Program's success highlighted at meeting

COLUMBUS - Another successful campaign was celebrated at the 2006 Annual Report luncheon of the Columbus Area United Way.

At a meeting Wednesday at Duster's Restaurant, officials said the goal for the campaign was surpassed because of the dedicated work of committee chairs and volunteers. A total of $674,200 was raised, which was about $10,000 more than the goal.

“That's a great success, no doubt about it. It is due to the folks who worked on the campaign,” said Bob Blackman, Telegram publisher and the 2006 drive chairman.

The year was a success in other ways as well, said United Way Board President Ron Hostetter, general manager of Cornhusker Public Power District.

“We had a very outstanding and busy year in 2006,” he said.

Among the accomplishments were:

n A total of $44,072 worth of Venture Grants given to eight nonprofit organizations. Venture Grants are used to start new and innovative programs.

n A $500 Kids Count grant was awarded for Born Learning, a new program that encourages parents to turn everyday occurrences into learning experiences for their children. The money will be used to publicize the program through 15 second promotional spots during showings at the Center 6 Theatres.

n A new strategic plan was developed by the board of directors at a board retreat.

n An increase in enrollment was seen in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a program where children up to 5 years old receives free books every month. There are currently 1,010 children signed up.

n The 13th Annual Peter D. Rush Spirit of Voluntarism was given to Jim Schafer, who is involved in the Boy Scouts.

n The United Way continued to fund the 2-1-1 information and referral program in the six county area.

n The Ninth Annual Duck Race had a successful run with 8,864 ducks adopted.

n The board of directors completed four more agency reviews.

n The United Way and the Columbus Collaborative Team have begun the process of starting a Volunteer Center to help people find volunteer opportunities in the community. A committee has been formed to help establish the center.

Also at the meeting, four board members who are stepping down were recognized for their work with the organization. Those four had served six years each on the board and include Hostetter, Jan Curry, Steve Stevens and Miriam Roth. John Cimpl, who will head the 2007 campaign, was recognized. Board members elected for a second term included Sharyle Sands, Sarah Heller, Tom Burton and Greg Wells. Those elected for new, three-year terms are Paul Hillyer, Jim Goulet, Paul Canaday, Steve Fremarek, Rich Goehring, Tom Jarecke and Greg McKinney. Appointed to fill a position on the board is Moni Albracht.

The United Way is staffed by Executive Director Pat Heimes, Administrative Assistant Jo Suess, and Denise Kollath, secretary/special events.

Through campaign drives, the United Way supports 19 non-profit agencies. In 2006, nearly $468,500 was allocated to those agencies. Also, $51,295 was used for programs and emergency funding. The organization also awarded $44,572 in Kids Count and Venture Grants.