The United Fund core values of integrity, diversity, excellence, and accountability still hold true, especially during this past year.
Their mission is: Together Building Hope, Health, & Stability for Our Community. They couldn’t do the work they do without our community.
The United Fund gave a summary of the impact of the work they’ve done in the past year. 1 in 3 individuals were impacted by their work and over 8,000 people were helped through community initiatives and funded programs. The Strawberry Festival in 2022 had 1,197 pre-orders delivered with hundreds also being sold out at the tent on the courthouse square. The event raised $14,265 with the help of 103 volunteers. Their Ranch themed auction raised $ 123,302 in roughly 3 hours. They have 252 children enrolled in the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library since it started in January, 2020. This is in partnership with the Decatur County Memorial Hospital and Hospital Foundation. They had 99 students participate in the Decatur County Camp Invention. This is a STBM camp for Science, Technology, Engineering, Math that inspires youth to be future innovators. Day of Caring completed 21 projects throughout the county with the help of 80 volunteers.
At the United Fund, they have the opportunity to meet and work with many great people from throughout the community. In 2022, they lost two outstanding community members, David Miers and Jim Sturges. Both of these gentlemen were dedicated to the United Fund for many, many years. Their smiles and personalities would bring joy to a room. Both were dedicated and passionate about the United Fund community work and have been recognized in the past for their efforts. They acknowledged their roles in the success of the organization for many years and plan to carry on the great work in honor of David and Jim.
The United Fund announced their annual campaign total of $654,026! Their theme was “Positive Change Doesn’t Happen Alone” which they proved with their goal for the 2022 campaign being $540,000 and their total going well over that.
There were 6 companies that received a certificate for employee giving. Those companies are City of Greensburg, Decatur County Memorial Hospital, First Financial Bank, S & G Services, Koenig Equipment, and Resonac Powdered Metals America, Inc.. The 2022 partner agency for the Decatur County United Fund Board of Directors was Our Hospice. The last two years have been overwhelming for Our Hospice. Their mission is to make every moment count, by surrounding patients and families with respectful and compassionate care, for as long as we can. United Fund dollars are targeted for the staffing of the Decatur County Bereavement Care Program. It provides free grief support for adults in group settings, a bereavement camp and special grief programs for children, and one-on-one grief counseling for all ages. The program impact focuses on the physical and emotional health of its participants and is available to any member of the community who struggles with the loss of a loved one. The United Fund recognized Our Hospice and their role in helping members of our community through their toughest times.
The 2022 Company of the Year is First Financial Bank. They promote team spirit, fun, and cooperation while helping to raise funds to help those in need in our community. In making a difference in Decatur County, First Financial Bank’s goal is to foster economic growth, stability, and neighborhood revitalization. As a great corporate citizen, they also strive to make positive change that lasts. They are happy to support their local neighbors with programs, education, and organizations that enhance lives.
Morgan Schofield
WTRE News
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