United Way Campaign Cabinet Making a Big Splash for the 2010 Campaign

52 Volunteers from 30 Businesses Drive United Way Campaign.

2010 United Way Campaign Leadership and Cabinet Announced.

The 2010 United Way of Decatur & Mid-Illinois campaign will be about 90% volunteer driven, led by Chairwoman Melissa Watson of Benjamin F. Edwards with the support of volunteer representatives from local United Way business partners.  The new format is expected to breathe fresh air and extended outreach to the annual community fundraising campaign that supports Education, Income/Basics and Health for our community’s most at-risk populations.

Watson says, "The United Way provides a way for everyone in the community to give back in a way that immediately benefits people in need and ultimately creates lasting change in the community. I have been personally associated with the United Way for years in a variety of roles, and I am a believer! I have personally seen it make a difference in people's lives."

Chris Harrison of Town and Country Bank will serve as incoming chair, assisting Watson in her campaign leadership position and setting him up for the Chairman’s position for the 2011 campaign.

According to Harrison , "I want to make sure that people in need are given the opportunity to succeed. I see that as part of the mission of United Way.  I hope in my own little way that I can help United Way succeed as they seek to provide others with opportunities for self sufficiency."

Scott Bushey, United Way of Decatur & Mid-Illinois Board Chair said of the partnership, “The co-chairs are long-time community advocates and recognize that our communities are in the midst of increased needs and decreased funding. We appreciate their volunteer efforts on our behalf, and look forward to their ability to increase our fundraising capacities.”

Watson, alongside United Way of Decatur & Mid-Illinois Executive Director Denise Smith , introduced the Campaign Cabinet to the new format with an exciting campaign draft at Paco’s Sol Bistro on Friday, July 24, 2010.  Each Cabinet team had the opportunity to choose the campaigns they will work with NFL Draft Style.

The 2010 Campaign Chairs are pleased to introduce the rest of the 9 campaign cabinet teams, each comprised of 1 team leader and 4-6 team members.  Many campaign team leaders also serve volunteer roles within the United Way of Decatur & Mid-Illinois Board of Directors.

The first team is lead by United Way of Decatur & Mid-Illinois Board Member Linda Fahey, Decatur Memorial Hospital .  Fahey’s team includes: David Oppenlander, Decatur Memorial Hospital; Terry Lovecamp, Consociate Dansig; Tanya Andricks, Decatur Memorial Hospital; Amber VanMeter, Neuhoff Media; Dr. David Baumberger, Decatur Memorial Hospital; and Kathleen Fahey, VonMaur.

Team 2 is lead by United Way of Decatur & Mid-Illinois Community Impact Chair Rich Dunsworth, Millikin University .  Dunsworth’s Team is to include: Caleb Jump, Soy Capital Bank; Jody Cox, Red Carpet Promotions; Beth Evans, Millikin University ; Jamie Whitlatch, Millikin University ; and Andrew Weatherford, J.D., Johnson & Chiligiris.

United Way of Decatur & Mid-Illinois Board Chair Scott Bushey, Archer Daniels Midland Co. will lead Team 3.  Bushey’s team includes Beth Nolan, Brechnitz Group of Raymond James; Kara Demirjian-Huss, Demirco Properties/DCC; Jamie Duies, Archer Daniels Midland Co.; Mary Collins, Archer Daniels Midland Co.; and Bruce Huber, Hickory Point Bank & Trust.

Team 4 is lead by United Way of Decatur & Mid-Illinois Board Member, Brett Swallow of Hickory Point Bank & Trust.  Swallow’s team includes Kraig Ritter, BKD; Jeff Ingle, Decatur Club; Gary Bennett, Hickory Point Bank & Trust; and Brad Doran, Hickory Point Bank & Trust.

Team 5 is lead by United Way of Decatur & Mid-Illinois Community Impact Chair Gary Sawyer, Herald & Review.  His team includes Joel Fletcher, Herald & Review; Scott Busboom, Cromwell Radio Group; Lori Donley, Tate & Lyle and two members TBD.

Team 6 is lead by United Way of Decatur & Mid-Illinois Board Member, Kathy Mock, Caterpillar Inc.  Kathy’s team includes Colleen Klaiber, Caterpillar Inc.; Lavern Ruffin, Caterpillar Inc.; Terry Robinson, Richland Community College ; Debbie Acciavatti, Decatur Memorial Hospital ; and Robyn McCoy, Macon-DeWitt Workforce Investment Solutions.

United Way of Decatur & Mid-Illinois Board Member Iris Lewis-Beasley, Regions Bank will lead Team 7.  Her team includes Charla Bond, Graduate; Derrick Clark, Regions Bank; Cindy Lockmiller, Soy Capital Bank & Trust; Brooke Foster, Regions Bank; and Michelle O’Bryan, Sikich LLP.

Team 8 will be lead by Chris Phillips of Land of Lincoln Credit Union .  His team will include Becky Stubblefield, Land of Lincoln Credit Union; Joe Havis, Millikin University; Nick Jones, JT Net; Nicole Bateman, Land of Lincoln Credit Union; and Mike Horcharik, Fox CW.

The final team is lead by IBEW Local 146’s Shad Etchason, who also serves on the United Way of Decatur & Mid-Illinois Board.  His team will include Mary Sapp, IBEW Local 146; Curt Young, IBEW Local 146; Julian Marsh, Decatur Housing Authority; and Robert Beery, Bodine Electric.

According to United Way Executive Denise Smith , “We have outstanding representation of community leaders serving on the cabinet this year.  Mrs. Watson’s leadership and determination to grow our campaign has been the driving force behind getting so many volunteers actively engaged and involved in the fundraising process.”

Smith added, “We are striving for long-term impact on the wellbeing of our communities, and as always, we support programs that help those in need achieve or maintain self sufficiency.  We are determined to grow our campaign to meet the increasing needs of the community.  As we all work with smaller budgets, it is absolutely necessary to rely on our community leaders to support these efforts.  It is so wonderful to see some of our community’s finest step up to the plate to carry the big responsibility of achieving our goals.”

United Way of Decatur & Mid-Illinois brings the community together to strengthen Education, Income and Health for our at-risk populations.  Addressing these needs locally moves people from crisis to stability today, creating lasting change tomorrow.  United Way works together with human service agencies, corporate partners and community leaders to identify root problems in our community, builds a strategy to efficiently resolve those problems, and helps gather the resources necessary to achieve the community’s goals.  For more information on United Way’s work or the programs supported by the Community Impact Fund, please visit www.uwdecatur.org or call (217) 422-8537.