The Heart of Illinois United Way has proven time and again that we are built to support central Illinois in times like these. Through our Community Impact Fund, we are able to adapt to changing needs while providing a solid foundation of services year-round.
Each year, more than 300 local companies and organizations participate in our annual campaign. In 2020, there were 12 new corporate gifts, 20 corporate gifts with a 10% or more increase, nine new employee campaigns, and 33 organizations that increased their donations to the United Way by 10% or more. Investments in the Heart of Illinois United Way’s 2020 Campaign totaled $9,104,072. Watch the 2020 Campaign Announcement here…
Annually, the Campaign Achievement and Best-in-Class Awards are one way we recognize local companies who improve their campaigns. Pearl Companies received the Campaign Achievement Award for the largest percentage increase in employee participation; and Fortress Bank received, for the second year in a row, the Best-in-Class Award for continued campaign excellence from year to year.
Fortress Bank, 2020 Best in Class Award Winner
L-R: Ken Mauser and Dean Heinzmann with Fortress Bank and 2020 Campaign Chairs, Seth and Sylvia Davis
“Just as our first campaign brought the people of central Illinois together for a common cause 100 years ago, through decades of collaboration the Heart of Illinois United Way continually proves that an investment in our work is the best combination of using our hearts and trusting data to help the community we call home,” Jennifer Zammuto, President, said.
Pearl Companies, 2020 Campaign Achievement Recipient
L-R: From Pearl Companies – Lisa Hoogerwerf, Eileen Ahl, Lisa McSherry, Corey Smith, and Gary Pearl; United Way President, Jennifer Zammuto; and 2020 Campaign Chairs Seth and Sylvia Davis
The Heart of Illinois United Way constantly evaluates data and collaborates with community partners to ensure personal and corporate donations to our Community Impact Fund address the greatest needs while providing a reliable and steady source of income for our partner agencies. Through the community’s generosity, the Heart of Illinois United Way ensures people in central Illinois have continued access to education, financial stability, and health programs.
Since March 2020, requests for help to the Heart of Illinois United Way’s 2-1-1 Information and Referral service have increased 200% including a 60% increase in requests for food and a 30% increase in requests for housing assistance. (For help, call 211 or 309-999-4029 for assistance; online at 211hoi.org or Facebook @hoi211.)
“To raise more than $9 million over the past year, in addition to supporting community-wide COVID-19 relief efforts, is a testament to the commitment that our local employees, companies, and organizations have for changing lives. As we celebrate decades of impact this year, we will continue to help the people of central Illinois to care for one another by effectively stretching every dollar and collaborating across sectors to make real change for us all,” Zammuto added.
Contributions to the Heart of Illinois United Way stay in central Illinois supporting vital health and human care programs throughout Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Stark, Marshall and Putnam counties.