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Mission Statement

United Way what matters

October 18, 2007

News from the United Way of Summit County  

IN THIS ISSUE

United Way Helps Seniors Remain Independent at Home

Docs Who Rock

United Way Establishes Community Impact Priorities

Campaign News:

Apply Now for Project Blueprint

Non-Profits: Send Your Holiday Volunteer Opportunities & Wish Lists

Meet the Team:
Brian D. Duchon

Attend Free Safety Night

Free Paper Shredding Event

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.

First-Time Campaigns
Our thanks to these companies and organizations that have agreed to run a United Way Campaign for the first time.  Your contributions to United Way will improve lives and strengthen our community!
  • Ardmore, Inc.
  • Arthritis Foundation NE Ohio Chapter
  • Cambridge Home Health Care
  • Evant, Inc.
  • Gayson Silicone Dispersions, Inc.
  • HCR Manor Care
  • Interfaith Hospitality Network Summit Co.
  • Mickey Thompson Tires
  • North Akron Savings Bank
  • OPEN M
  • Portage Country Club
  • Shelter Care, Inc.
  • Stewart's Caring Place
  • Witschey, Witschey & Firestine Co., LP
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 surveys of donors and non-donors. The information gathered through these surveys will 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 44.7%.  THANK YOU!

United Way Helps Seniors Remain Independent at Home
Ed, age 72, needed help with exterior and kitchen paint jobs and an urgent need to fix a gas leak on his stove. In early 2007, United Way of Summit County provided development funding to CYO Home Service Project, which provides low-income older adults with assistance that enables them to remain independent and in their homes for as long as possible. To Ed's relief, CYO Home Service Project was able to match him with willing volunteers to fix all these problems.

CYO also learned that Ed was a veteran of the Korean War but had never applied for benefits. With many health issues and basic needs, it was surprising to learn that he was living on less than $700 per month. CYO helped him apply for benefits with the local veteran's commission resulting in a monthly income increase of over $300 plus medical and other benefits. CYO was also able to locate volunteers to install new laminate flooring in Ed's water damaged kitchen and to replace his battered living room furniture. United Way funding of CYO Home Service Project helps low-income seniors across Summit County remain in their homes by matching them with caring volunteers.

CYO and Community Services is a United Way affiliated agency. Visit our website at www.uwsummit.org for more information about United Way.
 


'Docs Who Rock' Winning Band: ultrasound
United Way of Summit County's fourth annual 'Docs Who RockTM' physician talent show was another rousing success. And at the end of an amazing display of talent by nearly 70 musicians (including 26 physicians), the first-place winning band was ultrasound, a high-energy R&B band.

Sponsored by The University of Akron, Docs Who Rock was held Saturday, October 13th at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall before a raucous crowd of more than 1,900.

The 11-member ultrasound features seven local physicians -- Dr. Akida Green, vocals; Dr. George Kefalas, bass & vocals; Dr. Costas Kefalas, drums; Dr. Michael Wells, congas/bongos; Dr. Matt Taylor, guitar; Dr. Nick Papas, first trombone; Dr. Edward Esber, second trumpet; along with Jan Goddard, saxophone; Greg Kefalas, keyboards/vocals; Costa Papas, second trombone; and Steve Hadgis, first trumpet.

In second place was Big Adventure featuring Dr. Drew McIntosh and in third place was Accent, with Dr. Fred Slezak.  Local cardiologist Dr. Terry Gordon served as co-host for Docs Who Rock and treated the audience to his unique versions of classic songs by Michael Jackson and Barry Manilow.

United Way of Summit County President Bob Kulinski said, "This event continues to grow -- not just here in Summit County, but across the nation. We have trademarked 'Docs Who Rock' and have licensed several United Ways in other regions to produce their own show. One of the reasons these talented doctors and their bands are willing to donate their time to this project is because we're able to hold it in the beautiful E.J. Thomas Hall. We appreciate the support of The University of Akron for making that possible."

To purchase a DVD copy of this year's Docs Who Rock show for just $15, call United Way at 330.643.5533.  Photos of the event will be posted soon at www.docswhorock.com.

United Way Establishes Community Impact Priorities
United Way of Summit County's Board has voted to establish Community Impact Priorities by considering relevant data and studies, the work of United Way's Impact Councils, and the recommendations of its Community Impact Cabinet.

United Way commissioned the Center for Marketing and Opinion Research (C-MOR) to analyze a number of recent community research sources and to identify high priority community issues that United Way could target for increased resources and community awareness efforts.

The report and recommendations have been under review for nearly a year, and the United Way Community Impact Cabinet recommended the following Community Impact Priorities: School Readiness for Children and Economic Stability for Families.

These priorities will be addressed beyond allocation of additional revenue. Public policy advocacy, mobilization of volunteers, discussion and collaboration among community partners and implementing sound business practices to increase efficiency will all be mechanisms to move the needle.  A portion of undesignated and unrestricted United Way revenue will be set aside for distribution through an open Request for Proposal (RFP) process. Proposals will be accepted from any qualified health and human service 501(c)3 agency serving Summit residents, including current United Way Affiliated Agencies. The proposals will be reviewed and recommendations made to United Way's Board of Directors by a separate United Way RFP committee.  Read the full story

Campaign News
GE Reuter- Stokes Kicks Off Campaign with Fun Day
GE Reuter-Stokes in Twinsburg kicked off their campaign on Friday, October 12th with a presentation by Captain Juanita Stanford of the Salvation Army.  Captain Stanford spoke about their various programs and the Western Reserve Outreach Center in Twinsburg. 

After the presentation, the GE employees were loaded onto buses for an all-day fun and games team building event at Dave and Buster's in Cleveland.  Next week they will be holding their 2nd annual Chili Cook-Off.  Thanks to the Campaign Coordinator Suzanne Gaglione and Kylie DeWeese of Human Resources, for coordinating these fun events to benefit United Way!  Thanks GE for your continued support!


FedEx Employees Enjoy Chili for United Way
FedEx's Annual Chili Cook-Off on Friday, October 12th raised additional dollars for United Way and it got employees in the spirit for this year's campaign.  The cook-off featured all-you-can-eat chili for $5 including hot dogs, scrumptious desserts and drinks.  Sixteen different kinds of chili were prepared by employees. Campaign Coordinators Margaret Carney and Cheryl Rohrbach coordinated the event.

This event is in addition to their Jeans Day and a host of other special events that benefit United Way.  Thanks FedEx for all you do!


Goodyear Silent Auction Benefits United Way
The annual Goodyear North America Tire (NAT) Manufacturing United Way Silent Auction and luncheon was held at Goodyear Hall on Thursday, September 27. The event, now in its third year, boasted 120 associates in attendance, with many others participating through the absentee bid process. Thanks to the active participation of Goodyear Akron associates, silent auction proceeds totaled $19,000 with one hundred percent of the proceeds being donated to the United Way.

"I am very proud of the NAT Manufacturing team for organizing the auction, and I want to thank all of the attendees who supported it," said Chris Werner, vice president of manufacturing-NAT. "It's great to see that $19,000 was raised from this single event, and every dollar goes to help our neighbors in need."  The afternoon also was host to a Commercial and Consumer bingo tournament, where the Commercial team took the win three games to two.

"It is such a pleasure to work with the NAT leadership team on such an important community initiative. From the auction contributors, to the event attendees, and all of the volunteers, we couldn't be happier with this year's silent auction response," said Cathy Giebel of NAT Manufacturing. "We hope that next year's event will build on this success and raise even more for the United Way and our surrounding communities. And by the way, next year's event is already scheduled -- Thursday, September 25, 2008."


Steere Enterprises, Inc. Educates Employees During Campaign
Steere Enterprise
employees gathered together October 17 to attend a Brown Bag Seminar as part of their 2007 campaign activities.  The guest speaker, Laurie Celik from the American Heart Association, spoke about 'How to Keep Your Heart Healthy.'  Laurie began her presentation with a startling statistic that 1.2 million people will have a heart attack this year.  She covered the importance of knowing your blood pressure, reducing your risk factors, exercising and eating right.  At the end of the seminar, Laurie passed out valuable information about the topics she discussed and did blood pressure tests for the employees.  Thanks Steere Enterprises for promoting health and supporting your community!


Diebold Holds Brown Bag Presentation
The Diebold Corporation held a Brown Bag Seminar during their 'Lunch and Learn' sessions featuring Sheila Maher from CYO and Community Services.  Sheila did a presentation on the "sandwich generation", those sandwiched between providing care for aging parents and for their own children. As the group was mostly comprised of the "sandwich generation", attendees were enlightened on services that provide daycare for aging adults and other resources for caregivers. Learn more about holding a Brown Bag Seminar in your office.

Project Blueprint Applications Available
Project Blueprint is a volunteer development program designed to help non-profit organizations become more inclusive, responsive and reflective of the culturally diverse communities they serve.  The goal of Project Blueprint is to accelerate representation of ethnic minorities on non-profit agency boards and committees.

Application deadline is October 31, 2007.  If you are interested in more information or would like an application contact Brenda Cox at 330.643.5508, email bcox@uwsummit.org or apply online.


Non-Profits: Submit Your Holiday Volunteer Requests and Holiday Wish Lists
If your non-profit needs volunteer help for the holidays or has a holiday-related wish list for donations needed, submit your needs to the United Way of Summit County Volunteer Center. We'll try our best to match you up with those wanting to help. Hurry, the deadline for requests is Wednesday, October 24th. Make your request with our online form. For more information contact Pam Beals at 330-643-5512 or pbeals@uwsummit.org.

Meet the Team:
Brian D. Duchon
Resource Development Director


Brian D. Duchon is very excited about his new position as a Resource Development Director at United Way of Summit County. Brian started his career at United Way as a Resource Development intern in the summer of 2007. He was then hired as a Loaned Executive and recently accepted this staff position.

As Resource Development Director, Brian oversees the Akron/West division. Some of his responsibilities include assisting companies with their campaigns, as well as fundraising and relationship building. He also keeps the database updated and works on new account development.

Brian's favorite part of being at United Way is getting to work with people in our community, striving together to better Summit County and to improve lives.
"I enjoy seeing the money in action through our programs. While I was an intern, I visited a daycare funded by United Way. I enjoyed seeing the kids' smiling faces, and that's when I knew I wanted to be a part of United Way -- an organization that's really making measurable differences in our community," Brian said.

Some of the events Brian has enjoyed participating in are, "Done in a Day" volunteer projects, the "Knight Breakfast," and the "Power of the Purse" Women's Leadership Giving Luncheon.

When Brian isn't hard at work, you can find him taking part in adventure sports such as skydiving, snowboarding, sailing, skateboarding, or white water rafting!

He graduated in August 2007 from The University of Akron with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business and Organizational Communication.  Brian grew up in Alliance, and recently moved to Akron. He is focusing on becoming a more active and recognizable figure in United Way and in the Akron community.  We are very pleased to have Brian as part of our team!

 


Attend a Free Safety Night
Learn how to keep your family safe during the holidays at Safety Night, Tuesday, October 23, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the American Red Cross Building, 501 W. Market St, Akron.  The event will include speakers, give-aways, food, beverages and fun activities and is presented by the American Red Cross and Tallmadge High School DECA.  Register by October 19th to Lisa Haller at 330.630.5985, ext. 1438 or haller.lisa@tallmadge.k12.oh.us, please leave your name, phone number and the number attending.  Space is limited so call today!

FREE Paper Shredding Event
The Summit/Akron Solid Waste Management Authority (SASWMA) and Summit County communities are partnering to offer FREE confidential paper shredding events for personal and business documents.

 

SATURDAY

DATES & LOCATIONS
9:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. (Rain or Shine)

 

October 13

Sagamore Hills

Sagamore Hills Park (Across from the Township Hall) 11551 Valley View Rd

Lakemore

Lakemore Municipal Building
1400 Main Street, Lakemore, Ohio

 

October 27

Barberton

Old Barberton High School Parking lot Corner of Newell & Hopocan Avenue

Bath Township

Bath Center Safety Building
3864 W. Bath Road

 

November 10

Munroe Falls

Guise Park parking lot
43 Munroe Falls Avenue

Boston Township

Township Hall
1775 Main Street, Peninsula, Ohio

 

November 17

Tallmadge

Tallmadge Community Center
80 Community Road

Twinsburg Township

Twinsburg Township Complex
7996 Darrow Road

 

December 8

Akron

Joy Park Community Center
825 Fuller Street, Akron, Ohio

Green

Green Administration Building
1900 Steese Road, Green

 

January 12, 2008

Mogadore

Mogadore Municipal Building
135 S. Cleveland Avenue

ADDITIONAL SITE TO BE ANNOUNCED

There will be a limit of 7 file boxes or shopping bags per vehicle.  Summit County residents/businesses are welcome to visit any or all events!  No pick-up service is available.                     

"Today, confidentiality is a high priority when it comes to document destruction.  This free service for residents and businesses, provides a safe and confidential way to dispose of sensitive documents while recycling and conserving our natural resources and landfill space," SASWMA Executive Director Yolanda Walker said. 

Participants are asked to remove and reuse binder clips, rubber bands, hanging file folders, binders, paperclips, report covers and plastic items.  All shredded documents will be recycled into new products such as tissue paper and paperboard by Ohio paper mills.  For more information, contact SASWMA's Program Coordinator at 330.374.0383 ext. 205.