Leaders from the United Way of Johnson County faced a twin dilemma in 2020.
The COVID-19 pandemic left the community reeling, as people lost their jobs, struggled to stay in their homes and faced unprecedented food insecurity.
Immediate action was required just to help residents keep their heads above water.
But at the same time, the social service agencies the United Way funded were needed more than ever. The organization’s annual campaign would be vital, even as the pandemic made normal fundraising activities impossible.
“At this time last year, we didn’t know if we were going to survive,” said Nancy Lohr Plake, executive director of the United Way of Johnson County.
Despite the challenges, the community raised up to support the United Way. The 2020-21 campaign brought in $1,440,537, which was an increase from the previous year’s total of $1,399,542.
At a time when the organization’s agencies have experienced an increase in requests for help, the dedication of participating businesses and organizations has been incredible, Plake said.
“It really solidifies the value our community has in the United Way and the agencies that we have. They believe in those organizations; they believe in us. Many of the companies and individuals said, ‘We know it’s been tough this year, here’s extra,’” she said. “Companies were bound and determined to run campaigns, and they did it the best they could in the circumstances.”
The United Way’s annual campaign is necessary for the agencies and organizations that rely on the funds each year. Of every $1 raised by the United Way, 84 cents goes directly to 17 social service agencies, and helps United Way offer eight direct service programs, benefiting more than 28,000 Johnson County residents.
As the United Way relies on the campaign for 94% of its funding, it’s imperative that the community continues to support it each year.
There were concerns if that was even going to be possible last year, Plake said.
But while the United Way didn’t reach its stated goal of $1.5 million for the campaign, what businesses and organizations were able to give in such an unusual year is worth celebrating.
“We came just shy of achieving our goal, but quite honestly, we feel pretty good,” said Steve Powell, chairperson of the fundraising campaign this year. “You always want to meet your goal or exceed it, but we were very pleased that so many individuals, so many companies stepped up, and in some instances, gave not only what they pledged the year before, but more this year.”
In a normal year, supporters and partners would gather for a celebratory party, where top fundraisers would be recognized for their work. That’s still not possible amidst the pandemic, so United Way organizers have come up with some unique ways to give businesses their due.
Large-scale yard signs have been installed around the county to honor those companies. A full-page ad is in today’s Daily Journal, and thank you cards will go to every donor.
The Paramount Award, given to the company that not only excels in its fundraising campaign but also steps out and supports in other ways, goes to Meijer this year. The company was a top fundraiser, while also donating coats for Operation Bundle Up and providing items for Christmas Angels.
“They were one of the first to come through with COVID-19 relief. They were huge for us,” Plake said.
