Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Every year the United Way of Kosciusko County approaches local companies and asks them to run an early campaign to set the pace for the rest of the community.
The role of these "Pacesetters" is to start the fund drive ahead of other organizations and to complete their campaign in time to report their successes at the Campaign Kickoff Sept. 8.
Pacesetter companies this year are Kosciusko Community Hospital, Otis R. Bowen Center, Mutual Federal Savings Bank and Lowe's.
The United Way teaches companies to "plan long and run fast" when organizing a campaign. Plan long to make sure the company has a solid plan in place, then run fast so the employees' time is not detrimental to the company's production. These four companies are busy making plans to run a great fund drive and will conduct their campaigns in August.
Pacesetters are asked to generate enthusiasm for employees to contribute to the community, show a minimum of a 10 percent increase within their campaigns, increase or obtain a corporate contribution and increase the number of employees participating.
United Way has set the community goal for $1.575 million this year. The Pacesetter groups will start this process of raising these dollars. The theme for 2005 is: "Making improvements here at home - because its what matters."
In 2004, the community raised more than $1.54 million for United Way from individual and corporate contributors which provided funding for 56 programs in the areas of youth development, family and community wellness, self sufficiency and emergency services. Funded programs were allocated $1.2 million for services here at home. In addition, $37,000 was distributed to the area of Community Impact to address a community issue in collaboration with other community partners.
