Thursday morning March 28, 2013 in one of Blue Chip Casino Hotel & Spa’s large and exquisite banquet halls the United Way of La Porte County held its annual Victory Celebration. What happens is that they go over the final results from the year’s campaign (this meant the 2012 campaign), highlight all of the great accomplishments and progress that the Foundation has made, and recognize community members and businesses that have greatly impacted the course of the United Way’s yearly campaign.
The event started out with a lovely breakfast provided by the kitchen staff at the Blue Chip Casino. Then things got underway as Andy Neal, United Way Board of Directors chairperson welcomed everyone and started the Celebration. He introduced Campaign co-chairs Dan Dobbins, president of Fiber Bond Corporation in Michigan City, and Dr. Glade Montgomery, Superintendent of La Porte Community School Corporation who both spoke of the great involvement of the community and how wonderful they feel about being part of the campaign. Thanks were given to the United Way staff, the donors, the loan executives, volunteers, partner agencies, and many more that were involved.
“I have really marveled at what this community has accomplished in spite of all of the challenges that we face everyday,” Dobbins said. “And we’re here to celebrate a victory. And how did that happen? Well, a lot of hard work. It’s been an honor and a privilege to lead this year’s campaign and beyond that I would actually call it a gift.”
Many groups, businesses, volunteers, and individuals were mentioned. One individual, the late Phyllis Waters, was recognized for her service to the community. Her son Doug came forward and spoke to the crowd about her kindness and accomplishments. A number of awards were presented including the John Garrettson Award, the Burton B. Ruby Award, the Chairman’s Award and a Media Award. The winners were:
John A. Garrettson Award - Joe Coar, Tonn & Blank Construction
Chairman’s Award - Dan Dobbins, Fiberbond
Burton B. Ruby Award - Jack Elia, Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa
Media Award - Bill Hackney, New Dispatch and La Porte Herald Argus
“This is a really special day for me. It was just about a year ago that I came here. And if you were here last year you might remember me saying, ‘There is sunshine in my soul today!’ Well, that sunshine is still there. I’m still very thankful to be here. It’s such a blessing in my life to be part of a community that stands together. This is where I was born and raised. My heart is here. I love working around here. And I never cease to be pleasantly surprised at the heart and the caring and the willingness to serve one another,” Kris Pate, Executive Director of the La Porte County United Way said warmly during her speech.
Dave Sisk, the Manager of Community Engagement for the United Way of La Porte County spoke during the event and announced exciting news involving the United Way including the campaign video that Wade Breitzke, owner of 27 Entertainment, created winning Best Campaign Video in the state in the Indiana Association of United Ways video contest; Sullair won Company of the Year; and the amount of money raised during the campaign was revealed - $1,012,000.00. The goal was $1,002,012.00, so the United Way of La Porte County surpassed their goal for this year!
Finally, the 2013 Campaign co-chairs were announced. Dr. Montgomery will continue as a co-chair, and Charlie Roberts, Vice President of Horizon Bank will be the other co-chair serving with him. It’s going to be a great upcoming year!
See? It’s no wonder that this event is called a Victory Celebration. It’s the people who make these victories happen, and it’s the victories that make us celebrate. The La Porte County United way has a LOT of celebrating to do.
Click here to see more photos from the event!
To find out how you can get involved with the La Porte County United way, click here!