NEW: United Way names loaned associates, sets goal

Posted: Wednesday, August 26, 2009 12:00 am

Peter Adelsen Staff Writer padelsen@kokomoperspective.com | 0 comments

In preparation to reach its 2009 goal, the United Way of Howard County named its new group of loaned associates on Tuesday.

The group of 11 came together from area employers to help the United Way reach its goal of $1.5 million, said Lori Tate, president of the United Way of Howard County. Last year's goal was $1.7 million, she said. The United Way helps 15 local agencies.

"We lowered it due to the economy, $1.5 million is still a stretch," she said. "We're collecting at a pace of $1.4 million so far, but we still have the rest of the year to go."

The group will be working with Ivy Tech Community College for eight days in public speaking in preparation for when they begin to go out into the community the second week of September.

"They are really the front line foot soldiers for us during our campaign," she said. "They set up presentations, they'll call businesses and say 'we'd like to do a United Way campaign at your business-can we show the DVD? Can I bring an agency person in, can I talk to your employees and will you allow a payroll deduction?'"

Tate says it is a huge commitment from the loaned associates employers to give them to the United Way for the minimum of eight weeks. Three of the loaned associates worked acted as loaned associates in the past with the United Way, she said.

Jeff Haworth, an employee with the City of Kokomo, worked with the United Way six years ago when he was president of AFSCME 2185.

"I was asked by the administration to do it and it was the greatest reward that I've been involved with through my job in the union," Haworth said. "This year, I jumped at the opportunity to do it again. This is something I believe in, helping the community."

The other two loaned associates who have worked with the United Way in the past are Tisha Pyle of Delphi/UAW 292 and Richard Hahn of Chrysler/UAW 1166. They helped out with last year's campaign.

Another one of this year's loaned associates is Tony Nelson of Chrysler/ UAW 685, who has been active within the union hall. He also serves as the Greentown Fire chief.

"I am community minded and I volunteer at the hall for all sorts of things," Nelson said. "What I hope to get of it is to be able to convince the community that there is a greater need now with the economy turned down and that we can do a little bit more to help those in need."

On Dec. 9, the United Way will announce what they had raised for this year's campaign, Tate said.

The complete list of this year's loaned associates are: Cory Beals of Ivy Tech Community College, Cheryl Currens of Indiana University Kokomo, Mary Gordon of Ivy Tech Community College, Peggy Martelli of St. Joseph Hospital, Jennifer Stewart of St. Joseph Hospital, Joe Lawhead of Chrysler/UAW 685, Tony Nelson of Chrysler/UAW 685, Zack Cummings of Chrysler/UAW 685, Tisha Pyle of Delphi/ UAW 292, Richard Hahn of Chrysler/ UAW 1166 and Jeff Haworth of City of Kokomo/AFSCME 2185.

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