United Way of Lake County Announces $2,775,000 Fundraising Goal at today’s 2017 Campaign Kickoff
Mark Johnson, Chief Meteorologist of WEWS TV-5 NEWS Guest Speaker and Emcee
Mentor, OH (September 7, 2017) – United Way of Lake County (UWLC) kicked off their 2017 Community Giving Campaign today from 11:30 am – 1 pm at their offices at 9285 Progress Parkway in Mentor.
The campaign kickoff celebration was originally slated to take place at the Mentor Civic Amphitheater in front of a crowd of over 300 guests. Due to weather concerns, a last minute change was made to host a mini kickoff at the United Way offices, where approximately 50 guests gathered in support.
The kickoff was sponsored by Lake Health. Highlights included guest speaker Mark Johnson, Chief Meteorologist of WEWS-TV 5 NEWS. As a longtime resident of Lake County and lifelong resident of Northeast Ohio, Mark shared his belief on the importance of giving back to community. “Lake County’s most vulnerable residents need to know that United Way of Lake County is fighting for their health, education and financial stability,” said Johnson. “The idea of helping people improve their lives can seem like a daunting task, but that’s why community support is so vital,” he said.
Guests enjoyed the picnic lunch that was originally planned, while hearing from UWLC 2017 Campaign Chair Mark Sutherland, corporate vice president of global communications and public affairs for The Lubrizol Corporation and president of The Lubrizol Foundation. Mark revealed the 2017 campaign goal of $2,775,000, which is a 10% increase over the $2,525,354 raised last year. This is the second year in a row UWLC has taken on the challenge of a 10% increase.
According to Mark, “The Lubrizol Corporation has been a proud and longtime supporter of United Way and we believe giving starts at home. Our community and so many residents here would suffer without the work of United Way of Lake County.”
Mark Sutherland also revealed a surprise “Drive to Impact” thank you that UWLC has in store for workplace donors this year. Supporters who pledge a contribution to UWLC through their organization’s workplace campaign will have the opportunity to win their choice of a 2-year lease on a 2018 Toyota Corolla (all taxes and fees paid) or $5,000 cash. The car is sponsored in part by Classic Auto Group of Mentor. Complete details can be found at www.uwlc.org.
“As I stand here before you, humbled by the calling to serve, my hope is that you and all of the residents of Lake County will join me. Your financial support, connections to help us open new doors, and your help advocating on our behalf are all needed to uplift our residents in need,” said Sutherland.
Jennifer McCarty, UWLC President and CEO, addressed the crowd stating, “The families and children struggling in our community need to know they live in a community that cares about them. That supports and fights for them. And that makes sacrifices to uplift them.”
Due to the work of UWLC and their partner agencies, last year:
· Over 208,524 meals were provided for people who would have otherwise gone hungry.
· 11,606 children benefited from mentors and youth enrichment programs.
· 1,124 domestic abuse victims benefited from refuge and care.
· 1,123 hospice patients and their families received care and comfort.
· 17,507 children benefited from early childhood reading and education programs.
· 659 homeless persons received shelter.
· 1,093 people received substance abuse treatment.
· 22,296 people in need received a referral for help by calling 2-1-1 and the list goes on.
If you are interested in making an individual donation to United Way of Lake County, you may do so online at www.uwlc.org/give or by mailing a check payable to United Way of Lake County to United Way of Lake County, 9285 Progress Parkway, Mentor, OH 44060.
If your business or organization is willing to run a United Way of Lake County campaign, please contact Jean Sency at 440.639.1286 or via email at jsency@uwlc.org.