Clinton News Record, 2016-04-06, Page 3United Way Spirit of
Community Celebration
Celebrating You Make Change Possible
Special to the
Clinton News Record
Among red and silver bal-
loons, almost 250 commu-
nity members came together
on the evening of Thursday,
March 31 to celebrate the
spirit of community with
United Way Perth -Huron.
With dinner generously pro-
vided by the Hayter family;
donors, supported partners,
volunteers and community
members enjoyed a deli-
cious buffet, awards and sto-
ries at the Best Western
Arden Park Hotel.
Moving stories from sup-
ported partners were well
received by the guests, who
welcomed a big and a little,
from the Big Brothers, Big
Sisters of Listowel, their
respective experiences dem-
onstrating to the audience
the benefits of volunteering
and giving. Brigitte Nobel -
Waters went on to share the
importance of the Huron
Women's Shelter, striking a
deep cord with the audience.
Alexis Gordon, from the
Stratford Festival Theatre
increased the emotion with a
memorable rendition of
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
from the musical "Carousal':
Volunteer Spirit awards
were given to Carol Purkis,
Christine Bland -Kapp, Anne
Martin, Shelly Groenestege
and Cheryl Mann. Emmer-
son Kuepfer was celebrated
by United Way for his five
year employee recognition.
Organization Spirit awards
went to One Care for Top
Workplace Participation; The
Hayter Family for Top Spon-
sor; Scotiabank for Top
Workplace Campaign and
Accumetal for Corporate
Spirit.
The first year result of the
three year goal was revealed,
with the audience enthusias-
tically cheering the reveal of
$1,222,667.56 - the largest
amount raised to date.
Andrew Williams, Campaign
Chair shared, "The commu-
nity responded incredibly.
Employees, individuals and
corporate donors have once
again exhibited their tre-
mendous support." Williams
continued, "They know that
by supporting United Way,
people in our community
are able to get the help they
need when they need it."
Revealing his commitment
to the three year goal Wil-
liams shared that he would
continue on as chair for the
next two years, "The oppor-
tunity to continue is an
honor."
Ryan Erb, Executive
Director referenced the Living
Wage report, published by the
Social Research and Planning
Council of United Way during
his speech. Erb stated,
"United Way Perth -Huron
provides support to programs
providing much needed ser-
vices to our community now,
but it's their role as convener,
advocate and researcher that
helps ensure that long term
change happens." Erb con-
cluded, "With more concrete
local evidence in hand about
people in our community
struggling to make ends meet,
we are thrilled to see so many
take action including local
companies who have adjusted
their entry level wages."
Matthew Orchard, Board
President spoke warmly of the
hundreds of volunteers that
work tirelessly for the organi-
zation raising funds and
ensuring change is made in
both Perth and Huron Coun-
ties, "It takes huge hearts and
lots of energy to make all of
this possible:'
United Way Perth -Huron,
Spirit of Community Cele-
bration was generously
sponsored by Best Western
Arden Park, Mitchell and
Pearce, Famme and Com-
pany, Roth Professional Cor-
poration, Stratford family
Eye Care and Pink Dande-
lion Images.
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