Thursday, September 23, 2004
Wickard sparks United Way: Pledge could be worth up to $100,000
By YVONNE PASKE-SCHROEDER
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| Karma Austin, Steuben County United Way executive director, seated, welcomed an effort by Angola businessman Wayne Wickard, left, to donate his company’s Steuben County profits to the United Way. With them is Steuben County United Way campaign manager Ward Wildman. Photo by Yvonne Paske-Schroeder. |
ANGOLA — Wayne Wickard of The Wickard Companies deeply appreciates the county that nurtured his successful business over the past 20 years.
As the company passes that milestone in Steuben County, Wickard devised a way to demonstrate his gratitude by helping all in the county though his company that provides payroll, employee benefit and human resources services nationwide.
Wickard announced on Wednesday his intention to donate to the Steuben County United Way all profits made by Wickard on current Steuben County businesses during 2005. Additionally, profits from all companies that enroll for Wickard’s services through the end of the United Way campaign on Nov. 30 will also be donated to the cause.
“We feel confident that we can raise over $100,000 to donate to this valuable cause,” Wickard said.
The company can make the sweeping promise based on the number of businesses it serves and the hope local businesses will enroll with Wickard in support of the United Way.
“We operate countrywide,” he said. “All our people, building rent and software are already paid for. We think we’ll end up with customers we don’t have now.”
Those who change service providers to go with Wickard will see their present rate matched, with the profits going to the United Way. Those who sign on as new customers will receive national pricing and the benefit of the donation also.
All profits will be donated to the United Way monthly in each company’s name, Wickard said.
City, county and United Way officials gathered at the Wickard offices for the announcement made various comments on the gesture.
“When someone steps up to the plate with a totally new idea and really becomes a partner to the United Way, it’s really exciting. I can’t say thanks enough,” said Steuben County United Way executive director Karma Austin.
“Wow. Awesome. I’ve never heard of anything like it before,” said Angola Mayor Dick Hickman. “Wayne puts his money where his heart is — Steuben County.”
“We’re a community, not a county,” said F. Mayo Sanders, Steuben County Commissioners president. “Everybody works and sticks together, and when there’s a need, we seem to reach the goal.”
That need is the gap between the United Way’s fund-raising goal of $200,000 and the actual needs of the 21 member agencies it serves.
“This falls far short of filling the actual needs in our community,” Wickard said. “This extra $100,000 will certainly help make a positive impact, and we would welcome a challenge campaign to match this $100,000 to double the campaign goal.”
He also suggested the United Way’s appointment of a local person to work with the untapped segment of white collar professionals, or “those who can give more, $1,000 at a time” to the cause.
“I hope someone beats us,” he said of his matching donation challenge. “The shortfall of $200,000 to what the 21 agencies need is alarming.”
He summed up the effort like this: “Takers eat well, but givers sleep well.”
As the company passes that milestone in Steuben County, Wickard devised a way to demonstrate his gratitude by helping all in the county though his company that provides payroll, employee benefit and human resources services nationwide.
Wickard announced on Wednesday his intention to donate to the Steuben County United Way all profits made by Wickard on current Steuben County businesses during 2005. Additionally, profits from all companies that enroll for Wickard’s services through the end of the United Way campaign on Nov. 30 will also be donated to the cause.
“We feel confident that we can raise over $100,000 to donate to this valuable cause,” Wickard said.
The company can make the sweeping promise based on the number of businesses it serves and the hope local businesses will enroll with Wickard in support of the United Way.
“We operate countrywide,” he said. “All our people, building rent and software are already paid for. We think we’ll end up with customers we don’t have now.”
Those who change service providers to go with Wickard will see their present rate matched, with the profits going to the United Way. Those who sign on as new customers will receive national pricing and the benefit of the donation also.
All profits will be donated to the United Way monthly in each company’s name, Wickard said.
City, county and United Way officials gathered at the Wickard offices for the announcement made various comments on the gesture.
“When someone steps up to the plate with a totally new idea and really becomes a partner to the United Way, it’s really exciting. I can’t say thanks enough,” said Steuben County United Way executive director Karma Austin.
“Wow. Awesome. I’ve never heard of anything like it before,” said Angola Mayor Dick Hickman. “Wayne puts his money where his heart is — Steuben County.”
“We’re a community, not a county,” said F. Mayo Sanders, Steuben County Commissioners president. “Everybody works and sticks together, and when there’s a need, we seem to reach the goal.”
That need is the gap between the United Way’s fund-raising goal of $200,000 and the actual needs of the 21 member agencies it serves.
“This falls far short of filling the actual needs in our community,” Wickard said. “This extra $100,000 will certainly help make a positive impact, and we would welcome a challenge campaign to match this $100,000 to double the campaign goal.”
He also suggested the United Way’s appointment of a local person to work with the untapped segment of white collar professionals, or “those who can give more, $1,000 at a time” to the cause.
“I hope someone beats us,” he said of his matching donation challenge. “The shortfall of $200,000 to what the 21 agencies need is alarming.”
He summed up the effort like this: “Takers eat well, but givers sleep well.”
Article provided courtesy of The Herald Republican