Erica Wort, For The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - The United Ways serving La Porte, Lake and Porter counties announced Thursday they collectively surpassed their goals in the 2008-09 campaign.
The organizations came together at a press conference at Sullair Corp. to reflect on their individual and combined campaigns and the successes they share in their quest to provide services to their communities.
"We know in United Way that every gift, big or small, can, and in fact will, make a difference," said Richard Komyatte, 2008 campaign chair of Lake Area United Way.
"Even in hard times we gained new givers," Komyatte said.
Tim Bietry, board vice chair of United Way of La Porte County, reflected on the importance of United Way.
"As unemployment climbs, the need for United Way in our region climbs," he said. "Our goal this year was 5 percent higher than our 2007 results, and it was a bold goal, but in spite of these challenges I'm proud to announce that we raised more than $5,000 above our goal."
United Way of La Porte County had a 2008 goal of $1,102,008 and raised $1,107,748. This amount will go toward the 27 member agencies funded by the United Way of La Porte County, which had more than 31,000 clients in 2008.
Mark Maassel, 2008 campaign co-chair of United Way of Porter County, said, "Working together regionally allows us to benefit Northwest Indiana with more dollars going out to individuals who really need it."
This collaboration includes the United Way Regional Volunteer Center, the United Way Regional Day of Caring held each year in August and the recent creation of the United Way Regional Leadership Circle, allowing the three United Ways to work together to provide more support to the people in their communities.
The 2008-09 campaign success stems from increased donations from current supporters, new partnerships with local corporations, leadership gifts of $1,000 or more and a new giving opportunity, 4Community2 Challenge Grant, made possible by the Indiana Association of United Ways and funded by Lilly Endowment. 4Community2 matched all new and increased gifts to United Way dollar-for-dollar or in-part. This grant will continue for the 2009-10 campaign season.
The 2008-09 regional campaign total was $8,380,970.
Thanks to United Way of La Porte County surpassing its goal, "We were able to give our 27 agencies an increase in their allocations," said Bill Hanna, executive director of United Way of La Porte County. "You always want to raise more every year, and we've got a nice trend going into next year."