Heimes still growing United Way in 23rd year

A community umbrella organization that helps fund numerous agencies has been under the direction of one woman for more than two decades.

Pat Heimes has been at the helm of the Columbus Area United Way, serving as executive director since 1985.

Back then, it was just a part-time 10 hour a week position. It has grown, though, just as has the amount of annual funds the organization raises each year to support 19 service agencies.

Heimes took over at the United Way after her husband, Don, served as a campaign drive chairperson. The first year she took over, the campaign had a goal of raising $146,000. That sounds meager compared to this year’s $708,000 goal.

Reaching the goal each year has become a constant for the United Way. And Heimes said seeing the giving nature from the community year in and year out is a highlight for her.

“The most fun part is definitely working with leaders in the community and the support we get. It’s been tremendous,” she said.

She has had the opportunity to work with dozens of individuals who have served on the board of directors and as cabinet members.

When she took over at the United Way, Heimes said she didn’t have intentions of staying as long as she has. The woman in charge before her was there 13 years and Heimes couldn’t imagine herself there for that amount of time.

“I though, ‘Oh, I’ll never be here that long,’” she said.

But seeing how much of an impact the organization has on the community has kept her there. The United Way has helped provide funding to agencies and in turn, thousands and thousands of people have been assisted.

“I can’t imagine Columbus without the United Way,” Heimes said.

Columbus is a community Heimes has called home for the past 30 years. She and her husband raised their four children here. That history in the community has perhaps led her to be even more invested in Columbus.

That is why she is excited to see how the United Way is continuing to evolve and become more than just a fundraising organization for agencies. It is taking on a greater role by continuing that partnership and also focusing on improving communities by addressing needs. That is being done by looking at the root of problems, figuring out the symptoms and coming up with solutions. Locally, Heimes said issues such as parenting, financial stability for families and early childhood readiness are just some areas they hope to address.

Over the years that Heimes has been the executive director, the United Way has raised about $9 million. She credits a giving community for reaching the goal year after year. She said donors trust that the money they give is going where it is supposed to go, and that donating to the annual United Way fund drive is a quick and easy way people can support their own community. Businesses with payroll deduction options for their employees have made it that much easier for people to give to the drive.