United Way Announces 95th Anniversary Kick-Off at Annual Meeting

 
March 22, 2017 — It was a big, bold number and it was intended to make a point: $181,415,816.
 
“Let that number sink in. That’s how much this community has raised collectively over 95 years,” President Rodney Prunty told the audience gathered Wednesday for United Way of Racine County’s annual membership meeting.
 
In addition to sharing details from United Way’s most recent Annual Report, Wednesday’s meeting served as an unofficial kick-off to the organization’s 95th anniversary.
 
“Thanks to the tireless efforts of thousands of volunteers, incredible corporate partners, and the many dedicated partner agencies, United Way of Racine County has touched hundreds of thousands of lives in the community,” Prunty said. “We’re excited to kick off our 95th year and the prospect of the community coming together around our shared goal of building an educated workforce.”
 
The annual meeting is a chance to report on the previous year’s business and United Way’s continuing efforts throughout the county, which Prunty and Board Chairman Art Howell, Chief of the Racine Police Department, highlighted during the meeting.
 
To date:
  • United Way of Racine County has provided more than 60,000 books to Racine County children (under the age of 5) through the Imagination Library program.
  • Since reintroducing the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program in 2017 United Way of Racine County has helped return more than $500,000 to the local economy through the Earned Income Tax Credit.
  • By distributing the FamilyWize prescription discount card, United Way of Racine County has helped individuals save $1.5 million on prescription drugs since 2009.
“As with other nonprofits across the country, United Way of Racine County continues to negotiate the changing landscape that is philanthropic giving,” Howell said. “That said, we continue to be amazed, but not surprised by the generosity of the Racine community.”
 
In 2016, 950 United Way volunteers contributed 6,120 volunteer hours at a value of more than $140,000 in volunteer time. The organization also raised $4,975,000 during its 2016 fundraising campaign, which it announced earlier this year at its Victory Celebration.
 
The board recognized Racine Unified Superintendent Lolli Haws, Ph.D. with its annual Chairman’s Award for her leadership in many of the collaborative efforts between the district and United Way.
 
“During her tenure on the board, Lolli has been a strong supporter of United Way and our work,” Board Chairman Art Howell said. “She’s been a tireless advocate for improving educational outcomes in the community and a key driver in the partnership, between RUSD and United Way, creating Racine’s first-ever community school.”
 
Awards were also presented to both Dave Durment and Mary Wyant for their volunteer work. The board also recognized several outgoing members: Pat Bohon, Ann Daane, Lolli Haws, Ph.D., Pat Hoffman, Richard Ruffo, and Kelli Stein.