United Way of Kosciusko County raised $1.63 million last year, $55,740 of which came from its pacesetter businesses. The total was announced during the organization’s annual meeting and volunteer celebration Thursday. Awards of excellence were given to the pacesetters with the most effective employee campaigns. 1st Source Bank saw the most improvement, increasing employee participation to 100 percent and giving by 183 percent. Also recognized were the Bowen Center, which raised participation by 33 percent and giving by 86 percent; Grace College, which increased participation by 67 percent and employee giving by 45 percent; KGP Logistics, which saw a 54 percent growth in giving; and RR Donnelley, which saw a 13 percent growth in giving. Retiring United Way board member Tim Meyer was named Volunteer of the Year. The Medtronic retiree also has been a member of the finance committee since 2008 and served on the campaign cabinet, recruiting new businesses and building relationships with existing partners. Cindy Ambrose with RR Donnelley was named Key Leader of the Year for her work on the internal campaign at her business. She has led the campaign at Donnelley for several years, and this year organized more than 15 department meetings to coordinate with over 1,000 employees. Ted Westerhof, Bowen Center, also was recognized for overseeing the increase in participation and giving as the campaign leader at his company. He served on the United Way Campaign Cabinet in 2015 and recently joined the board of directors and marketing committee. Also new to the board this year are Lidia Perez, Maple Leaf Farms; Chuck Josey, Kosciusko Community Hospital; and Anne Hill, DePuy Synthes. Members elected to their second term are Becky Plummer, StaffMark; Dr. David Hoffert, Warsaw Community Schools; Jason Hill, Miller’s Merry Manor; Jeri Burkhart, Indiana Tech; Amanda Tom, Lake City Bank; and Cindy Sisson, Grace College. Also retiring from the board this year are Siobhan Davenport, KCH; Don Bergen, RR Donnelley retiree; and Joel Harstine, Maple Leaf Farms.
