throughout Shelby County were invited to participate in this program to receive food items to help families in need in Shelby County. Agape, FISH, and the Alpha Center have responded to the invitation.

Residents may also bring food items to the post office parking lot at 135 N. Ohio Avenue in Sidney during the afternoon of May 12. United Way Events and Activities Chair, Ric Abbott, is the coordinator for this event. Abbott states, “This is a great opportunity for our United Way to partner with the Postal Carriers and food pantries to help provide for our Shelby County neighbors who are in need.” For additional information, call the Shelby County United Way at 492-2101.

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK - APRIL 15-21, 2007

At the Shelby County United Way we have approximately 200 volunteers to help our office staff of 2 fulltime and 1 part-time employees do the work of the United Way in our community. Without these 200 volunteers, it would be impossible for our small staff to operate and perform our mission to the residents of Shelby County which is “to identify, evaluate, and make possible the human services in our community.”

National Volunteer Week is April 15 – 21, 2007, and we would like to express our gratitude to each one of our faithful volunteers who give hours of their time campaigning, programming, and coordinating activities and events for the Shelby County United Way and our community organizations and agencies. Our United Way is like a big picture puzzle that is incomplete without ALL the pieces, and each of you represents a piece of the whole picture. We thank you for making us complete and for your work for the United Way and to our community.

Happy Volunteer Week! Because of your unselfish giving, you have made “50 Years of Neighbors Helping Neighbors” possible.

SPECIAL PROJECT GRANTS MONEY AVAILABILITY
INCREASES FOR SHELBY UNITED WAY

The Shelby County United Way has announced that as a result of the successful 2006 annual campaign the amount of money available for Special Grants has been increased from $30,000 to $50,000. Iddy Andrews, Executive Director, states, “We are very grateful to the members of the community for their generosity during the campaign. This will enable us to increase our Special Project Awards to a record high amount.” The documentation to apply for 2007-08 Special Project Grants is now available at the Shelby County United Way.

Special Project Grants are available one time a year to assist with human service programming and projects for nonprofit organizations serving people in the Shelby County service area.  A Special Project is defined as a time-limited grant awarded for a program or project which improves the human service delivery system and/or addresses emerging or immediate community needs in Shelby County.

There are three kinds of Special Grants available. Seed Money Special Project Grants are intended to provide short-term support for start-up development of new programs. The purpose is to promote the improvement of human services through the implementation of innovative programs. Special Assistance Grants are awarded to prior seed money grant applicants after the determination of need by a service agency. This year is the first year for the third type of grant which is a Community Support Grant. This grant will be awarded for services necessary to the community on an on-going basis that do not qualify for agency funding or the first two types of grants.

The chair of the Special Projects Committee is Ron Burns, and other committee members are John Deeds, Ric Abbott, Jeanie Bosslet, Janice Benanzer, Rick Steenrod, Dave DeVelvis, and Deb Hovestrydt. They will carefully review all of the applications received and make recommendations for funding to the Shelby County United Way Board of Trustees.

Applications can be picked up by going to the Shelby County United Way, 121 E. North Street in Sidney, emailing lkerns@shelbycounitedway.org or by calling (937) 492-2101. The deadline to submit applications is May 1, 2007.

SHELBY COUNTY UNITED WAY HITS COMMUNITY GOAL

The Shelby County United Way held a joyous celebration finale for the 2006 campaign recently at the Sidney Holiday Inn. Iddy Andrews, Executive Director of the Shelby County United Way stated, “This is truly a day to celebrate the generosity of the people and employees of companies and businesses here in Shelby County.” The goal for 2006 was $1,250,000, and the actual dollars pledged at this time are $1,350,734. The final amount projected considering outstanding donors who still have campaigns running are estimated at approximately $1,390,000. The theme this year which was carried out from the Kickoff to the Finale was, “Join the Vision…Building a Better Community.” The public was invited to attend both events, and approximately 155 people from around Shelby County attended today’s festivities.

The luncheon began with a welcome by United Way Executive Director, Iddy Andrews, and the invocation was given by long time United Way volunteer Phil Chilcote. Members of the Board of Trustees were introduced by Board President, Tony Schroeder, as well as representatives of the twenty-one member agencies and the United Way staff. Schroeder stated, “It is a wonderful experience to see people come together from all around Shelby County to celebrate the generosity of the community.” Schroeder also introduced the 2006 Campaign Chairman, Ken Monnier.

Monnier made remarks about the campaign including the “Chairman's Game Changer" Awards. Recipients of this first-time award were Amos Press, Inc, Cargill, Inc, Copeland/ Emerson Climate Technology, Airstream, Inc., American Trim, Shelby County Schools, and Sidney City Schools. Monnier also recognized businesses and organizations who earned Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze awards for the 2006 campaign as computed Wednesday, November 15, at noon.

PLANS PROCEED FOR 25th CHRISTMAS COMMUNITY DINNER

The 2006 25th annual Community Christmas Dinner is scheduled for Saturday, December 9th, 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM. It will be held in the beige building at the Shelby County Fairgrounds, and all residents of Shelby County are invited to attend. There is no charge for the dinner. Adults who are shut-ins can also arrange to have meals delivered to their home by calling 492-8074 and making reservations with Adult Day Services at Fair Haven. Reservations for home delivered meals must be made no later than noon on Thursday, December 7th.

The dinner will be coordinated and co-sponsored by the Shelby County United Way, the Donald and Evelyn Bensman Foundation, Alcoa Home Exteriors, Shelby County Commissioners, Eagles Lodge # 1403, Elks Lodge #786, Loyal Order of the Moose # 568, Temperance Lodge #73, American Legion Post #217, Bunny’s Pharmacy, the Spot, Shelby County Fair Board, Magnum Music, and FISH all of which donate supplies and/or financially support the dinner.

Many service organizations assisted with last year’s program along with Phil’s Cardinal of Jackson Center who cooked the turkey, cookies, and pies, and more than 100 community volunteers from the boy scouts, girl scouts, local companies, and residents of Shelby County in preparing and serving the dinner. Also assisting are the Shelby County Fair Board and staff. To volunteer to help with the dinner call Farrell Kaplan at 492-6580.

Christmas music will be provided by the Stratford Strings as well as the Anna Jazz Band. Santa Claus will be standing by to pass out candy and treats and listen to wish lists from the many children who will attend the event. Last year more than 1,200 people attended the Community Christmas Dinner at the Shelby County Fairgrounds. The Community Christmas Dinner began in 1981 by Bill McMillen, Stolle Corporation, and the United Way as a means to reach out to the community during the holiday season.

SHELBY COUNTY UNITED WAY ANNOUNCES HONDA CAMPAIGN

Left to right: Steve Bishop, - Support Champion, Tom Milligan - SCUW Way Large Manufacturing Chair,
Iddy Andrews – Executive Director of SCUW, John Eickhoff, Marysville Plant Champion

MARYSVILLE, Ohio - United Way representatives from 18 local agencies celebrated the success of the 2007 HAM United Way campaign with Honda of America Mfg., Inc. Together, Honda of America and its associates contributed more than $1.84 million during the 2007 United Way campaign, benefiting 67 counties in Ohio and an additional 37 out-of-state counties. Shelby County was the recipient of $138,427.19 which includes associate contributions of $92,284.79 and a corporate gift of $46,142.40.

" I am proud of the HAM team for once again sharing with our communities, neighbors, friends and families by giving to the United Way," stated Tom Shoupe, HAM's 2007 United Way Campaign chair. " Honda associates continue to demonstrate the power of teamwork by exceeding our goal again this year" .

Shoupe said that this year's campaign theme - " Sharing Takes a Moment...Caring Lasts a Lifetime " "expresses the commitment of Honda associates to meet the needs of individuals and families who benefit from United Way assistance. It gives provides a lasting impact on our communities ".

Iddy Andrews, Shelby County United Way Executive Director, and Tom Milligan, Large Manufacturing Chair of the Shelby County 2007 UW campaign were both in attendance. Andrews states, " The Honda Associates are essential partners of ours in the Shelby County community. We are working together to build a better, stronger community. We are very grateful for their generosity. "

There are 21 United Way agencies in Shelby County that provide help to people in need. " Last year, there was one service unit provided for every two people in the county. These services provide social and economic benefits to those in need," said Ric Abbott board of trustee member from Shelby County United Way.

" Honda's support of the United Way is appreciated by many people across Shelby County and makes a difference throughout the community," Abbott said.

Over the past 26 years, Honda of America United Way campaigns have contributed more than $24.75 million.

Honda campaign donations by county
Allen $63,620.40
Auglaize $88,324.50
Champaign $109,232.22
Clark $87,428.82
Darke $11,136.00
Delaware $89,651.40
Franklin $378,714.86
Hardin $51,290.97
Logan $288,276.59
Madison $31,386.00
Marion $76,348.38
Mercer $48,378.30
Miami-Covington $4,671.90
Miami-Piqua $16,423.80
Miami-Tipp $7,143.00
Miami-Troy $35,836.50
Shelby $138,427.19
Union $260,060.70

Amy Johnson - Senior Product Planner of Copeland and United Way Employee Campaign Chair
Bob Anderson - Vice President of Human Resources of Copeland
Tom Sheehan - Vice President of Human Resources for Air Conditioning Division of Copeland
Ken Monnier, VP of the Engineering Air Conditioning Division of Copeland and United Way 2006 Campaign Chairman
Tom Milligan - CEO and Owner of Miami River Stone Company and United Way Large Manufacturing Chairman
Iddy Andrews - United Way Executive Director