Thursday, August 29, 2013

United Way to host second Young Leaders Happy Hour on Sept. 18

The Lake County Young Leaders Movement Continues!

On Wednesday, September 18 at 5:30 PM, United Way of Lake County will host its second Young Leaders Happy Hour at The Wild Goose in Willoughby (4144 Erie St, Willoughby, OH, 44094).

We invite rising stars in our community to join us and other philanthropically minded young professionals to "Get Connected" over cold beverages and hand crafted brick oven pizzas.

Young Leaders will be given the opportunity to apply for a leadership position as a Founding Member of United Way of Lake County's Associate Board, or become a member of the steering committee for the Lake County Young Leaders (LCYL) group.

In addition to fantastic upcoming events, this is an amazing opportunity to take on a leadership role while becoming more deeply involved in your community.

Our Inaugural Happy Hour on August 14 drew over 50 young leaders from numerous area companies, and we expect this event to be even larger.

We hope you'll join us and be a part of what is happening now and next in Lake County. Please RSVP to this event on our Facebook page under the "Events" tab or to Annie Bontempo; Abontempo@uwlc.org (440)639-1203.

Friday, August 23, 2013

United Way kicks off 2013 Get Connected Campaign!

August 23, 2013 - Mentor, OH - United Way of Lake County's staff and 41 volunteer cabinet members from the community are asking YOU to personally GET CONNECTED to the nonprofit organization's 2013 campaign.

The campaign officially kicked off at 7:30 a.m. Thursday (August 22) at Lake Health Mentor Medical Center. The kick-off featured an outdoor pancake breakfast, agency carnival, cabinet introductions and announcement of the 2013 goal.

This year's campaign is being led by Campaign Chair Paul Vanek, M.D. and Co-Chair Lori Stevic-Rust, Ph.D. In 2012, United Way of Lake County raised $3.67 million and increased its fundraising efforts for the 12th time in the past 13 years.



For the next couple of months, United Way of Lake County will be asking local companies, organizations and individuals to GET CONNECTED and work toward bettering our community as a whole.
United Way of Lake County serves the most people in the most ways. It's not a singular focused organization but rather:
  • Serves the whole community
  • Focuses on what's important
  • Provides programs and funding to solve Lake County's most critical issues
  • Impacts the community's quality of life for all of Lake County.
In 2012, 2-1-1 received 163,068 calls for United Way services. That number is an increase from 160,475 in 2011. A recent community needs assessment report revealed some of the following statistics:
  • 37.3% of people say the biggest barrier to filling prescriptions was lack of insurance.
  • 14.4% of children were living in poverty.
  • There were 101 homeless unaccompanied children under 18.
  • 28% of seniors live alone.
  • 25% of the senior population is in danger of poverty.
  • Nearly half of the 3,408 calls needing emergency shelter were turned away because there were no beds.
  • 33.9% of children received free or reduced lunch
United Way of Lake County gets connected and responds by working with more than 70 programs that help children and families, basic needs, health and wellness, health counseling and senior citizens.

"After my father was severely brain injured, my mother raised five children through industry, frugality, with the help of God and with the generosity of people I never met or knew," Vanek said. "She instilled in me a drive to succeed and a lifelong commitment to serve others. The mission of the United Way is the best way I can support leadership in giving for those in need in Lake County. It's time all of us who have talents and resources 'get connected' to support the organizations who are funded by United Way efforts."



"The campaign this year is about getting connected - connecting people to resources, organizations to people and people to people," Stevic-Rust said. "When we are connected to each other, we often find clarity in our own purpose. So, our challenge this year is for each of us to ask ourselves one questions, 'How do I get connected and stay connected?'" Those with questions, or who want to hold a United Way campaign, contribute or volunteer, can call United Way's campaign director Jean Argo at 440-639-1286.

The campaign will run through the end of December. Results will be announced at the United Way's annual meeting in April.
 

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

United Way allocates emergency funds to American Red Cross & Lifeline



United Way of Lake County is allocating $8,500 in emergency funding to American Red Cross and Lifeline following extreme flooding that occurred across the county on July 20, 2013.

On Tuesday, August 20, United Way of Lake County’s Board of Directors approved a motion to allocate $5,000 to American Red Cross and $3,500 to Lifeline following requests for emergency funding.

“United Way of Lake County is not singular-focused but rather focuses on the critical needs across Lake County,” said United Way of Lake County’s President Deborah Foley. “When an unexpected disaster strikes our area, our organization is fortunate enough to be flexible with funding so that we can provide emergency dollars to various partner agencies and programs.”

The flooding was so extreme that the Lake County Commissioners issued a local declaration of emergency on July 23 and sought assistance from FEMA. In Willowick, approximately 5,000 of the city’s 6,000 homes experienced flooding in what Mayor Richard Bonde referred to as “the worst flooding the city has ever seen.”

Flooding also affected Mentor, Eastlake, Willoughby, Wickliffe and other areas in Lake County. Due to the amount of flooding and excessive damage, Lifeline’s 2-1-1 received more than 1,500 calls from area residents looking for immediate flood assistance. Because the flood was an unexpected disaster and required immediate response, the 2-1-1 budget was not prepared for the amount of overtime they had to provide for adequate assistance.

Since the flooding, American Red Cross has been involved in relief efforts for residents across the county. The Red Cross performed 3,400 Damage Assessments at homes that experience flooding and has performed more than 47 home visits in Lake County.

American Red Cross’ Emergency Response Vehicles were stationed in multiple fixed locations across the county and distributed bleach, contractor trash bags, clean-up kits and hand sanitizer to residents to help with their clean-up.

The $5,000 allocated from United Way of Lake County will be applied to American Red Cross’ expenses as their total hard expenses exceed $30,000.

“This year’s United Way of Lake County’s Campaign theme is ‘Get Connected’ and we hope the community will help us throughout the next couple of months to raise funds so we can continue to support more than 70 programs that help with children and families, senior citizens, health counseling, health and wellness, basic needs and emergencies,” Foley said adding that the campaign kicks-off on Thursday (August 22). “All money raised in Lake County stays in Lake County to help our own neighbors.”

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

RSVP to United Way's Kick-Off on August 22



United Way of Lake County invites you to GET CONNECTED and help us kick off the 2013 Campaign season!

Join us at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 22 at Lake Health Mentor Medical Campus as Campaign Chair Paul Vanek, M.D. and Campaign Co-Chair Lori Stevic-Rust, Ph.D. kick-off our campaign with an outdoor pancake breakfast, agency carnival, cabinet introductions and announcement of the 2013 goal!

United Way donors, friends, partners, volunteers and Lake County residents are all welcome!

Please RSVP on or before Tuesday, August 20 to Kristin Kozar at 440.639.4583 or KKozar@UWLC.org

Your donations are kindly accepted during the event.  

We will be under a tent, so plan for fun - rain or shine! 

Friday, August 2, 2013

United Way's Kick-Off is on Thursday, August 22. RSVP now!


United Way of Lake County invites you to GET CONNECTED and help us kick off the 2013 Campaign season!

Join us at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 22 at Lake Health Mentor Medical Campus as Campaign Chair Paul Vanek, M.D. and Campaign Co-Chair Lori Stevic-Rust, Ph.D. kick-off our campaign with an
outdoor pancake breakfast, agency carnival, cabinet introductions and announcement of the 2013 goal!

United Way donors, friends, partners, volunteers and Lake County residents are all welcome!

Please RSVP on or before Tuesday, August 20 to Kristin Kozar at 440.639.4583 or KKozar@UWLC.org

Your donations are kindly accepted during the event.  

We will be under a tent, so plan for fun - rain or shine!