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Mission Statement

United Way what matters

November 30, 2007

News from the United Way of Summit County  

IN THIS ISSUE


Memorabilia Sought to
Mark 90th Anniversary

 


Campaign News:

Be A Holiday Angel!

Community Investment Volunteers Sought for Online Process

Charitable IRA Law to Expire

Volunteers Needed for
Tax Program

First-Time Campaigns

Brown Bag Seminars

Are you a 
Diamond Donor?

Take Our Survey

Be A Volunteer

 

Help Shape a Child's World with

MAKE A CONTRIBUTION

You can donate securely online or call 330.762.7601 for more information.

UNITED WAY BROWN BAG SEMINARS


Brown Bag Seminars are a great way to provide informational and educational seminars to your employees in the workplace.  They work well as an addition to your United Way campaign, or can be held any time of year.
Click here to learn more!

Youth & College Brown Bag Seminars also now being offered!

ARE YOU A DIAMOND DONOR?
You are if you have been giving to United Way -- any United Way in any city, in any amount -- for 25 years or more.  It doesn't matter if you have given individually or as a couple.  If you are a Diamond Donor, United Way would like to know so you can be recognized as members of this outstanding group.  For information about the Diamond Donor Society, contact Charlene Corlett, Vice President Major Gifts at 330.643.5537 or ccorlett@uwsummit.org Click here to enroll online.
TAKE OUR SURVEY
United Way of Summit County is conducting an ongoing survey to help determine United Way marketing plans in the future. Please complete the brief survey online. Thank you.

BE A VOLUNTEER

Looking for Volunteer Opportunities?  Check out the United Way of Summit County Volunteer Center listing on our website. Updated Weekly!

CONTACT

what matters 
is published by the 
United Way of Summit County
90 North Prospect St.
P.O. Box 1260
Akron, OH  44309-1260
330.762.7601
www.uwsummit.org

Board Chair:
Thomas A. Mandel

President:
Robert A. Kulinski

United Way of Summit County Logo

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2007 Campaign Progress

Our Goal: $11,372,000
We are currently at 76.2%.  THANK YOU!

Memorabilia Sought to
Mark 90th Anniversary

In preparation for our 90th Anniversary to be celebrated throughout 2008, United Way is seeking photos, videos, films, news clippings or promotional materials about the organization dating back to its establishment in 1918. Any items would be returned after being scanned or copied.

The organization has had many names over the years. From its inception we were known as Better Akron Foundation. In 1938, the name changed to Akron Community Chest, and during the years of World War II, Akron Community and War Chest. The name from 1946 to 1956 was United Community Chest, and from 1956 until 1975, The United Foundation of Summit County. In 1975, a merger with United Community Council and a name change formed United Way of Summit County.

According to United Way of Summit County President Bob Kulinski, "As we prepare to produce an historical video for our Annual Meeting in April and our 90th Anniversary Annual Report, we realize that there may be items about our history that we don't have. Some people might have saved their 'Red Feathers' or other buttons they've received over the years. Or perhaps a family member was featured in a campaign film and they've saved that over the years. We'd appreciate any participation and will of course take the utmost care with any loaned memorabilia."  Any questions about historical materials can be directed to Michael Gaffney at 330.643.5532 or via email at mgaffney@uwsummit.org.
 

SAVE THE DATE
United Way of Summit County
Annual Meeting & 90th Anniversary Celebration
Wednesday, April 2, 2008, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.


Campaign News

Cargill Salt Wraps up a Record Setting Campaign
Cargill Salt recently finished their strongest United Way campaign to date.  Increased participation from Cargill employees resulted in a contribution of more than $13,000 which will be matched by Cargill Corporate and Cargill's Business Unit, bringing the total to over $39,000.  We want to take this opportunity to thank Cargill for being an outstanding corporate citizen.  Thanks Cargill, for your support of United Way!


County of Summit MRDD Campaign...
A Huge Success!

The County of Summit Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (CSBMR/DD) teamed up to get the word out about United Way to a greater employee population base, get more people involved, and to have fun with their campaign!  A huge number of activities were held at numerous agency locations to help raise contributions for our community.  Some of the fun and successful events included a Fish Fry, Bake Sales, Pajama Party, Spirit Day, Sports Day and a Spaghetti Luncheon.

An especially unique event was their 'Webay Apprentice for a Day Auction' that ran for two weeks. Agency leaders agreed to be an 'apprentice' in another department to the highest bidder. Bidding was fast and furious during the last closing hours with over $1,500 being collected!

The level of participation at the special events and pledges submitted were more than anticipated. Surpassing the 2007 goal with a 333% increase over last year, the campaign amounted to a grand fun affair for all involved!

Thanks to the CSBMR/DD campaign team spearheaded by Linda Payne and Veronica Sims. Other members were Susan Baker, Jill Boxler, Donna Dye, Nadine Jackson, Don Jankura, Karen McCoy, Marion Perkins, and Mark VonGunten. Thanks also to the senior management team for their support and to all employees who participated with their time, money and effort to make this a successful campaign for such a wonderful cause on what matters most...people!

ACCESS, Inc. Holds Enthusiastic Campaign
On November 15th, ACCESS Inc. had a wonderful United Way Kickoff Event where great prizes were given away for participation. Campaign Coordinator Erin Rodabaugh, and President Sylvia Hines created an enthusiastic atmosphere which increased excitement for the campaign. United Way would like to thank ACCESS Inc., for supporting the United Way as well as for their exceptional service to our community.

AESCO Electronics Celebrates Success
Kicking off in mid-October, owner William Feth spoke to AESCO Electronics employees about the importance of giving back to the community through United Way and why he finds personal value in doing the same.  United Way presenters, Laura Brelin and Joe Pallotta provided further encouragement through personal stories and by highlighting community programs funded by United Way.  David Soederstrom, AESCO HR Director, successfully coordinated and helped motivate the campaign at the company's two sites.  With participation and donor giving higher this year over last, AESCO Electronics celebrated a wonderful conclusion.  Many thanks to the management and employees who are making a difference in our community!

Mickey Thompson Tires Finishes First UW Campaign
Congratulations goes to Mickey Thompson Performance Tires and Wheels in Stow, a first time campaign, for raising a total of $8,318.50. Mickey Thompson is a manufacturer of high performance off and on road tires. A special thank you to Tamara Smith, Human Resources Manager/ Campaign Coordinator and Phil Kortokrax/General Manager (who was a past Campaign Coordinator for Cooper Tire and Rubber Company in Hancock County) for their leadership and energy in making this a successful campaign.


Baker McMillen/Waddell Finish Campaign

A job well done goes to Baker McMillen/Waddell Manufacturing Company in Stow for increasing their total dollars raised by $2,400 for a total of $11,176.13.  Thank you!

Summit County Health District Increases Campaign
The Summit County Health District concluded their campaign exceeding the previous year's total!  Congratulations to all the management and employees who participated.  We appreciate your compassion and increased giving to 'What Matters' in our community.  Thank you!

Be A Holiday Angel!
Many Summit County non-profit organizations have special needs during the holiday season. The United Way of Summit County Volunteer Center wants to match up those needing help with companies, groups, families and individuals who want to spread some holiday cheer.

Here are some of the things you could do to brighten someone's holiday:
  • Donate toys for children
  • Donate items for agency clients & families
  • Wrap Christmas gifts
  • Adopt a family or child
  • Donate gift certificates for families in need

Browse our online list of holiday volunteer opportunities. For more information, please contact Pam Beals at the United Way of Summit County Volunteer Center, 330.643.5512 or email pbeals@uwsummit.org.


Community Investment Volunteers Sought
for Online Process

United Way of Summit County is looking for volunteers for the 2008 Community Investment Process. The Investment Process allocates money raised in the United Way fundraising campaign to community programs. The process will take place in February and March of 2008 with trainings in December and/or early January.

New for this year, the 2008 process will take place primarily through online application review allowing volunteers and agencies more efficient use of their time. Investment team meetings with agencies will only be scheduled where necessary and will occur to finalize program and funding recommendations.

Program outcomes will be the major focus of the 2008 process with agencies providing the status of outcomes identified for 2007. If you are interested in being a Community Investment volunteer, fill in the application online or call Sue at 330.643.5510.

Charitable IRA Law to Expire
The IRA charitable rollover law is set to expire at the end of 2007 so time is slipping away for donors who receive minimum distributions and want to use IRA funds to make year-end gifts. If you meet the following requirements you should act now to receive the maximum tax benefits:
• Over 70 ½ years of age
• Now receive minimum IRA distributions
• Do not need the income for your daily expenses
• Interested in making your charitable contributions now while you can see the results of your generosity

Example: John is 72 years old and his required distribution is $10,000, which is taxed along with other sources of income. He wants to continue making annual donations totaling $6,000 to United Way and several other charities. John requests that his IRA office transfer a total of $6,000 (or any amount up to $100,000) directly from his IRA account to United Way and the other charities. Under the IRA rollover provision, John avoids paying income tax on $6,000. He will not, however, be able to use it as a charitable deduction. But John will pay tax only on the remaining $4,000 and not the full $10,000 required distribution.

Simple and Easy: Simply contact you IRA office and request that your gift -- up to $100,000 -- be transferred from your account directly to United Way. If married, each spouse can transfer up to $100,000 from his or her IRA. We receive a much-needed gift and you avoid any additional tax because the amount taken from your IRA is not reported as taxable income.

We encourage you to consult your tax professionals if you are contemplating a charitable gift under the charitable IRA provision. For a confidential discussion contact Charlene Corlett at 330.643.5537 or ccorlett@uwsummit.org.


Volunteers Needed for Tax Program
Each year the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Coalition of Akron works to files taxes, free of charge, for low and moderate income individuals and families.  Their goal is to ensure that families and individuals are aware of the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit that they may be eligible to receive. And also that filers receive these dollars free of tax filing charges and become aware of services that can help make them financially stronger.  The EITC program can assist working families with receiving up to $4,700 in funds if eligible.

The EITC Program is in need of volunteers for the upcoming tax season:

  • Tax Preparers
  • Greeters
  • Intake Assessors
  • Office Assistants
  • Quality Reviewers
  • Site Coordinators

Training will be provided for all volunteer positions.  If you are interested in volunteering contact Pam at the United Way Volunteer Center at 330.643.5512 or email pbeals@uwsummit.org.  Eligible filers can find a free tax filing site by calling 1.866.861.6401.