Campaign co-chairs Janelle and Larry Busdeker announced Friday that the community has raised $3,201,232, with several pledges still expected. The announcement was made during United Way’s final celebrity server event of the week at the Upper Deck. The goal this year, as in recent past years, has been to exceed the previous year. Last year, United Way’s efforts resulted in raising $3,166,464.
John Urbanski, president and CEO of United Way of Hancock County, said, “Larry and Janelle Busdeker have been dynamic co-chairs from day one. Their tireless efforts, outreach to the community and enthusiasm has allowed us to eclipse last year’s record campaign. These resources will allow our community partners to continue to make a significant impact on the lives of the people they serve in Hancock County. I would like to personally thank Larry, Janelle and their entire team for all their hard work.”
“Co-chairing the 2015 fundraising campaign has given us an extremely valuable opportunity to see the inner workings of United Way and what a fine team and board we have serving Hancock County. Even more important has been our experience to witness first-hand that we live in a giving and sensitive community," said Larry Busdeker.
"So many businesses, as well as individuals, have stepped forward to help support United Way of Hancock County. This genuine outpouring has not been because of us, but because of the committed belief in the value of the programs and services supported by United Way. We send out a huge personal ‘thank you’ from the Busdekers for helping us all ‘live united,’ “said Janelle Busdeker.
The commercial division, chaired by Roger Barton, raised $68,341. This division includes car dealerships, contractors, grocery stores and more.
The corporate division, chaired by Dale Laws, raised $2,588,358. This division includes all major corporations in Hancock County.
The education division, chaired by Randy Ward, raised $69,573. The division includes city schools, county schools, private schools and higher education institutions.
The FIRE division, which includes financial institutions, insurance companies, and real estate companies, raised $105,462. This division was co-chaired by Tom Konecny and Scott Poling.
The health division, chaired by Kim Cosiano, raised $140,000. The health division includes doctors, dentists, Blanchard Valley Health System, and health services companies like long-term care facilities.
The mercantile division, chaired by Kay Hoane, raised $45,932. This division includes small storefronts, restaurants and other small businesses in the county.
The professional division, chaired by Joe Klein, raised $34,198. The professional division includes attorneys, accountants, ministers, veterinarians and more.
The public division includes nonprofit organizations, and city and county employees. This division raised $70,363 and was chaired by Ed Ingold.
The independent division, co-chaired by David Cassidy and Bob Hauzie, includes retirees and individuals who work from their home or are independent companies. The division raised $60,358.
The rural division, including small businesses outside of Findlay, raised $18,647. The division was chaired by Mitch Welty.
This year’s Gaslight Society membership co-chairs were Rod and Barb Nichols. Gaslight Society members are donors who give at a level of $750 or above annually.
The funds will be distributed to approved programs and services through grant requests that are reviewed by local citizens who serve on the volunteer impact teams during the 2016 grant cycle. Agencies that are eligible to apply for funding include: American Red Cross-Hancock County Chapter, Boy Scouts of America-Black Swamp Area Council, CASA/GAL of Hancock County, Camp Fire of Northwest Ohio, Center for Safe and Healthy Children, Challenged Champions Equestrian Center, Century Health, Cancer Patient Services, Children's Mentoring Connection, Dental Center of Northwest Ohio, Family Resource Center, Findlay Family YMCA, Girl Scouts of Western Ohio, Hancock County Saves, HHWP Community Action Commission, Findlay Hope House for the Homeless, Kidney Foundation of Northwest Ohio, Open Arms Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Services and Salvation Army. Funds are also used for United Way operations and community initiatives such as the Halt Hunger Initiative, the Findlay City Schools and Hancock County pre-kindergarten pilot project and the Workforce Coalition. For more information or to serve on an impact team, which approves grants to qualifying organizations, contact the United Way office at 419-423-1432 or visit online at http://LiveUnitedHancockCounty.org
About United Way of Hancock County:
Although it is a global organization, each United Way is locally governed and focuses on improving lives in each individual community across the country and the world. The mission of United Way of Hancock County is to “measurably improve people’s lives in Hancock County.”
Since its inception in 1955, the organization has gone from doing fundraising for a handful of organizations to partnering with hundreds of programs and services through local nonprofit organizations. Overall, United Way of Hancock County has raised more than $79 million dollars for programs and services. Not only does the organization fundraise, but staff members and volunteers are deeply involved in many community committees, collaborative projects and are partnering with other community organizations to address the root causes of social issues in Hancock County.
Today, United Way of Hancock continually works toward a community where all individuals and families achieve their human potential through education, income stability and healthy lives. The organization strives for a community that fosters hope and opportunity for everyone.