Before the 2018 annual campaign began, Jackson County United Way had already raised 20 percent of its goal.
The pacesetter campaign total from Aisin USA Mfg. Inc., Brownstown Central Community School Corp., Seymour Community School Corp., El Nopal, Jackson County Public Library, United Way staff and board, Lannett Co. Inc.’s corporate gift and UPS was $178,469.59.
By the time the Small Towns, Big Impacts campaign ended, the final tally was $846,627.
During Monday night’s annual meeting at the Knights of Columbus in Seymour, co-chairs Monica and Dr. David Hartung were proud to report the goal was exceeded by just more than 1 percent.
The Hartungs first thanked the United Way staff and volunteers, who they consider the lifeblood of the organization.
“Working hard to bring together partners, programs and donors, this group begins their work on the upcoming campaign far in advance of the opening day,” Monica said.
They also thanked the employee leaders who ran campaigns.
“We are thankful for the opportunities provided by our campaign sites to get in front of the staff to share the work of 20 community partners and programs,” Monica said.
After announcing the campaign total, she offered some final thanks.
“Thank you all again for your support, and we are proud of the work that we have accomplished for the small towns of Jackson County,” Monica said. “Thank you for the opportunity, and we look forward to the work this organization will accomplish in years to come.”
Executive Director Tonja Couch said from the start of 2018, she and the United Way staff could feel the energy and excitement of the small-town communities coming together collectively.
Medora and Brownstown hosted Rock’n Ready school supply distribution events, Day of Caring had a record turnout of volunteers and projects, a drug-free message was spread countywide and neighborhoods hosted block parties.
The United Way’s work was shared again at the pacesetter kickoff in August.
As word continued to spread about the campaign, businesses, industries and individuals came up with ways to help the organization reach its goal.
Schneck Medical Center was recognized for having the most improved campaign. The Seymour hospital boosted its total over the previous year’s campaign by more than $34,000.
“This organization used clear information and personal asks of previous donors to share the importance of participation prior to kicking off the campaign,” said Sean Hildreth, resource development director for Jackson County United Way. “They held many staff meetings, boosted leadership involvement and made beautiful displays sharing the importance of participation.”
Four companies were recognized for their contribution totaling 1 percent of the campaign goal. They were Home Products International, Beatty Insurance, Jackson County Public Library and Walmart Distribution Center 6017.
The top 10 companies were honored, too. Going from 10 to 2 were Rose Acre Farms, JCB, Seymour Tubing Inc., Seymour Community School Corp., Blue and Co. LLC, Valeo North America Inc., Lannett Co. Inc., Schneck Medical Center and Aisin Group.
The top company for the 2018 campaign was Cummins Seymour Engine Plant. Employees raised more than $17,000 of their total just through popcorn sales, cake walks, a car show, a lunch and silent auctions.
“Fun special events and employee involvement make SEP top-notch,” Hildreth said.
United Way staff also met with Cummins leadership from Seymour and Columbus to present information about the campaign and why their support was needed.
“By providing ways to get involved with a fun day outside and presenting information in a series of meetings designed to reach all staff, Cummins campaign team implemented a campaign that was both informative and fun,” Hildreth said.
Also helping United Way reach its goal was a gift from two anonymous donors, which makes them members of the Tocqueville Society. The national association, beginning at $10,000, was created to celebrate individuals who demonstrate exceptional generosity and leadership through philanthropy.
“Dedicated community leadership donors are essential to the success of the fundraising efforts, strategies and goals to drive increased support via the annual campaign and year-round,” Hildreth said. “This transformational giving level will continue to support our work for the coming year and beyond.”
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Jackson County United Way partner agencies
American Red Cross
Anchor House Family Assistance Center and Pantry
The Arc of Jackson County
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Indiana
Boys Scouts of America Hoosier Trails Council
Boys and Girls Club of Seymour
Child Care Network
Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana
Girls Inc. of Jackson County
Human Services Inc.: Head Start
Meals on Wheels
Mental Health America of Jackson County
Read Jackson County and Plaza Latina
The Salvation Army
Senior citizens centers in Brownstown, Crothersville, Freetown, Medora and Seymour
Turning Point Domestic Violence Services
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Award recipients at the 2019 Jackson County United Way annual meeting
Community Spirit Award: Anytime Fitness
Community Service Award: Kayla Halterman and Emily Hodapp
Education Volunteers of the Year: Rock’n Ready school supply distribution event leads Jill Miller for Brownstown and Shannon Hunsucker for Medora
Health Volunteers of the Year: Jackson County Dental and Garcia Family Dental
Financial Stability Volunteers of the Year: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program volunteers
JACSY Award: Fred Moritz
Power of We Award: Medora Rock’n Ready team
Rising Star Award: Craige Reid
Most improved campaign: Schneck Medical Center
Above and Beyond Award: Darrin and Shawna Boas, Greg Andrews, German American Bank, Seymour Main Street, Kayla Stice, Seymour Community School Corp., 211
1 percent of campaign: Home Products International, Beatty Insurance, Jackson County Public Library, Walmart Distribution Center 6017
Pacesetter campaigns: Aisin USA Mfg. Inc., Brownstown Central Community School Corp., Seymour Community School Corp., El Nopal, Jackson County Public Library, United Way staff and board, Lannett Co. Inc.’s corporate gift, UPS
Top 10 company campaigns: 1. Cummins Seymour Engine Plant; 2. Aisin Group; 3. Schneck Medical Center; 4. Lannett Co. Inc.; 5. Valeo North America Inc.; 6. Blue and Co. LLC; 7. Seymour Community School Corp.; 8. Seymour Tubing Inc.; 9. JCB; 10. Rose Acre Farms
Outgoing board members: Chloe Baker, Scott Halterman, Talmadge Reasoner and David Stagnolia
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