All the Latest from United Way of Lake County | January 2024 | |
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Connecting Hearts with Hands: Announcing our New Community Engagement Initiative
Matching Volunteers with Volunteer Opportunities
We are thrilled to introduce a new initiative to bring together individuals eager to make a positive impact with those looking for volunteers. Our new Community Engagement Initiative is designed to match enthusiastic volunteers with a diverse array of volunteer opportunities year-round throughout Lake County.
By connecting those willing to lend a helping hand with organizations in need, we can create a ripple effect of positive change throughout the year, above and beyond the impact we make on our annual Day of Caring.
If you are searching for dedicated volunteers, or if you are an individual looking to contribute your time and skills, our initiative provides the perfect platform for you. By joining forces, we can address the unique needs of our community and work together in fulfilling them.
For organizations seeking volunteers, the process is simple. Just reach out to us at ejohnston@uwlc.org, and we will guide you through the steps to connect you with passionate individuals ready to contribute to your cause. Whether you require assistance with events, programs, or ongoing projects, we are here to facilitate the match-making process and ensure that your organization receives the support it needs.
If you are an individual eager to make a difference, we encourage you to get in touch with us as well by emailing ejohnston@uwlc.org to learn about how you can select from a list of online opportunities that align with your interests and schedule.
At United Way of Lake County, our goal is to make it easier than ever for Lake County residents to get involved and make a positive difference. For more information, email ejohnston@uwlc.org or call 440.639.1107.
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Campaign Update
82% to Goal - Need $327,082!
We have made great strides toward hitting our campaign goal and are very grateful to the many organizations and individuals who made generous gifts over the holidays. Gifts that will change lives.
That said, we are reaching out with excitement and a dash of coffee-inspired motivation as we strive to hit our goal in support of the nearly one-third of Lake County residents struggling to stay afloat. We are currently just $327,082 away from reaching our target, and much like the boost a cup of coffee provides to kickstart your day, each dollar donated makes a significant difference.
If you and another 1,257 people contribute the equivalent of one $5 cup of coffee a week over a year ($260), we can collectively raise the needed funds. So whether you prefer a latte, cappuccino, or a simple black coffee, every "sip" you contribute brings us closer to our goal.
Please consider giving up one cup of coffee a week to make a donation today! Together, we will change lives.
Give now and let the coffee-fueled momentum carry us to victory!
PS - Don't forget! A minimum $52 donation - just $1 a week - is all it takes to put you in the running to win your choice of $15,000 or a 2024 Nissan Sentra SV, both compliments of Mentor Nissan, while helping the most vulnerable among us. For EVERY $52 donation you make, you will be entered for a chance to win! Hurry, this Donor Appreciation Contest Ends March 1, 2024! Click here now for complete details along with the additional cash prizes you may also qualify to win!
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Give Now for a Chance to Win Your Choice of $15,000 Cash or a 2024 Nissan Sentra SV Compliments of
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2023 winners from left: Sarah Bals, Anna Dey, LIndsay Defeo, Andie Musial | |
Celebrating Excellence
Emerging Leaders 4 Under 40 Awards Recognition Ceremony
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During the evening of January 18th, the Emerging Leaders of United Way of Lake County had the honor of recognizing their 2023 "4 Under 40" award winners. The event is dedicated to acknowledging the outstanding contributions and accomplishments of young leaders in our community. It was held at The Everly in Mentor over heavy hors 'doeuvres and drinks and was nothing short of spectacular. The inspiration, admiration, and celebration of remarkable achievements left all in attendance with a profound sense of pride and optimism for the future.
From the moment the event commenced, the air was filled with an undeniable energy as friends, family, colleagues, and community members gathered to witness the recognition of winners: Sarah Bals, Founder and Owner of 440 Marketing and Executive Director of the Lake County Development Council; Lindsay Defeo, Owner of Leolo Hospitality in Mentor; Entrepreneur Anna Dey, Owner of Smoothie King in Mentor and Painesville, Owner of Clean Eatz in Mentor and Westlake, Owner of The Yard on 3rd in Downtown Willoughby, Owner of The Vitamin Shoppe in Huber Heights, Partner of Barrio Tacos + Tequila in Columbus and Pittsburgh, and Founder and Director of the nonprofit, The 24 in 24; and Andie Musial, Professor of Biology at Lakeland Community College where she serves as Co-Advisor of Phi Theta Kappa and Alpha Psi Rho.
The evening was adorned with heartfelt speeches, powerful anecdotes, and moments of genuine appreciation for the 4 Under 40 Award winners.
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During the acceptance of her award by Emerging Leaders’ chair Kerry Jonke, Lindsay Defeo succinctly conveyed the essence of the evening by emphasizing the importance of becoming a person of value rather than one who merely pursues success. | |
"Become a person of value, not of success."
~Lindsay Defeo
4 Under 40 Winner
| The significance of recognizing these young leaders goes beyond individual achievements; it speaks to the importance of fostering a culture that values and uplifts the next generation of change-makers. By acknowledging their efforts, we hope to send a powerful message that dedication, innovation, and service are qualities worthy of celebration and emulation. | |
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Small Business. Big Impact. Join the Movement.
Become a Member Today!
Small business owners know that a strong, healthy community is good for business. These same owners also understand the importance of giving back and keeping local dollars local, which is where our Small Business United (SBU) membership comes in. All funds raised in Lake County from this membership, stay in Lake County, helping our local friends and neighbors in need.
The program is designed to make philanthropy a simple, rewarding, budget-friendly way for small businesses to make a big impact while giving back. When membership donations are pooled together, the impact is much greater than when donations are diversified.
SBU is a group of local business owners committed to investing in ongoing impact work to help ensure Lake County residents in need do not stand alone. If you are a small business owner, please consider joining the movement!
Three annual membership donation levels are available ranging from $365 ($1/Day) to $750. All come with benefits and monthly payment options. All to help our most vulnerable residents.
For complete details and membership information, click here now.
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Volunteers Needed to Serve on our Community Impact Committee
Application Deadline Has Been Extended to January 31st
We are currently looking for volunteers to serve on our Community Impact Committee to help evaluate requests for funding and determine which nonprofit programs will receive grants as part of our 2024 allocation cycle. If you have an interest in the Lake County nonprofit community and a passion for making a difference, we invite you to fill out a volunteer application form here by January 31st.
Communuty Impact Volunteers will meet once a week throughout March and April to evaluate all funding requests and to make impactful funding decisions. Training will be provided!
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Don't Miss this Year's St. Patty's Day Themed Celebrity Server FUNdraiser
-Mark Your Calendar Now -
Thursday, March 14
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
American-Croatian Lodge
Enjoy
More Space for More Fun!
More Raffle Prizes!
A Corned Beef & Cabbage Lunch with All the Fixings, including Penne Pasta Marinara!
Fun & Games!
Amazing Prizes!
Loads of Shenanigans!
Details will be served up soon!
Interested in serving as a Celebrity Server, Donating a Prize, Becoming a Sponsor, or Volunteering? Email ejohnston@uwlc.org now!
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32nd Annual Feed Lake County Food Drive & Fundraiser
-Mark Your Calendar Now-
March 1 - April 30
Our 32nd annual Feed Lake County Food Drive & Fundraiser is right around the corner, and your help is needed to help feed the nearly 26,000 residents and 7,000 children suffering from food insecurity.
Please consider running a food drive or volunteering to help. Complete details on how you and/or your organization, agency, or school can help will be available soon.
In the meantime, please email dwhittaker@uwlc.org with your interest in running a food drive or serving as a volunteer!
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Agency Partner Spotlight
Torchlight Youth Mentoring Alliance
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