Volunteers celebrated an exciting finish to their 2007/2008 Annual Campaign by announcing that they have raised $2,449,111.13 in resources for local community groups, agencies and the clients they serve.  Campaign Co-Chairs, Bob Schlitt, Jr. of Schlitt Insurance Services and Northern Trust Bank’s Susan Chenault made the exciting announcement to over 150 United Way volunteers and contributors during the 2007 Annual Meeting and Thank You Event held Thursday evening at the Emerson Center.

The event marked the completion of a four month fundraising campaign that kicked off November 7^th  with a goal of raising more than $2,400,000 in funds – the largest goal of any United Way on the Treasure Coast.  With over $2,449,111 in hand, “the 2007/2008 Campaign is our most successful to date at a time when the needs have never been greater,” declared Michael Kint, United Way CEO. 

“So many of our workplace partners, volunteers, and donors stepped up to really make the difference this year,” declared Campaign Co-Chair Bob Schlitt, Jr.   The 2007/2008 saw increases in employee giving from 22 workplace partners, including CVS/Pharmacy Distribution Center who ran a first time employee campaign bringing in over $24,000 in employee giving.  In addition, residential and individual giving continues to “make a profound difference in our ability to meet the needs in this community,” added Co-Chair Susan Chenault.  Notably, membership in the Leadership Investment Association (workplace leaders and individual contributors who give from $1000 to $9999) continues to rise, and this year 376 members collectively contributed $657,805 (or 27%) to the campaign. Another group that has made a significant impact on United Way’s ability to broaden its reach this year are the members of the Alexis deTocqueville Society (a society that gives recognition to those individuals who contribute a minimum of $10,000).  Together, members of this society contributed over $631,000 (or 26%)  in support of the campaign this year.

Twenty-five local businessmen and women provided leadership during the 2007/2008 Campaign and served in the Campaign Cabinet and were honored Thursday night.  Also honored were twenty-seven representatives from local businesses that served in the “Loaned Executives” program which “lends” the time and expertise of these leaders to United Way staff.

The 2007 Ralph T. King Community Service Award was presented to Morgan, Jacoby, Thurn, Boyle & Associates partner Kip Jacoby of Vero Beach.  He was honored for his long term service to the United Way of Indian River County, serving first as a UW Board Member, Board President, Board Treasurer, and previously served on Fund Distribution Committees. He currently seres on Finance Committee and Foundation Committee. The Annual Ralph T. King Award was established in 2000 by the United Way Board of Directors to recognize long term and outstanding achievement by a United Way Volunteer.

Outgoing Board Chair, Larry Leonard of Lehman Brothers facilitated the Annual Meeting portion of the event.  Four out-going board members were honored for their service: Janet Croom, Richard Gaffney, Lee Moore & Bob Schlitt, Jr.  Elected to the board were five new members: Sheryl Koenes, Chris Loftus, Chad Morrison, Gerry Thistle and Tammy Vock.  Re-elected for a second three year term on the board: Michael Metz. Bill Penney, Marine Bank & Trust Executive Vice President, was introduced as board chair for the 2008/2009 administrative year.

Serving on the 2008 Executive Committee:

Chairman............................................. Larry Leonard

Chairman-Elect.................................... Bill Penney

Past Chair........................................... Susan Chenault

Secretary............................................. Kathy Marshall

Treasurer............................................. Michael Kmetz

Member-At-Large............................... Larry Reisman

Member-At-Large............................... Janet Croom

Member-At-Large............................... Richard Gaffney

Founded in 1961, the United Way of Indian River County is a community impact organization with a vision to bring the people of Indian River County together to focus on the most important human needs in our community by building partnerships and leveraging resources. Each year United Way partners with health and human service agencies, businesses, community leaders, public and private-sector organizations to create action plans that address and work toward solving critical needs.Last year, United Way of Indian River County provided resources to 37 programs run by 30 local non-profit agencies.