United Way of Bartholomew County leaders announced a scaled-down, $4 million annual campaign in a brief, outdoor and socially distanced ceremony Friday at Columbus City Hall.
That goal is unusual since the nonprofit raised $4.13 last year and a record $4.25 in 2018. And leaders generally automatically aim at a higher total each year.
But United Way of Bartholomew County President Mark Stewart told an invitation-only crowd of about 45 people representing some of the agency’s most loyal corporate supporters that “due to economic conditions, we thought it appropriate to revise our goal.”
Yet, Stewart passionately emphasized that United Way’s 17 agencies that lead 34 programs desperately need the public’s support “more than ever.” Those agencies work ranges from youth mentoring programs to senior health initiatives to job training help. Figures show that such efforts reach fully one-third of the county’s population.
For that reason and more amid an economic downturn, Stewart asked companies to consider boosting their support this year. And he also asked another favor.
“The second request, is to please advocate for the United Way campaign within your circles of influence,” he said. “As trusted community leaders, your voice makes a difference.”
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, United Way launched a special fund in March to help agencies better help residents facing challenges such as virus-related job loss and help agencies confront financial losses because of canceled public fundraisers, including their biggest such events of the year.
Within four days of soliciting public donations, money was being distributed to member agencies to in turn give to struggling residents, according to Stewart. The fund has generated a total of $612,324 with $437,464 distributed and 1,428 people receiving direct financial assistance alone.
The nonprofit leader offered a special salute to local agencies such as Lincoln-Central Neighborhood Family Center, whose three-person staff has worked seven days per week since mid-March to more quickly respond to basic client needs.
Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop acknowledged that the campaign, expected to stretch nearly until spring, is unfolding amid three crises: an economic one, a health one and a social justice challenge.
“And all of that makes this campaign a little more acute in terms of need,” Lienhoop said. “But the measure of a society is always in how it provides for those who are less fortunate. And that’s a big part of what United Way does.”
Brett Merritt, one of the sponsors, along with Chris Clulow of Cummins Inc.’s United Way campaign, said he has long understood part of United Way’s work from a personal standpoint. He grew up in part of the programs at the local Foundation for Youth, which has received some of the largest United Way campaign grants through the years.
“So I grew up utilizing some of the very services that United Way supports,” Merritt said.
Rick Silvers, president and chief executive officer of Centra Credit Union, long a strong United Way supporter, said he was optimistic that the campaign will be successful despite the adversity.
“I’ve lived here only a few years, but one of the things I have seen is that this town really stands together,” Silvers said. “When Mark (Stewart) tells us that the need is greatest, the people of Columbus and Bartholomew County will find a way to rally and get things done.”
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To make a contribution to the United Way of Bartholomew County, visit :
uwbarthco.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=5
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