Heart of Illinois United Way

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Heart of Illinois United Way Marketing Committee
HOIUW Marketing Committee

HOIUW in the News

Heart of Illinois United Way Provides Much-Needed Additional Funding for Area Food Pantries
December 19, 2011

(Peoria) On Monday, December 19, the Heart of Illinois United Way held a news conference at the Salvation Army food warehouse to announce the distribution of additional grant dollars from its Community Impact Fund to supplement the food pantry budgets at United Way partner agencies.

Grants totaling $25,000 will be distributed to Common Place, Friendship House, Neighborhood House, The Salvation Army and We Care to support their local food programs.

The Heart of Illinois United Way recently partnered with Bradley University to conduct the 2011 Peoria Area Community Assessment. This assessment identifies critical needs in our community in the areas of education, income and health and is utilized by United Way allocation volunteers to ensure funding is directed towards local programs addressing the greatest need.

Data for central Illinois shows 13 percent, or approximately 50,000, of our residents live in poverty. For the 2011-2012 funding cycle, the Heart of Illinois United Way is providing more than $540,000 to support basic need services such as food, shelter and clothing with more than $230,000 supporting food programs.

"As we move closer to the holiday season and into winter, it is imperative the Heart of Illinois United Way take action to reach families and individuals in need. Poverty rates are continuing to rise for central Illinois and the community must come together to address critical health and social service needs," Michael Stephan, Heart of Illinois United Way President, said.

Over the past three years, area food pantries have been experiencing a minimal 30 percent increase in requests for food. Typically, a donated canned good would have been on a food pantry’s shelves for about four weeks but is now being distributed within seven days. With demand three to four times higher, area food pantries are struggling to fill the constant gap.

With 45 partner agencies, the Heart of Illinois United Way supports local programs and services that address critical health and human care needs in our community – helping more than 1,100 people every day throughout Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Stark and Putnam counties.

A pdf copy of the 2011 Peoria Area Community Assessment can be downloaded here.

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Heart of Illinois United Way’s Success By 6® Initiative receives $75,000 grant from PNC to create financial education program for preschoolers

The Heart of Illinois United Way’s Success By 6® initiative will receive a two-year, $75,000 grant from the PNC Foundation to teach area children about spending, sharing and saving while helping parents support these money lessons at home.

The funding is part of PNC’s Grow Up Great, a bilingual program for early childhood education. The grant will enable the Heart of Illinois United Way to offer children’s activities, educational games and parent workshops based on lessons from the “For Me, For You, For Later: First Steps to Spending, Sharing and SavingTM,” a financial education kit created by Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind Sesame StreetTM. The financial education program will reach families throughout Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Stark, Marshall and Putnam counties through community finance fairs, free books, family nights and age-appropriate activities for parents and caregivers to reinforce the concepts of saving, spending and sharing at home.

"Through this grant from PNC, we can reach children in central Illinois at an early age and help establish smart habits that will last a lifetime," said Maggie Heppner, Success By 6® program manager.

PNC is donating 3,000 free copies of the "For Me, for You, for Later" instructional kits through bank branches in central Illinois. PNC has also launched online financial education by offering the "S Is for Savings," a children’s savings account that informs and entertains.

"Extensive research shows the return on investment in high-quality early education is significant and long lasting - positively impacting our children, society and economy," said Doug Stewart, regional president for PNC Bank in central Illinois. "Through this financial education initiative with Success By 6®, we can help young children in our region better understand that everything has value and show parents how to turn everyday moments into financial learning experiences for their kids."

The Heart of Illinois United Way’s early childhood initiative, Success By 6®, is a community-based committee of business leaders, educators and early childhood advocates brought together to develop solutions for children in central Illinois. The primary goal of Success By 6® is to ensure that all children, from birth to age six, are healthy, safe, nurtured and ready to succeed.

The PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group, actively supports organizations that provide services for the benefit of communities in which it has a significant presence. The foundation focuses its philanthropic mission on early childhood education and community and economic development, which includes the arts and culture. PNC has extended its signature cause, PNC Grow Up Great, by $250 million over 10 years to enhance early childhood education and school readiness.

For more information, please visit www.pncgrowupgreat.com.

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2011 GENeration United Mad Dash

On Saturday, July 16 more than 35 teams raced to compete challenges for the 2nd Annual GEN U Mad Dash. The event raised more than $23,000 for the 2011 Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign. Here are links to local news coverage of the event:

• http://www.centralillinoisnewscenter.com/news/local/Making-a-Mad-Dash-125690333.html
• http://www.centralillinoisnewscenter.com/good-company/Good-Company-6-12-GEN-U-Mad-Dash-125408963.html
• http://www.centralillinoisnewscenter.com/good-company/Good-Company-6-12-Gen-U-Mad-Dash-Challenge-125409083.html
• http://centralillinoisproud.com/search-fulltext?nxd_id=188307

For more info about the 2011 Mad Dash, visit our Mad Dash page.

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United Way on Good Company

Michael Stephan, HOI United Way President, recently spoke about the United Way’s mission with Good Company’s Mark Welp.

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Jack Stack Event Raises Money for Central Illinois Nonprofits

Jack Stack, the "Father of Open Book Management" visited Peoria on March 11 and shared how to build a business by harnessing the most powerful management tool a company has... its people. The event raised more than $9,100 for the Heart of Illinois United Way and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The event was sponsored by Bradley University’s Executive Development Center, Federal Companies and Heartland Partnership.

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Bruce "Skip" Snyder Honored at Campaign Celebration

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Heart of Illinois United Way Celebrates the 2010 Campaign

WEEK/WHOI Celebration Coverage...
WMBD/WYZZ Celebration Coverage...
Peoria Journal Star Celebration Coverage...

News Release February 2, 2011

The Heart of Illinois United Way celebrated the results of its 2010 Campaign on Tuesday, February 1 with Campaign Chairs, Mark and Renee Spenny announcing a total of $8,755,637.

Throughout 2010, Heart of Illinois United Way volunteers worked hard to increase central Illinois’ support for this year’s campaign. Because of their efforts, 49 organizations increased their contributions to the United Way by more than 20 percent.

"Over the last year, our volunteers and employee coordinators have gone above and beyond to build upon the incredible accomplishments of past campaigns while expanding our reach with one simple message... everyone can get involved. No matter the size of your organization, or the size of your gift, everyone can make a difference in our community by supporting the United Way," Michael Stephan, Heart of Illinois United Way President, said.

With 45 partner agencies, the Heart of Illinois United Way supports local programs and services that address critical health and human care needs in our community – helping more than 1,100 people every day throughout Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Stark and Putnam counties. In spring 2011, more than 90 United Way allocation volunteers will make funding decisions based upon program outcomes and how well they are addressing identified critical needs.

In 2011, William Cirone of Federal Companies and Paula Cirone will chair the Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign.

For more information, or to arrange interview(s), about the 2010 Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign, please contact, Gina Edwards, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at 309/674-5181, ext. 234.

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Heart of Illinois United Way 2010 Philanthropists of the Year

The Heart of Illinois United Way is proud to honor Bill and Margie Springer as the 2010 Philanthropists of the Year.

Established in 2007, the award recognizes members of the Heart of Illinois United Way’s Tocqueville Society who are committed to the health and well-being of central Illinois. The award honors individuals or couples for their continued leadership, dedication, and inspiration which, in turn, creates lasting impact on the quality of life in central Illinois.

In 2007, Bill and Margie Springer chaired the United Way Campaign and currently serve on the United Way’s Board of Directors. Last year, the couple co-chaired the Tocqueville Society and this year, Bill is co-chair of the cabinet’s Business Development division. In addition, the Springer’s are dedicated to the Easter Seals, American Red Cross, Bradley University and many other nonprofit organizations.

"Bill and Margie Springer are passionate about many causes. One of them that is near and dear to their heart is the United Way. They chaired the campaign in 2007 and were known as the $9 million couple. Bill and Margie took their responsibility as chairs very seriously. They put their heart and soul into the effort and spent many months making sure no stone was left unturned. Our community is so fortunate to have Bill and Margie's active engagement, enthusiastic participation and steadfast commitment," Jim and Katie Owens, 2010 Tocqueville Society Co-Chairs, said.

The United Way's Tocqueville Society was established to acknowledge and encourage exemplary leadership and voluntarism. It is named in honor of 19th century French historian,

At the age of 26, Alexis de Tocqueville made a detailed study of American culture, society and politics. Toqueville’s most important observation was that Americans helped each other in times of need. He recognized, applauded and immortalized the voluntary spirit that lives in America's heart and remains the foundation of the United Way.

The Tocqueville Society recognizes individuals, private foundations and "S" corporations who contribute $10,000 or more annually. In 2009, the Heart of Illinois United Way had 35 Tocqueville Society members contributing more than $671,000 - which was a 20 percent increase over the previous year.

Previous Honorees:
2009 Jim and Katie Owens
2008 Michel and Kay McCord
2007 Bielfeldt Foundation

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2010 Hoot Gibson Award

The Heart of Illinois United Way recently presented Deb Bowers with the 2010 Hoot Gibson Award.

Bowers has been a volunteer for the Heart of Illinois United Way since the early 1990's. She has been instrumental at ensuring United Way contributions are making the greatest impact within the community through her volunteer work on the United Way’s allocation panels.

Bowers has also been an integral part of the United Way’s strategic planning and has helped the United Way move forward as the community leader at addressing the critical health and human care issues facing central Illinois. She has also served on the board of directors, the campaign cabinet and as a campaign ambassador.

Since 1985, the Heart of Illinois United Way has recognized the community’s unsung heroes who spend countless hours working without fanfare to help others. The award is presented in memory of Horace J. "Hoot" Gibson who was the manager of the Peoria IBM office for many years along with being an active volunteer for the United Way. As a volunteer, Hoot pursued his goals in a quiet, determined manner, caring little if others knew of his accomplishments.

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Link to WEEK story...

 

Link to Peoria Journal-Star story...

 

Link to WMBD story...

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Delinquent dollars difficult to deal with: Area health, human care agencies face challenges due to tardy state funds
By Terry Bibo of the Journal Star Posted May 14, 2010

PEORIA —
Michael Stephan, president of Heart of Illinois United Way, says the local group has joined United Ways throughout the state to advocate for a state budget which protects funding for health and human care programs.

Read more at the Peoria Journal Star...

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Unpaid state bills imperil social service programs
By Terry Bibo of the Journal Star Posted Apr 09, 2010 @ 08:51 PM

PEORIA —
When Springfield doesn't pay $5.5 billion worth of bills, people in Peoria suffer.

That's the projected backlog by the end of June. Then, already-struggling social service agencies face the prospect of additional cuts in the coming fiscal year.

"This has been an ongoing issue for the last two or three years," said Gina Edwards, marketing director for the Heart of Illinois United Way.

"It's a nightmare in terms of cash flow," said Laraine Bryson, president of Tri-County Urban League. "Any kind of cuts will be disastrous: Definitely layoffs. . . . We've already cut as far as we can cut."

Read more at the Peoria Journal Star...

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News Release: January 28, 2010
Changing Lives Together - Central Illinois Steps Up to Support their Community through Heart of Illinois United Way's Annual Campaign

For More Information, Contact: Gina Edwards, 309/674-5181, ext. 234
Download story as PDF...

Thursday, January 28, 2010 at the Community Campaign Celebration, the Heart of Illinois United Way announced the results of its 2009 Campaign. Campaign Chairs, Jim McConoughey of the Heartland Partnership and Gina McConoughey of Bradley University, proudly announced that the 2009 campaign raised a total of $8,611,068.

"With economic challenges impacting everyone, especially the most vulnerable, the people of central Illinois continue to show that we are a very caring and compassionate community. 'Live United' is more than just a tagline – it captures what it means to live in a community that supports and helps each other in times of need. We are extremely pleased with the success of our campaign," Michael Stephan, Heart of Illinois President, said.

Heart of Illinois United Way volunteers worked tirelessly to motivate and engage employees and residents of central Illinois to support this critical campaign. In 2009, United Way's base of support increased with more than 65 new employee campaigns and corporate gifts. In addition, 79 organizations increased their contributions by more than 10 percent.

With 47 partner agencies, the Heart of Illinois United Way supports local programs and services that address critical health and human care needs in our community – helping more than 1,100 people every day throughout Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Stark and Putnam counties.

At the Community Campaign Celebration, a few of these individuals shared their personal stories of how the United Way has helped impact their lives. Programs highlighted included the Boy Scouts outreach program that provides scouting opportunities for at-risk youth in Peoria and Tazewell counties, the Arthritis Foundation's program which provides therapy and support for families with children suffering from arthritis, TCRC's residential program that assists people with disabilities so they can live independently, and disaster services by the American Red Cross which assisted more than 200 families with house fires this past year.

"We tremendously appreciate the thousands of volunteers and donors who were a part of the 2009 campaign. Their support ensures vital programs and services will remain available in our community. By working together, the people of central Illinois truly demonstrated just how strong we are at facing challenges and ultimately, being a part of the solution," Michael Stephan, Heart of Illinois President, added.

In 2010, Mark Spenny of CEFCU and Renee Spenny will chair the Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign.

For more information, or to arrange interview(s), about the 2009 Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign, please contact, Gina Edwards, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at 309/674-5181, ext. 234.

Link to WEEK story and video...

Link to WMBD story...

Link to Peoria Journal-Star story...

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Illinois Mutual Celebrates Centennial and Supports Success by 6®
Throughout 2010, Illinois Mutual will be celebrating their centennial. To commemorate their long-standing tradition of investing resources in area projects and organizations, the company created their Year of Caring Program which funds community programs and provides volunteer hours to be completed by Illinois Mutual employees.

The Heart of Illinois United Way would like to thank Illinois Mutual for supporting our Success by 6® program through a $12,500 Year of Caring Program grant and for their continuous support of our efforts to support people in need throughout central Illinois.

As part of this grant, Illinois Mutual volunteers will select, prepare, organize and deliver the October 2010 book for our Success by 6® initiative's "Be a Page Turner" reading program. More than 3,200 books will be presented to children at numerous sites and many volunteers will serve guest readers and help coordinate classroom activities based on the book's theme. This project emphasizes and supports the importance of literacy to child development.

Illinois Mutual website...

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Thank you to WMBD-TV
On January 29, 2010 WMBD-TV aired a local story about Kim and Tim Cook whose son, Jesse, has autism. With a growing demand for services, the Easter Seals Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic started receiving funding from the Heart of Illinois United Way in 2009.

Click play below to hear more about Jesse's story.

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Thank You to WEEK and WHOI!
We would like to thank Mark DeSantis and the staff at WEEK and WHOI for helping us thank the community for their tremendous support of the 2009 Heart of Illinois United Way campaign.

View the video by clicking on the play button.

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Thank You to Bard Optical!
To help us reach the community during this critical campaign, Bard Optical donated on-air spots to United Way. Thank you to Diane Hall, her staff at Bard Optical and WEEK production services for their support!

View the video by clicking on the play button.

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Thank you Kohl’s!
In 2009, associates from local Kohl's department stores volunteered for our Success by 6® program. From reading to children, to planning activities with parents, and even cleaning up a few playgrounds, these volunteers were part of our annual Day of Caring event.

We also want to thank the Kohl's Cares for Kids® program for its $500 donation to supporting early childhood literacy through Success by 6®. Since 2000, Kohl's has raised more than $126 million to support children's health and education initiatives nationwide.

 

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United Way at forefront of juvenile arthritis funding
Peoria Journal Star, October 17, 2009
Read the full story...

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WEEK-TV featured the Heart of Illinois United Way fundraising campaign. Click the video image to view the video online.

WMBD-TV recently highlighted a United Way and District 150 program to Jumpstart Early Learning. Click the video image to view the video online.

WEEK-TV featured a United Way Funded Program at Big Brothers Big Sisters on June 4. Click the video image to view the video online.

WMBD-TV recently highlighted a United Way Funded Program at the YMCA. Click the video image to view the video online.

Other News

For more information, contact Gina Edwards, Vice President of Marketing & Communications at (309) 674-5181, ext. 234.

For Immediate Release: September 14, 2009
Ron Hale Receives Hoot Gibson Award

(PEORIA) – The Heart of Illinois United Way is pleased to announce Ron Hale as the 2009 Hoot Gibson award recipient.

Over the years Ron has been an advocate, a leader and outstanding supporter of the work we do to improve the quality of lives throughout central Illinois.

He has dedicated many of his hours and his insight to United Way – serving on our board's nominating committee and campaign cabinet. He has been our voice in the community advocating for the growth and changes we have made over the years to help us become the community leader in finding solutions to our health and social service needs.

And, with his long-standing relationships in Tazewell County, he has been instrumental in helping us cultivate many relationships with area business and community leaders.

In addition, he has played a key role in shaping and implementing our Success By Six "Be a Page Turner" Reading Program – a program that positively impacts more than 3,000 children throughout central Illinois each and every month. And, his support of Success by Six doesn't end there as he has also chaired the Success By Six Steering Committee for two years, providing outstanding guidance and leadership.

 

2009 Campaign Chairs, Jim and Gina McConoughey joined United Way staff and family members to walk in the 2009 Peoria Labor Day Parade.

For Immediate Release: September 11, 2009
Heart of Illinois United Way Kicks Off 2009 Campaign

(Peoria) The Heart of Illinois United Way (HOIUW) held its annual Campaign Kickoff Breakfast at the Peoria Civic Center on Friday, September 11.

To date, $1,135,634 has been raised towards the 2009 Campaign by 50 Pacesetter organizations that held their United Way campaigns this summer.

The 2009 Campaign Chairs, Jim and Gina McConoughey, stressed the importance of this year's United Way campaign to the health and well-being of central Illinois.

"Our nation has found itself struggling in the midst of the deepest economic crisis of our lifetimes and our hometowns have not been immune to its effects. This is not a typical year and it won’t be a typical campaign. As the demand for services continues to rise and resources such as state funding continues to decline, the need for a successful United Way campaign is more critical than ever.", Jim McConoughey, said.

The breakfast was sponsored by Advanced Medical Transport and featured guest speaker, Bradley University Soccer Coach Jim DeRose.

Following the Kickoff Breakfast, hundreds of volunteers participated in the Heart of Illinois United Way's 2009 Day of Caring event sponsored by Ameren Illinois Utilities, Federal Companies and OSF Saint Francis Medical Center.

The event included the new Day of Sharing Food drive which raised more than 60,000 pounds of food – the equivalent of more than 40,000 meals for people in need throughout central Illinois. More than 60 area companies and organizations dropped off food to four sites throughout central Illinois.

"The demand for food from local food pantries has increased by 30 percent. The average shelf life for food in some of the local pantries has gone from four weeks to four days with many shelves bare.", Michael Stephan, HOIUW President, said.

Also, as part of the 2009 Day of Caring event, volunteers also became a part of our Success by 6 initiative’s 'Be a Page Turner' reading program. More than 140 volunteers will be joining local teachers for a fun day of reading, crafts and much more as our reading program partners host special parent-child events.

The 2009 Campaign, supporting the community’s vital health and human service programs, will continue throughout the end of the year.

 

August, 2009
On behalf of the Heart of Illinois United Way, Michael Stephan (left) accepts a corporate gift from Al Black and Dennis Pauley of AT&T.

For Immediate Release: January 29, 2009
Annual Campaign Contributions Will Impact Our Community at a Time When It’s Needed Most

On Thursday, January 29, 2009 at the Campaign Celebration Finale, the Heart of Illinois United Way announced the results of its 2008 Campaign. Campaign Chairs, Michael Bryant of Methodist Medical Center of Illinois and his wife Paula, announced that the 2008 campaign, with a goal of $9.6 million, raised a record-breaking $9,744,637 - representing a 4.5 percent increase over the previous year’s results.

The Heart of Illinois United Way is not just a community fundraiser, but also a community problem solver focusing its efforts on nurturing youth, strengthening families, building self-reliance and promoting health through a six-county region including Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Stark and Putnam counties. More than 1,100 people use United Way funded programs each day. With 47 partner agencies, the Heart of Illinois United Way supports local programs and services that address critical health and human care needs in our community.

“Central Illinois business leaders, and the community we represent, trust the Heart of Illinois United Way to provide an exceptional return on their charitable investment. Through our strength and experience, we’re the shortest distance between community donations and a stronger, healthier region,” Michael Stephan, Heart of Illinois President, said.

Over the past year, the Heart of Illinois United Way has continued to expand its base of support through new workplace campaigns, increased corporate contributions and solid returns from our existing base of employee contributions. In 2008, 85 campaigns increased by more than 10 percent.

The top 25 campaigns of 2008 include:
1. Caterpillar Inc.
2. Methodist Medical Center of Illinois
3. Ameren Illinois Utilities
4. CEFCU
5. Illinois Mutual
6. OSF Saint Francis Medical Center
7. RLI
8. Komatsu America Corp
9. Advanced Technology Services
10. National City Bank
11. Proctor Hospital
12. Howard and Howard Attorneys
13. Advanced Medical Transport
14. Bradley University
15. PricewaterhouseCoopers
16. Commerce Bank
17. Heyl, Royster, Voelker and Allen
18. Journal Star
19. River City Construction
20. Peoria Public Schools
21. AT&T
22. OSF Health Care Systems
23. Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino
24. Archer Daniels Midland Company
25. Federal Warehouse Company

In addition, 2008 marks the return of the dollar-for-dollar matching gift program in which the Caterpillar Foundation matches Caterpillar employees' and retirees' contributions to the Heart of Illinois United Way.

The 2007 Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign raised $9,321,572, which exceeded the 2007 goal of $9 million. In 2009, Jim McConoughey of the Heartland Partnership and his wife, Gina McConoughey of Illinois Central College, will chair the Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign.

For more information, or to arrange interview(s), about the 2008 Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign, please contact, Gina Edwards, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at 309-674-5181, ext. 234.