Wednesday, March 15, 2006
UNITED WAY: Awards bestowed upon Trines, Wickard
By Yvonne Paske-Schroeder
Angola - With the first fundraising campaign under her belt as the new executive director of the Steuben County United Way, Ruth Mattox trained a bright smile on organizers, volunteers and top contributors for 2006 gathered to celebrate at Bennigan's in Angola Wednesday.
While the campaign fell short of a $350,000 goal at $217,000, fund-raising chair Steve Wertman pointed to the positives. "That's 150 percent over last year," he said. "Thanks to [Steuben County Businesses] for their time, money, motivation and incentives, and we look ahead to a brighter 2007"
The United Way will have some talented leadership in that arena in Tri-State University director of student retention Deb McHenry, who will chair the 2007 campaign.
"I'm looking forward to the challenge and working with these companies and individuals," McHenry told the crowd. "I think this is something our community can do together and I really appreciate your support."
Mattox thanked her supporters during her inaugural year.
"We can do none of this alone," she said. She introduced her board, saying "their guidance and support were a godsend to me in helping me through this first year."
She also introduced new student board members Ashley Gilbert of Hamilton
High School, Riley Dunn of Angola High School and Brian Wents of FremontHigh School, who she said, "will bring a lot and add value [to the board]."
Board president Kathy Vrana grew tearful while speaking of what she called "tough decisions" by the board in replacing former director Karma Austin with Mattox. "Tears just happen for me when i believe on something as strongly as i believe in the United Way," she said. "You made the decision to commit your money to the United Way and tonight to commit your time to us, and we thank and honor you."
Among those honored were gold contributors General Aluminum, Metropolitan School District of Steuben County, Rittal Electromat, Vestil Manufacturing and Wal-Mart, which each contributed $10,000 or greater.
Earning silver awards for contributations of $5,000 - $9,999.99 were Amcast Automotive, Cameron Memorial Community Hospital, Dexter Axle, Farmers State Bank, ITW Automotive Finishing, Moore Wallace, New Horizons Baking Co., Salga Corp., Temmeco Corp., Tyden Brammall, Wells Fargo Bank and the Wickard Companies.
Bronze award winners fo rcontributions of $2,000 - $4,999.99 were the city of Angola, Fifth Third Bank, Hamilton Community Schools, Tri-State University, First Federal Savings Bank of Angola and Meijer.
Receiving awards for offering company matches were Angola Wire, Dave's Diesel, Farmers State Bank, Fifth Third Bank, ITW Automotive Finishing, Key Bank, Meridian Automotive, Nisource, Rittal Electromate, Salga, Tenneco, Tyden Brammall, Vestil, Wal-Mart, Wells Fargo and Wickard Companies.
Improvement awards of 100 percent for first-time campaigns went to Farmers State, First Federal Savings Bank, Hamilton Community Schools, Fremont Community Schools, Meridian Metal Spinners, New Horizons, Rees Inc., Time Services and Wayside Furniture.
Improving 25 percent were the city of Angola, Cameron Hospital, Dexter Axle, General Aluminum, the Herald-Republican/KPC Media Group, MSD of Steuben County, Nisource, Putnam, Friedrich, Kruse Appraisals, Tri-State University, Vestil and Wal-Mart.
Recieving awards for 100 percent employee participation were Time Services an dthe Steuben County Community Foundation. Angola and Fremont high schools also received awards for student campaigns.
Outstanding community support awards went to Ralph and Sheri Trine, the Wickard Companies, the Herald-Republican/KPC Media Group and radio station WLKI FM 100.3.
Bowlers raise big bucks for BB/BS
From staff reports
Angola - The Michiana Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowlathon conducted over the past two weeks raised $40,300, with more pledges still coming in.
Saturday, over $25,300 was raised by teams bowling at the Redwood Lanes in Angola.
Top teams were: The Wickard Co., bringing in $9,073; A&W Manufacturing/Angola Wire, $2,231.95; Dave's Lake Shack, $2185.30; Dillinger;s, $1,110; We're On Our Own, $1,067; Wacky Jac's, $845.45; Land of Lakes Lions, $750; Arby's, $741; St. Anthony's Men and Women, $740.
Top individuals were Wayne Wickard, raising $3,712; Jenne Romero, $1,165; Patricia Steffel, $616; Wayne Wickard II, $600; Tom Wright, $600; Daniel VanWye, $600; Kevin Landis, $510; Michele Davis, $291; Toni Huddleston, $361; Jay Hart $361.
Sponsors were radio station WLKI, Wickard Co., Wells Fargo BAnk/Wells Fargo Mortgage, Salga, Timbers Casual Dinning and Lounge, Redweed Lanes, Printing Place, Curves for Women of Angola, Team Gundy of Anchor Realty and Northern Indiana Fuel and Light.
Bowling was conducted on March 4 and Saturday, as well as a bowl-off between three police teams last week. Around 80 teams in all registered to bowl, which surpassed last year, organizers said.