The Heart of Illinois United Way 2017 Campaign Chairs, Bill and Rebecca Pape, announced Thursday, February 1 that the 2017 Campaign raised $11,108,500.

Each year, more than 300 local companies and organizations participate in the annual campaign. In 2017, a $265,000 Challenge Grant, sponsored by Caterpillar Inc., CEFCU and UnityPoint Health – Methodist | Proctor, matched new or increased contributions expanding the Heart of Illinois United Way’s base of support. For this past campaign, there were 14 new corporate gifts, 20 new employee campaigns and 59 organizations increased their contributions to the United Way by 10 percent or more.

“Heart of Illinois United Way identifies and effectively addresses critical health and human care needs in our community. This year’s successful campaign of $11.1 million represents almost a 1 percent increase over last year, but also represents an 83 percent increase from 15 years ago. This continuous growth in generosity and support demonstrates the unwavering caring and compassion we have for one another in central Illinois,” Michael Stephan, Heart of Illinois United Way President, said. Continue reading →