Illinois Division of United Way raises more than $1.43 million for Metro East

 

From Illinois Business Journal news services

SWANSEA — People in the Illinois Division of the United Way of Greater St. Louis have again demonstrated their generosity by raising $1,431,506 for the 2015 fund-raising campaign to help their neighbors in need.

The Illinois Division celebrated its campaign victory at the Four Points by Sheraton in Fairview Heights on Dec. 10. Illinois Division Campaign Chair and Senior Director for Ameren, Patrick E. Smith, Sr., announced the campaign results.

“This victory number of more than $1.4 million represents a huge investment in our community,” Smith said. “I can’t even begin to thank everyone enough who helped us accomplish another successful campaign, surpassing our goal to help even more local people. Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of individuals and companies, United Way is able to continue helping more than 100,000 people in the Metro East live their best possible lives.”

Funds from the 2015 United Way campaign will go to support 29 local quality health and human service agencies that provide essential services to the community in Clinton, Monroe, Randolph and St. Clair counties.

“Every day, I am amazed at the generosity of this community,” said United Way’s Illinois Region Vice President Jeri Sinskey. “It takes a community working together to bring about change, and we have such a strong group of people dedicated to seeing our region thrive. From our board members and volunteers who give of their time, talent and treasure, to all the local companies, employees and individuals who show their continued support, we thank you so much for truly helping people live their best possible lives.”

Overall, United Way of Greater St. Louis raised a total of $74,352,108 for the 2015 campaign. “Reaching this year’s goal was a collective effort for our entire region. Everyone on both sides of the river – from labor unions, to companies and individuals – understand that our region is a better place for us all when we work together,” said Sue McCollum, 2015 campaign co-chair for United Way of Greater St. Louis and chairman and CEO of Major Brands, Inc. “Thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered and supported United Way this year. We’re thankful for your commitment to helping people in our region.”

More than 2,400 companies and 140,000 individuals contributed in the 16-county region of Missouri and Illinois to United Way’s campaign.

By the numbers – Illinois Division

Auffenberg Dealer Group of Illinois and Associated Bank were recognized as the Top Company Campaigns with more than 100 employees and with less than 100 employees respectively. Auffenberg Dealer Group of Illinois had a 60 percent increase over their 2014 contribution, resulting in $42,000 new dollars. Associated Bank had a 4.2 percent increase for this year’s campaign.

Community Link and Lewis and Clark Council, Inc. Boy Scouts of America were the two outstanding agency campaigns with more than 100 employees and with less than 100 employees respectively. Community Link increased their contributions by more than 11.2 percent, and the Boy Scouts achieved the highest dollar increase.

The Southwestern Illinois Central Labor Council received the award for the best labor campaign. The Council helped in numerous ways for the campaign, whether it was volunteering or financial support. The Council is already working to plan next year’s Labor Trap Shoot event, which has raised more than $126,000 for United Way in its seven years.

Memorial Hospital was recognized as the top healthcare campaign with a 7.3 percent  increase in giving. They led the way in the healthcare field with the highest dollar amount raised, as well as the highest percentage giving increase.

Southwestern Illinois College was the outstanding education campaign with a 14.8 percent campaign contribution increase over 2014. They achieved the highest dollar amount raised, as well as the highest percentage increase, for the education field.

City of O’Fallon was the outstanding government campaign, achieving a 32.4 percent increase in giving. They continue to serve as an outstanding partner in multiple ways, including hosting United Way’s auxiliary board meetings at the Public Safety Facility.

For more information on United Way’s 2015 campaign, visit HelpingPeople.org.