United Way of Central Indiana Shares the Love of Impact at the 2019 Annual Meeting
Richard Hester of Indiana Business Advisors and Julie Singer of Raymond James named 2019-2020 Community Engagement co-chairs; Impact, Individual and Spirit United winners unveiled.
United Way of Central Indiana held its annual meeting at the Indiana Roof Ballroom with, “One Love. One Purpose.” The event covered community engagement results with a special awards ceremony and recognized the rollout of its Impact Funds announced late last year. Last year’s Community Engagement co-chairs Michael O’ Connor of Eli Lilly and Company and Deborah Daniels of Krieg DeVault LLP announced Richard Hester of Indiana Business Advisors and Julie Singer of Raymond James as this year’s co-chairs.
“The work that Michael and Deborah have put into United Way has been transformational,” said Ann D. Murtlow, president and CEO of United Way. “I am grateful for their service and dedication to fighting poverty in our region. I know that Richard and Julie will continue the fight for the education, financial stability, health, and basic needs of every person in our community and I know they will be instrumental to our success in the future.” Highlights of the event included:
The unveiling of three new impact initiatives designed to tackle poverty in Central Indiana: the Basic Needs Fund, the Family Opportunity Fund, and the Social Innovation Fund.
Two new strategic corporate partnerships with Gene B. Glick Company and Community Health Network, who join a list of six other businesses who take service to their communities to a very high level
Over $60,000 raised to fight food insecurity at ELEVATE, the signature gala that honors and celebrates the work of young philanthropists in our six-county region.
200 families enrolled in Great Families 2020, the innovative, pilot initiative that integrates services in education, financial stability and health to help put high-need families on the path to self-sufficiency in five Indianapolis neighborhoods. 77% of families enrolled in Great Families 2020 have adults enrolled in the Centers for Working Families for support on their path to financial stability, and 79% of those families so far have children enrolled in high quality childcare and pre-k programs.
“Leading United Way’s board of directors is both a humbling and rewarding experience.” said Bryan Mills, United Way board chair and president and CEO of Community Health Network. “As we continue to unite as partners, advocates, donors, and volunteers to end generational poverty in our region, we will put more central Indiana families onto a path of self-sufficiency.”
Individual and Company Awards
United Way recognized individuals, volunteers and companies that made a significant impact on the community. Three companies earned the top prize – the Spirit United award – for exceptional volunteer and financial support of United Way. Spirit United is the most prestigious company award. It celebrates companies that have consistently supported and generously donated to United Way of Central Indiana. A Spirit United award winner knows it takes giving, advocating and volunteering to receive this prestigious honor. The 2019 Spirit United Award Winners include: J.C. Hart Company, Inc., Krieg DeVault LLP, and Pacers Sports and Entertainment. Impact awards were given to companies for volunteer efforts tied to United Way priorities. The following companies were recognized: Allison Transmission, Inc., and UAW Local #933, State Auto Insurance, OneAmerica, Gene B. Glick Company, Inc., and Taft Stettinius Hollister LLP. The Exceptional Employee Coordinator award went to Lindy Richman, Emmis Communications and Mary Boelke, Deloitte LLP, earned the Exceptional Executive award. United Way also recognized top 21 companies as leading investors:
Eli Lilly and Company
Lilly Endowment Inc.
The Indianapolis Foundation, a CICF affiliate
Ruth Lilly Philanthropic Foundation
UPS
OneAmerica
Allison Transmission, Inc., and UAW Local #933
Fischer Homes
Citizens Energy Group
Indianapolis Power & Light Company
Cummins, Inc.
Corteva Agriscience
Community Health Network
CNO Financial Group, Inc.
GEICO
Gene B. Glick Company, Inc.
Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
Faegre Baker Daniels LLP
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Indiana
AT&T Inc., CWA and IBEW
Barnes and Thornburg LLP