Lake Area United Way Tops $5,200,000 Campaign Goal Amid National Economic Recession

Giving to local community planning & fundraising organization bucks national trend

Merrillville – Lake Area United Way’s Community Campaign Chair Richard Komyatte announced Tuesday that the local community planning and fundraising organization’s 2008-09 annual fund drive raised $5,229,000 in the midst of one of the largest national economic recessions in decades.

That amount topped LAUW’s campaign goal of $5.2 million set last summer before the campaign kicked off in September and in advance of the current U.S. economic upheaval affecting many local companies and employees who give primarily through employer payroll deduction programs.

“Our campaign coincided with the national recession, and many people in our community were affected by closings, layoffs, diminished home values and retirement funds, and rising gas prices,” Komyatte said. “Yet everyone who could dug down deep to help their neighbors.”

“We’re grateful for every dollar contributed,” added Komyatte. “We know giving was difficult for some companies and individuals who are under financial stress, which makes their donations even more meaningful for those people in our community who are struggling and truly in need of United Way funded programs and agencies.”

“Even in the face of an historic recession, those who live in Lake County maintain a deep sense of community. This year’s campaign comes on the heels of a very successful drive in 2007-08 and is an outstanding accomplishment and display of this community’s support and generosity,” he said.

“People in our community have proven that they won’t turn their backs on their co-workers, friends and neighbors when times are tough,” explained the senior partner at Komyatte & Casbon, P.C. in Highland. “By banding together, we can help each other weather the storm.”

The exciting announcement came at the climax of LAUW’s Victory Celebration held April 14th at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville. Over 350 business, industry, government, labor leaders and volunteers paid $35 each to attend the special community event.

“The generosity of this community inspires me,” exclaimed Komyatte. “That’s what makes this such a special place and why I’m proud to call Lake County my home.”

“I was so honored to chair this marvelous fundraising campaign this year and last. To lead a wonderful campaign cabinet together with thousands of people all joining together to advance the common good in this community has been a rewarding experience,” he said.

The annual Lake Area United Way campaign is the largest undertaking of its kind in Northwest Indiana, according to Komyatte. “No other non-profit organization raises over five and a quarter million dollars in donations and reinvests those dollars back into the community.”

Many nonprofits nationwide and around the state are struggling to raise contributions in this hard economy, Komyatte noted. “We recognize the tremendous sacrifice many made by stepping up and giving generously at a time when United Way services are needed more than ever.”

“To our many donors and volunteers who help strengthen our community through their generous support, we express heartfelt appreciation,” he concluded. “Thanks for investing your hard-earned dollars into LAUW’s mission of improving lives and building a stronger community.”

Highlights of the campaign include:
•   17 new corporate and employee workplace campaigns were launched
•   50 new individual leadership givers donating $1,000 or more
•   3 new individual Tocqueville Society members each contributing $10,000 or more

Brad Vosberg, Regional Retail Sales Manager for First Midwest Bank and Chair of LAUW’s Board of Trustees said, “United Way will invest these gifts in top-performing programs and initiatives that prepare kids to succeed in school and life; nurture strong, healthy and self-reliant individuals and families; provide a safety net for times of crisis and tragedy; and build safe, vibrant communities.”

Top Giving Organizations
1.   ArcelorMittal - Indiana Harbor          $1,063,988
2.   U.S. Steel - Gary Works                       $   667,350
3.   BP – Whiting Refinery                     $   552,860
4.   NIPSCO                                                            $   135,742
5.   UPS                                   $   111,559
6.   Horseshoe Casino Hammond                      $   108,586
7.   Cargill Hammond                                             $     90,009
8.   Building & Construction Resource Center    $     75,000
9.   Dominion State Line Energy            $     60,603
10.   Community Foundation of NWI          $     48,938
11.   First Midwest Bank                   $     48,843