Two corporations give United Way campaign a healthy boost

MOUNT VERNON - Knox County’s 2009 United Way campaign thermometer took a healthy leap to 71 percent of the $680,000 goal Wednesday thanks to employees of Ariel Corporation and Energy Machine Inc.


“It is amazing what all is possible when a group of people come together around an important charitable community effort,” said Doug Leonard, 2009 United Way campaign co-chair.  “We are so pleased to recognize and thank the employees of Ariel Corporation and Energy Machine Inc. for raising more than $64,000 in employee donations for United Way, which were doubled thanks to the generosity of their employer’s corporate match,”


The grand total contribution investment of $128,628 from Ariel Corporation and Energy Machine is the largest amount ever raised by one corporate entity in Knox County, representing a $38,000 increase from what they raised in 2008.

 
United Way’s overall 2009 campaign effort has increased by more than $54,500 from where it was this time last year which is known as our mid-report date, according to Jennifer Odenweller, United Way of Knox County’s executive director.  United Way’s Campaign Cabinet members typically spend the first part of November following up on campaign solicitations for their respective areas and divisions in an effort to gather as many campaign contributions as possible by Thanksgiving.


“We continue to remind ourselves how fortunate many of us are, as we think about how many people we know who are facing some trying economic times,” said Mark Leonard, 2009 United Way campaign co-chair.
 

United Way is an effort in which every resident and employee within Knox County can participate or benefit. 


“We each have an opportunity to help others as a contributor, knowing that many of our area residents will be on the recipient end, accessing this vital network of services,” said Leonard.


While many corporate workplace campaigns are still underway, others have already turned in outstanding results, all of which will be released in detail at United Way’s Annual Meeting in February 2010.  There is an increase in participation with many new donors to this year’s campaign, said Odenweller. 


In addition, investments from individuals continue to reflect an increase in overall giving. 


“’Advancing the common good’ is what we call the work we do, and our work would not be possible without Knox County’s support of our Community Investment Agenda,” Odenweller said.

 
Campaign projections will be reviewed during United Way’s December board meeting with the goal of confirming campaign investments by year-end.


The Knox County community is invited to join others in making a United Way investment so that 40 programs of 21 non-profit partner agencies will take place in 2010, along with United Way coordinated programs including the Born Learning Campaign and free tax preparation assistance programs. 


To make a tax-deductible investment, contact United Way of Knox County at 110 East High Street in Mount Vernon, or call 740 397-5721.  United Way’s 2010 Community Investment Agenda, a downloadable investment form, plus other organization and community information can be found at www.uwayknox.org.