Last Updated on February 26, 2015 by cassnetwork
It was an evening of celebration as United Way of Cass County’s donors and volunteers gathered to celebrate the end of the 2014 fundraising campaign. The celebration was held at the historic State Theatre in downtown Logansport.
After a brief annual meeting, United Way leaders spoke about the organization’s accomplishments in 2014. Campaign chair Josh Hopper said members of the community pledged donations of more than $630,000. The eleven agencies and programs that receive money from the funds United Way raises each year are American Red Cross, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Food Finders, Cass County Family YMCA, Logansport Backpack Program, Cass County Reading Railroad, Peak Community Services, The Salvation Army and the Cass County Council on Aging.
Companies throughout the community conduct campaigns during which their employees pledge funds to United Way.
Carter Fuel had 94 new donors and and additional 92 employees that increased their giving that impacted an increase of over $15,000 with total giving of over $63,000 from Carter Fuel, so they were awarded the Outstanding Pacesetter this year,” Hopper said.
Incoming board chair Chris Gaumer was named United Way of Cass County’s Volunteer of the Year.
“Chris was instrumental in helping us find our new office location,” executive director Joyce Mayhill said. “He’s always all in. He’s all-inclusive. Everything we have going on at United Way, Chris volunteers to help.”
Arden Cramer joined Mayhill on stage to announce the recipient of a humanitarian award created in his honor.
“The Arden Cramer Humanitarian Award is given on years when we see a volunteer that has earned a humanitarian award,” Mayhill said. It was created a number of years ago in honor of Arden because of all the hats he wore in our community for volunteering, not only for United Way, but many many organizations. He’s been a mentor and a leader and a role model in our community for years.”
Mayhill described this year’s recipient, Vicki Byrd, as a “volunteer extraordinaire.”
“Vicki is well known as a kind and giving person, and a leader in our community – just a wonderful humanitarian.”
Mayhill said Hopper had done a fabulous job as the 2014 campaign chair.
“He gave young and fresh energy and new and creative ideas for the campaign,” she said. “He recruited an awesome campaign cabinet and gave them the motivation and inspiration to work all year and do a great job.
Members of the 2014 campaign cabinet included Kim Reid, Michael Bowditch, Erica Hopkins, John Hipskind, Lelanea Franklin, Lacey Schnurpel, Elizabeth Loposser, Lita Rouser, Chris Armstrong, Will Scott, Ed Bell, Josh Johnson, Joe Johnson and Carmen Danhauser.
Michael Bowditch, who just completed his term as board president, will serve as the 2015 United Way campaign chair.
“He’s ready to take off running,” Mayhill said.
For more information about United Way of Cass County, visit www.unitedwayofcasscounty.org.