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United Way of Franklin County Holds Annual Meeting

The United Way of Franklin County held its Annual Meeting on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at the Brau Haus in Oldenburg.  Jim Lierl, President of the Board of Directors, opened the meeting by introducing staff in attendance from the United Way partnered agencies. They were: Bonnie Blades (Tri-Homecare), Marie Dausch (New Horizons Rehabilitation, Inc.), Randie Long (Girl Scouts of Central Indiana), Jane Yorn (Safe Passage), Mary Jane Hocker and Pam Pace (Developmental Services), John Mallery, Cathy Dwyer, Jade Cooney, and Jascia Robinson (Community Mental Health Center).

The evening began with a delicious meal at the Brau Haus Restaurant that was enjoyed by all. Certificates were presented to outgoing board members.  Sara Duffy and Darlene Kohlsdorf were thanked for there help with Coats for Kids. Jim Lierl was presented a gift for serving as Board President since August of 2011.

Judy Siebert, who was unable to attend, was thanked for being our Events Committee Chairperson in 2011. Yvonne Brandes, Executive Director, recapped events for 2011 including: Health Fair, Family Fun Day, 4-H Fair, Fall Day of Caring, November Noel, Coats for Kids, and the A-Main-Zing Race.  The Community Education Coalition VanGOgh Art or GOlileo Science  programs funded by our Sstudent campaigns visited all the local schools as well as both Brookville and Laurel Libraries during the summer months.

Our most recent grant from the Indiana Association of United Ways and the Lilly Endowment was the 1010 Grant in which we received matching funds. Any new donor or donor increasing their giving in 2010-2011 had these funds matched. The matching funds were used for the WATCH Center that is now under the direction of New Horizons Rehabilitation, Inc. The Brookville Foundation awarded United Way of Franklin County with their grant that was used to update technical equipment in the office.

The following representatives were recognized on behalf of Pacesetter companies: George Ferriell representing Bath State Bank and Jake Linkel representing FCN Bank.  Other Pacesetter companies include MainSource Bank, Sperry & Rice Manufacturing, Owens Corning, Franklin County Government Employees and Franklin County Community School Corporation Employees.

Many coats found new homes in our Coats for Kids drive this fall and winter. This was made possible by the efforts of Sara Duffy who coordinated the project. Band Box Cleaners of Batesville provided professional cleaning of the coats without charge. Darlene Kohlsdorf of Touch of Magic Salon as well as MainSource Bank collected the coats. Darlene arranged for them to be transported to Batesville for cleaning.

Special recognition went to Board members Jim Lierl, Brian Harpring, and Kathie Deters for serving on the Campaign committee this year. It was reported that $101,000 was raised in the 2010/2011 campaign and that 59% of the current 2011/2012 goal of $100,000 has been pledged.

Board member Joann Koch was recognized as the Nominating Committee Chairperson. She introduced the three new board members and two new student board members that were elected to the Board of Directors. The new board members are Carol Hildebrand, Karen Hoog and Monica Yane. The new student board members are Lauren Koester and Kelly McGill.

Two retiring board members, Amanda Euen and Judy Siebert as well as retiring student board members, Gabrielle Gerndt and Caroline Koester were recognized for their service on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Franklin County. Don Vonder Meulen, former President, was also recognized.

It has been a tradition of the Indiana Association of United Ways (IaUW) to honor  volunteers at their banquet held each year in Indianapolis. United Way of Franklin County has chosen Jim Lierl, our current Board President, as our “Volunteer of the Year” for 2011. Jim was congratulated and will receive a letter and certificate from IaUW recognizing this award.

Services

	Coats For Kids "Coats For Kids" accepted at November Noel.
	Community Education Coalition Community Education Coalition Arts and Science Vans for Youth funded through our Student Campaign.
	Day of Caring “Day of Caring” is held on a Saturday in October.
	Family Fun Day Family Fun Day is held on Memorial Day each year at the park located by the Heap Memorial Swimming Pool in Brookville.
	4H Fair The United Way of Franklin County participates each year at the 4-H Fair by having a information booth with literature to handout to individuals visiting the Fair
	November Noel Gently used coats from pre-school to size 16 collected at November Noel.