Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Pig kissing.
Spending 24 hours on the roof.
Wearing another company's T-shirt.
Having one's head shaved.
Washing cars.
These antics are generally performed by a Pacesetter company's top manager or president in return for their employees' commitment to the United Way.
The role of a Pacesetter in the United Way campaign is to start the community fund drive ahead of other organizations and complete the campaign in time to report before the kickoff in early September.
"Whether it's a croquet tournament or a president offering valet services, the companies learn from each other," said Sandy Mafera, UW executive director. "They use each other's ideas to encourage employees to contribute."
By the time the five Pacesetter companies, generally larger industries, have chalked up their contributions to the 26 health and human service agencies in the county, the UW campaign is well under way.
Last year's pacesetter companies were Combined Community Services, DePuy, National City Bank, Paragon Medical and Spartech.
They raised more than $300,000.
For 2000, United Way's fund-raiser campaign goal was $1.1 million and remains the same this year.
In 2000 the goal was reached and exceeded - $1,233,034 was raised.
More than 6,400 people contributed to the UW last year. Not all of it stays in this county.
