Peru Tribune Staff Report

The 2011 United Way campaign is about to get underway, with a goal of raising $280,000 for local agencies.

Mike Kuepper, the campaign chair, said he knows he has his work cut out for him.

“The United way epitomizes the very best of our community, neighbors helping neighbors. This year, as in years past, the campaign is faced with new needs and challenges. Our entire cabinet is excited to meet the new challenges head-on. I am proud to be part of this community, and know we will be able to serve Miami County well,” Kuepper said.

This year the United Way of Miami County has 11 agencies that will be receiving funding from the 2011 fall campaign, payable in 2012. American Red Cross, Boy Scouts Sagamore Council, Dental Clinic Beta Sigma Phi, Family Service Association Domestic Violence Shelter, Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michiana, Miami County Child Abuse Prevention, Partners 4Community Growth Project SOAR, The Salvation Army, Wabash-Miami Home Health Care and Hospice, YMCA and YMCA Transportation.

“Coming off a 1-to-1 matching grant campaign year will prove to be a challenge for the campaign cabinet to come up with new and innovative ways to raise money without those matching dollars,” said United Way Executive Director Debi Wallick. “But with Mike’s leadership and his campaign cabinet, I’m encouraged that we can reach goal.”

This year’s theme is based around Miami County athletes helping to support the United Way “by giving back one play at a time on and off the field.” All three Miami County schools are participating in a Live United Game Day.

“This generation of athletes is stepping up to the challenge to show this community that students do care. Whether it’s by showing sportsmen on and off the field or helping to raise awareness, these students are going to set the bar for the rest of us,” Wallick said.

This year’s campaign cabinet consists of several business leaders and volunteers from the community. Unit chairs for this year’s campaign will include: Jim Tidd, industrial; Kathy Brehmer, commercial; Mark Demchak, professional, and Don Cates, leadership. This year’s division chairs for the campaign will include Drew Butler, Jill Kuhfus, Anna Ebert and Marianne Hahn, industrial; Becky Wright, finance; Mark Hall, automotive; Becky Ousley, general business and professional non-medical; Dr. Tom Guthrie, medical; Melody Edwards, medical institutions; Bruce Embrey, attorney’s; Rod Correll, professional ministries; professional education: Danni McQuiade, Ivy Tech, MaryAnn Irwin, North Miami, Doug Arnold, Maconaquah, Chuck Brimbury, Peru Community Schools; Jane Lilley, county government; and Brenda Douglas, city government.

There are still, two division chairs and one unit chair that needs to be filled. Positions open are unit chair for government and division chair for large business and local restaurants. Wallick said the campaign cabinet is always looking for volunteers to help solicit campaign pledge. For more information or to volunteer contact Kuepper or Wallick at 765-473-4240.

“All of the agencies provide quality programs that serve Miami County citizens and make lives better here. Miami County is truly blessed with agencies that run or support many worthy programs,” Wallick said.