On March 2nd, over two hundred people gathered at Crystal Gardens to celebrate the work of Livingston County United Way and its commitment to making our community a great place for everyone. It was wonderful to have an opportunity to see people in person and connect over breakfast.
Jeff Blagg, Pastor at SonRise Church and current United Way Board President, kicked off the annual meeting by welcoming newly elected board members; Rick Todd, Superintendent of Pinckney Community Schools; Kelli Matthew, Principal of Kelmar Consulting, LLC.; Teresa Falzetti, Team Leader at PCIA; and Luke Nolan, Financial Advisor at Ameriprise Financial Services.
This year’s “”Climbing Mountains Together” skit featured many of United Way’s Board Members, Donors and Volunteers, helping a hiker accomplish his goal, with the support of the community at every step of the climb. Whether he needed support, tools or even money, the community responded by getting the community member what they needed to succeed. The skit had funny moments including a Yeti that tried to challenge the climber and had to be removed!
The 2021 Campaign Co-Chairpersons, Rick Todd of Pinckney Community Schools and Penny Murphy, self-employed bookkeeper and community volunteer, recognized Workplace Campaign Successes:
- 15 Top Partners who are the largest donors for the campaign each year
- 13 Campaign Champions who had 100% participation of their employees
- 77 Campaign Champions who increased their donations this year over last!
They thanked all donors for their commitment and support of the organization’s work.
Anne Rennie, Executive Director of LCUW had the honor to present the 2021 Volunteer of the year awards.
- Noah Shand, Brighton High School student and junior philanthropist– Young Person of Distinction Award
- Brighton High School Leadership Class – Youth Organization of the Year Award
- Brian Jonckhere, Livingston County Drain Commissioner – Charles W. Itsell Volunteer of the Year Award
- Patti Griffith, Howell’s First National Bank/Bank of Ann Arbor – Donald Epley Lifetime Service Award
- First Impression Print & Marketing – Randy Rudisill Business-of-the-Year Award
The program ended with two calls to action. One is to Join United Way with their new Sustainability Efforts and an Earth Day Scavenger Hunt. The other was to invite the participants and all members of the community to be a part of the of the Community Investment process, which determines how donated dollars are invested. The CIC presentations are held at the end of April. To get involved in the CIC process, please contact Liz Welch at lwelch@lcunitedway.org.
To learn more about the different ways to get involved or donate to the Livingston County United Way, visit www.lcunitedway.org. The 2021 Annual Report and list of LCUW Board of Directors can also be found on the website.