United Way for Clinton County held its 61st annual meeting Friday at the Frankfort Neighborhood Center Friday at Noon. The program lunch was attended by about 35 people and was a chance for the United Way to review the year, change the gavel of leadership, recognize major award winners and salute board members coming in or moving on.
President Max Rodibaugh dedicated the meeting to the phrase “Commit Yourself to a Higher Purpose”. “What better way to do that than making our world a better place where we live” said Rodibaugh in his opening comments. United Way’s roots years ago were aligned with collecting and distributing funds in the community. The mission of the United Way for Clinton County has now expanded to pursue leading or joining conversations in the community related to Health, Education and Financial Stability, with an eye toward addressing the root causes of problems and dysfunctions in these three areas.
United Way for Clinton County serves 16 agencies. The Organization in 2017 raised $465,564.44. The campaign chair for 2017 was Karen Gregerson, President of The Farmers Bank. Gregerson started the “Leadership Gifts” program for the first time in 2017. This is a level of recognition for contributors giving $1,000.00 or more toward the campaign. 32 contributors responded to that challenge level in the 2017 campaign. Gregerson will serve again in 2018 as the campaign chair. David Hussey, Tony Del Real and Rick Stefaniak were recognized as new board members. Outgoing board members Sandy Stevenson, Wayne Martin and Colleen Moore were thanked for their service and contributions as board members.
Executive Director Carolina Booth and President Rodibaough recognized Cheryl Carpenter with the Board Chair Award for her “tireless” efforts for the United Way. Mrs. Meredith Mast, teacher at Green Meadows, was recognized as the Volunteer of the Year. Mast was able to involve students at Green Meadows and students raised almost $2,000.00 toward the United Way total.
Frito Lay won the “Best Industry” award. Employees at Frito Lay were not only the largest contributors toward the United Way, but with PepsiCo matching, the Frito Lay effort totaled 24.2% of the entire campaign in Clinton County.
Incoming President Rick Stefaniak is the Site Director for the Frito-Lay Frankfort East Plant. Stefaniak was “handed the gavel” at the conclusion of the meeting. In his remarks, he said he looks forward to dedicating some of his retired time to the United Way efforts in 2018. Stefaniak will retire from Frito Lay May 4th after 32 years with the company. Part of his confidence in doing the work of the next year was based on the strength of the board of directors and the vision of the mission. “Let’s get it done” without regard to credit or reward. Let’s collaborate toward the same cause: “Improving our community.”
United Way for Clinton County is playing an active role in supporting the WILO/Clinton County Daily News 2nd Annual Points of Light Volunteer Fair April 17th at the Clinton County 4-H Building 4pm-7pm. Attendees can explore volunteer options available at local and area non-profit organizations from Clinton County and the surrounding area.