One in a Million! Milestone goal achieved.

 
NEX Transport won the Traveling Trophy for Large Businesses                  Vectren won the Traveling Trophy for Small Businesses

On a day when frigid temperatures showed local thermometers reading below zero, a thermometer of a different kind rose higher than ever.  United Way of Logan County  reports $1,038,555 was pledged to the local nonprofit during its 2018 fall campaign, marking a 9.1 percent increase over last year.  It's the fifth straight year the organization has surpassed its fundraising goal.   

 
Logan County has achieved a philanthropic milestone, becoming the smallest community in the state to raise $1 million for its local United Way.  
 
United Way of Logan County made the announcement at its 2018 Campaign Awards Breakfast Wednesday at Green Hills Community in West Liberty, where corporate and individual donors who pledged so generously, and the Million Dollar Roundtable volunteers who helped raise the money, were recognized.  Past United Way Directors Ilene Heaton (1988 to 2012) and Heidi Reser (2014 to 2015) returned to join the celebration and assist in recognizing the volunteers.  
 
For the second year in a row, NEX Transport increased giving by six figures, pledging exactly $207,000 after surpassing $102,822 last year.  More than 900 associates combined to give $140,000, while corporate support and event sponsorship totalled $67,000.  The achievement rewarded them with United Way's coveted Traveling Trophy in the Large Business Division (more than 100 employees).  AcuSport had earned this award every year of the award's existence.  For the second year in a row, Vectren took home the Traveling Trophy for Small Businesses with an incredible per capita gift of $1,739 among their six Bellefontaine location employees.  

Click here to see a photo album of pics from the Breakfast on our Facebook page.

 
Honda of America, Mfg. continued its commitment to the United Way drive, with $165,366 in associate and corporate pledges designated to Logan County companywide effort.  AGC Glass moves into the third spot this year, raising $65,338.  A dollar-for-dollar match of associate giving at Honda Transmission resulted in $56,237 United Way giving heading to Logan County.  Mary Rutan Hospital came in fifth, nearly doubling giving from 2017 and surpassing the $50,000 mark for the first time ($50,314).    
 
Since 1955, United Way of Logan County has raised more than $23 million to support the specific social service needs of our community.  
 
With the money, United Way fights for the education, health, and financial stability of every person in Logan County.  45 programs of 30 Funded Agencies are being supported in 2018 by United Way allocations.  An additional, $85,000 has been made available  for use throughout the year for additional organizations to access through United Way's Community Impact and Youth Allocations Grant Funds. 
 
The following workplaces earned Gold Campaign Awards, achieving at least 60 percent employee participation, a $200 or higher average employee gift, or a 100 percent corporate match:  AGC Glass, Bellefontaine City Schools, Belletech Corporation, Citizens Federal Savings & Loan, City of Bellefontaine, Civista Bank, Hill & Hamilton, Humble Construction, Liberty National Bank, Logan County Auditor, Logan County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Logan County Commissioners' Office, Logan County Department of Job & Family Services, Logan County Electric Cooperative, Logan County Family Court, Lutheran Community Services, NetGain, NEX Transport, PowerBuilt, Precision Custom Products, Smith Smith Montgomery & Chamberlain, Steve Austin's Auto Group, Thomas & Marker Construction, Thompson Dunlap & Heydinger, Vectren, V-Teck Communications, and Zimmerman Realty.   
 
The following workplaces earned Silver Campaign Awards, achieving at least 50 percent employee participation or a $150 or higher average employee gift:  American Solutions for Business, Benjamin Logan Schools, Consolidated Care, Honda Transmission, Indian Lake Schools, Mary Rutan Hospital, SpartanNash, and World Class Plastics.
 
The following workplaces earned Bronze Campaign Awards, achieving at least 40 percent employee participation or a $100 or higher average employee gift:  Choice Properties Real Estate, Community Markets, Green Hills Community, Honda of America, Ohio Hi-Point Career Center, and RTC Industries.
  
The following workplaces earned Good Neighbor Awards, given to select entities that participate with United Way but do not qualify for a Campaign Award:  Lewis & Dorothy Tamplin Trust, Logan Acres, Logan County Chamber of Commerce, Logan County Sheriff's Office, Quest Federal Credit Union, Shine FM, Transportation Research Center, and United Tool & Machine.
 
United Way's local Campaign totals have increased seven straight years from 2012 to 2018 for a 67% increase in annual giving.
 
2011:  $622,411
2012:  $663,401
2013:  $677,860
2014:  $700,689
2015:  $725,268
2016:  $830,199
2017:  $951,806
2018:  $1,038,555
 
United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of everyone in Logan County.  It does so by facilitating successful agency partnerships that enable a safe, healthy, and caring community.  More than just a fundraiser, United Way collaborates with businesses, non-profits, government, and civic organizations to help meet the social service needs of the community. 

Click here to see a photo album of pics from today's event on our Facebook page.
Click here to see coverage from WPKO.
Click here to see coverage from the Bellefontaine Examiner.