Heart of Illinois United Way: News

News

Heart of Illinois United Way Marketing Committee
HOIUW Marketing Committee

HOIUW in the News

2012 Campaign Chairs Steve and Bonnie Gosselin (left) joined by Doug and Vicky Stewart, 2013 Campaign Chairs

Heart of Illinois United Way Celebrates $10-Million Campaign

The Heart of Illinois United Way celebrated the results of its 2012 Campaign on January 30. The 2012 Campaign Chairs, Steve and Bonnie Gosselin announced a grand total of $10,546,193. Representing a 17 percent increase over 2011 Campaign results, this is the first campaign to reach - and surpass - the $10-million mark.

Each year, more than 300 local companies and organizations participate in the Heart of Illinois United Way's annual campaign. In 2012, more than 115 local organizations increased their contributions to United Way by 5 percent or more - representing $1.4 million in new dollars.

In 2012, the Caterpillar Foundation offered to reinstate their dollar-for-dollar match of their employees' and retirees' contributions to the Heart of Illinois United Way if contributions outside of Caterpillar Inc. increased by at least 5 percent. The community exceeded this goal with an 8 percent increase this year.

Bonnie and Steve Gosselin with
Garth Legget of PricewaterhouseCoopers

"By supporting the Heart of Illinois United Way, individuals and organizations know they are changing lives and making a positive impact in our community. Our volunteers and employee coordinators go above and beyond each year to help us expand our base of support. To date, 118 of the top 150 United Ways across the nation are reporting an average increase in campaign revenue of 1.6 percent. To achieve a 17 percent increase demonstrates the incredible generosity and compassion we have in central Illinois," Michael Stephan, Heart of Illinois United Way President, said.

The 2012 Campaign also included the launch of two new campaign awards: the Best in Class Award and the Campaign Achievement Award.

The Best in Class Award is based on employee participation in the workplace campaign, per capita giving and overall percent increase in contributions. The award recognizes a local organization who continuously demonstrates campaign excellence from year to year. The 2012 Best in Class Award winner is PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Bonnie and Steve Gosselin with
Paul DiGiallanardo of Morgan Stanley

The second award, Campaign Achievement, recognizes a campaign that had the largest percentage increase in employee participation from 2011 to 2012. The 2012 Campaign Achievement Award winner is Morgan Stanley.

With 47 partner agencies, the Heart of Illinois United Way supports critical health and social service needs that are focused on education, income and health needs throughout central Illinois. These programs help more than 1,100 people every day throughout Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Stark and Putnam counties.

In spring 2013, approximately 100 United Way allocation volunteers will make funding decisions based upon program outcomes and how well they are addressing critical needs.

Additionally, the Heart of Illinois United Way, in partnership with Advanced Medical Transport of Central Illinois, will be launching 2-1-1 this spring. This easy to remember telephone number will connect callers to critical health and social services available in their community.

In 2013, Doug Stewart (of PNC) and Vicky Stewart will chair the Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign.

The 2012 Campaign Theme, Discover the Treasure of Giving, on display
as volunteers and campaign ambassadors present the grand total.

Steve Gosselin with Patti Gratton,
CWTC's Executive Director

United Way Campaign Raises $8.334 Million To-Date

Steve and Bonnie Gosselin, 2012 Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign Chairs, were at Community Workshop and Training Center on Wednesday, November 14 to discuss campaign results to-date.

As the largest, non-governmental funder of health and human care programs in central Illinois, the 2012 Heart of Illinois United Way campaign has raised $8.334 million to-date. With more than 300 local companies and organizations participating in workplace campaigns, many campaigns are still in progress at the mid-campaign point.

The Heart of Illinois United Way's 2011 Campaign raised $9.022 million, which was a 3 percent increase over 2010 results. As demand for United Way funded programs continues to increase, the need for a successful United Way campaign in 2012 is essential.

In two of the largest central Illinois counties, Peoria and Tazewell, poverty significantly increased from 2010 to 2011 according to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey. The poverty rate in Peoria County increased from 13.9 percent to 18.7 percent; and in Tazewell County, the poverty rate increased from 9.7 percent to 12.2 percent.

The United Way's Community Impact Fund is a competitive, outcome-based multi-year grant process focused on supporting vital programs in the areas of education, income and health.

"As the 2012 Campaign comes to a close, there is still time to participate in this critical, community-wide effort. With Thanksgiving approaching, the United Way, and the people we help, are so thankful for our community's generosity, compassion and continued support," Steve Gosselin, 2012 Campaign Chair, said.

With 47 partner agencies, the Heart of Illinois United Way is currently funding more than 80 local programs 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.

The 2012 Campaign results will be announced on January 30, 2013.

Links to local news stories:

WEEK/WHOI: United Way optimistic about hitting fundraising goal

WCBU: HOI United Way officials announce mid-way campaign total

Leonard W. Sachs named 2012 Philanthropist of the Year

Leonard W. Sachs, of Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC, was recently honored as the Heart of Illinois United Way’s 2012 Philanthropist of the Year. Established in 2007, the award recognizes members of the United Way’s Tocqueville Society who are committed to the health and well-being of central Illinois.

The Philanthropist of the Year award honors individuals or couples for their leadership, dedication, and inspiration - thereby creating lasting impact on the quality of life in our community.

Jan Kepple with Board Chair Bill Springer at Kickoff Breakfast

Jan Kepple awarded the 2012 Hoot Gibson Award

The Heart of Illinois United Way recently presented Jan Kepple with the 2012 Hoot Gibson Award.

Jan Kepple has volunteered for the Heart of Illinois United Way for nearly 40 years. She has helped raise money for the campaign, guided the funding process and served on the board of directors. As past chair of the United Way's Marketing Committee, Kepple has provided invaluable marketing expertise and guidance. Currently, she is serving as vice-chair of our self-reliance impact area, is a member of the fund distribution's solution council and past-chair of the marketing committee.

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.

Snag & Brag Fishing Series Raised More Than $80,000

The 2012 Snag & Brag Fishing Series raised more than $80,000 for the Heart of Illinois United Way and Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria. The series included several great events including a full-day fishing tournament, a raffle and silent auction, and fishing clinics for inner city elementary and middle school students. More than 80 Peoria students from Calvin Coolidge Middle School, Kiefer School, Quest Charter Academy and Whitier Primary School had the opportunity to fish, hike and observe nature.

Thank you to the event sponsors...

Fishing Series Underwriter- $5,000

Fishing Tournament Sponsor- $2,500

OSF Healthcare System

Fishing Tournament Boat Sponsors- $2,000

Commerce Bank
Connor Co.
Federal Companies
M&O Insulation Company
Mark & Lesley Matuszak
LaFrank Newell & Glenn Ross
PIPCO Companies, LTD
Presley’s Outdoors
River City Construction, LLC
SC2 Supply Chain Services
Pat Sullivan
Wright-Way Interior Systems, LLC

Fishing Clinic for Kids Sponsors- $1,500

Nick and Sandra Adkins
Advanced Medical Transport of Central Illinois
Glen & Polly Barton
CORE Construction
Eagle Family Medicine
Steve & Bonnie Gosselin
Hitchcock Scrap Yard, Inc.
Metro Centre
Par-A-Dice Hotel & Casino
RLI
Dr. Benjamin Rhee
Leonard W. Sachs
U.S. Representative Aaron Schock
Dr. Gary Zwicky

Fishing Series Underwriters- $1,000

Alwan & Son's Meat Company
Avanti's Ristorantes
Cracked Pepper Catering & Bakery, Inc.
Diva Florist LTD
Kress Corporation
Focal Point Video
Fulton County Septic Services
Heights Flowers
Hoopla Films
Nina.Cecilia {creative spark}
One World Café
Peoria Flag & Decorating
Petersen Hotels
Presley’s Outdoors
Scapecchi’s Supper Club
Wildlife Prairie State Park

Heart of Illinois United Way Launches 2012 Campaign

The Heart of Illinois United Way hosted its annual Kickoff Breakfast on Friday, September 7. To date, the 2012 Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign has generated more than $1.085 million that was raised over the summer by more than 40 companies and organizations that run Pacesetter Campaigns. The breakfast included a presentation by 2012 Campaign Chairs, Steve and Bonnie Gosselin and a presentation by guest speaker, Dr. Tererai Trent - an international humanitarian and Oprah Winfrey's "Favorite Guest." Thank you to our 2012 Kickoff Breakfast Sponsors: CEFCU and River City Construction. The campaign kickoff also included our 21st annual Day of Caring. With a record-breaking 1,034 volunteers helping with a variety of projects throughout central Illinois, the event also included our fourth annual food drive which raised more than 38,000 lbs of food for people in need throughout central Illinois.

Board Chair, Bill Springer, presents 2012 Partner Award to Denise Conklin of Prairie State Legal Services

Prairie State Legal Services Receives 2012 Jim & Katie Owens Partner Award

Prairie State Legal Services is the recipient of the 2012 Jim and Katie Owens Partner Award. A member of the Heart of Illinois United Way family since 1977, Prairie State Legal Services has focused their efforts on helping the most vulnerable groups in our society for 35 years. Working with a team of volunteer lawyers, the agency provides high quality, free services to low-income individuals, people with disabilities, families and seniors who have serious civil legal problems and need help to solve them. The award is named in honor of Jim and Katie Owens to recognize them for their tremendous support.

2012 GENeration United Mad Dash Raises $30,000 for United Way

On Saturday, July 14, more than 200 people, in 51 teams, raced against the clock to compete in GENeration United's 3rd annual GEN U Mad Dash. The race, which is a competitive adventure and community project rolled into one, raised more than $30,000 for the United Way. From dunk tanks and cart races, to blind-folded games, great costumes and a couple of flash mobs, the contestants had a great time.

Event sponsors include: Advanced Medical Transport of Central Illinois, Ameren, OSF Healthcare, Papa John's, PricewaterhouseCoopers, CEFCU, Federal Companies, RLI, Rodney Strong Vineyards, F&M Bank, Mutual of America, River City Construction , Vonachen, Lawless, Trager and Slevin, Alexander's, Maui Jim, Maui Wowi, Par-a-Dice Hotel Casino and Running Central.

The 2011 Mad Dash raised more than $23,500 for the United Way. GENeration United is a Heart of Illinois United Way emerging leaders group for ages 23-45 offering the opportunity to build a stronger, united community through giving, volunteering and workplace leadership.

Check out the June 2012 Issue of Interbusiness Issues

The nonprofit-centered June issue of Interbusiness Issues magazine features three articles written by Heart of Illinois United Way staff and board members and features interviews with our partner agencies.

Michael Stephan, president, highlights the similarities between for-profit and not-for-profit businesses, explaining the importance of fiscal accountability and continual evolution. Expanding upon the subject of accountability, Gina Edwards, VP of Marketing, describes the process of measuring outcomes and implementation of the new Fund Distribution Continuous Improvement Process (FDCIP) which is based on the Caterpillar Production Systems model.

Stephen Peterson, Campaign Associate, enumerates the many benefits of volunteerism, especially for the growing group of local young professionals. And United Way board member, Mark Miskell, talks about the importance of nonprofit 990 reports.

To read more, pick up your copy of iBi Magazine or click here.

2012-2013 FUNDING APPROVED

The Heart of Illinois United Way’s volunteer grant reviewers and Board of Directors recently approved the distribution of $7,125,402 to local health and human service programs that make a positive impact in central Illinois. These dollars will be distributed through the United Way’s Community Impact Fund, special initiatives and designated gifts to area nonprofits. Programs funded by the Heart of Illinois United Way help more than 1,100 people every day in Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Putnam and Stark counties.

Nearly 100 volunteers evaluate grant proposals and measure program outcomes. The Heart of Illinois United Way uses a multi-year, competitive grant process to provide stability and continuity to partner agencies while providing accountability to United Way donors. In addition, the Heart of Illinois United Way collaborates with Bradley University every three years to conduct a Peoria Area Community Assessment. The numbers, statistics and facts within the assessment create a picture of where United Way needs to focus our investments.

For the 2012-2013 fiscal year, 85 programs at 47 local health and human care agencies will receive funding from the Heart of Illinois United Way's Community Impact Fund. Because of the generosity of the people of central Illinois, funding to our partner agencies increased from the previous fiscal year by more than $406,000 - representing a 7 percent increase.

United Way funded programs support the building blocks of a safe and sable life - education, income and health. Educational programs provide tutoring, mentoring and career counseling. Income-related programs provide financial stability and basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter. Health-related programs provide wellness through intervention, prevention, community clinics and more.

United Way funded programs create lasting change in central Illinois. Below are just a few outcomes from selected programs:

3,000 preschool children in Success By 6 improved reading skills by more than 85 percent
98 percent of children enrolled in an afterschool program were not involved in crime
Students in a tutoring program increased GPA levels by 1.5 letter grades
500 people who lost their homes to natural disasters received much needed assistance
Children, whose families become homeless, are back in school within seven days
More than $3 million recovered for victims of elder abuse
Adults with developmental disabilities earned $2.4 million in total payroll
25 percent decrease in teen pregnancy, STIs and substance abuse

From 2011 through 2012, Heart of Illinois United Way partner agencies will collectively lose more than $10.94 million in state and federal funding. As the largest non-governmental funder of local health and human care services, the United Way is dedicated to ensuring the people in need will have continued access to vital education, income and health programs throughout our community.

BUILDING BLOCKS: PEORIA 2012-2013

Sponsored by the Grand Victoria Foundation and IFF (formerly the Illinois Facilities Fund), Illinois Action for Children is partnering with the Heart of Illinois United Way’s Success By 6 program to implement the 2012-2013 Building Blocks project.

Started in 2003, Building Blocks strengthens community planning with the goal of developing or improving facilities for early childhood care and education in targeted areas with significant gaps between need and capacity.

For the Peoria area (Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford counties), IAFC is partnering with the Heart of Illinois United Way to build the area’s capacity to engage the most at-risk young children in the highest quality early care and education environments. In the first year of the project, HOIUW will facilitate a comprehensive, collaborative assessment of community needs and resources and the development of a strategic plan. In the second year, the focus will be on organizing community support and resources to implement community-wide strategies and goals.

For more information, contact Maggie Heppner, Success By 6 coordinator, at 309-674-5181, ext. 229.

Caterpillar Donates Award Dollars to United Way

Caterpillar, Inc. received the Turner Prize for Innovation in Construction Technology for continuing to revolutionize the construction industry by using advanced hydraulic systems and cleaner burning engines. Caterpillar donated the $25,000 cash award to the Heart of Illinois United Way and United Way Worldwide.

2011 Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign Raises More Than $9.022 Million

Photo by Matt Dayhoff, Peoria Journal Star

The Heart of Illinois United Way celebrated the results of its 2011 Campaign on Tuesday, February 1 with Campaign Chairs, Bill and Paula Cirone announcing a grand total of $9,022,256 which is a 3 percent increase over 2010 results.

The success of the 2011 Campaign was achieved by increasing participation throughout central Illinois. Because of the overwhelming support of donors and volunteers, 58 organizations increased their contributions to the United Way by more than 20 percent.

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 2012, approximately 100 United Way allocation volunteers will make funding decisions based upon program outcomes and how well they are addressing critical needs identified in the United Way’s 2011 Peoria Area Community Assessment.

Steve Gosselin of Caterpillar Inc. and Bonnie Gosselin will chair the 2012 Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign.

Read the story on CINewsNow.com...
Read the story on PJStar.com...

Congratulations to LIVE UNITED Video Contest winner – PARC!

Thank you to all of our entrants and contest sponsor McGladrey.

Thank you WEEK/WHOI...

L-R: Michael Stephan, Jon Williams, Barbara Hartnett, Major David Gorton, Connie Voss, Jim Thompson and Dave Mingus

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.

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

Michael Stephan, President of the Heart of Illinois United Way and Doug Stewart, Regional President of PNC Bank

Doug Stewart and Kim Dixon, PNC Bank and Pam Tomka, Success By 6® Chair

Sally Snyder, Success By 6® Committee Member and Maggie Heppner, Success By 6® Program Manager

Ann Bond and Laura Kelly from Dist. 15 and Erin Stout from Bright Futures

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.

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:

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

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.