United Way sets sail on a Get to Know You Tour

United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties took on a recent tour that took them to various places in the area in which they simply met with the public in hopes of getting to know more about the people and sharing more about the many things they do.

On Tuesday, July 23 United Way team members finished off their tour at Jitters Café in Millersburg, where several key United Way members shared with those who stopped in to visit.

Executive director Katie Koglman, director of finance and operation Lisa Nyhart, manager of public relations Carrolyn Salazar and several board members chatted with people as they came and went throughout the evening, talking about the roles United Way plays in the community as well as simply sharing stories about life.

“We’ve had a wonderful time getting to know people and getting an opportunity to share a little bit about the way United Way is making an impact in our community," Salazar said. “This has been especially good for the people of Holmes County who might not know as much about us because our office is in Wooster and our name recognition isn’t quite the same in Holmes County as it is in Wayne County.”

Salazar said because United Way has an international name, many people tend to think that they deal on a national level, but that is not how United Way works. Salazar said United Way money stays right here in Wayne and Holmes counties, where it is put to use as UW connects people with the proper organizations.

The initial brainstorming session for United Way was to find ways for people to better understand their role in the community.

“We are here to mobilize community resources for those in need in our communities, and it is a mission that we all believe in deeply,” Salazar said. “We aren’t doing the feet-on-the-ground work, but we are doing the work behind the scenes that connects people and allows the organizations to do the work.”

Another reason for United Way’s Get to Know You Tour was to talk to people and businesses about its workplace giving campaign, a crucial element that allows United Way to do what it does best, which is making connections.

The annual fundraiser with area businesses is the bread and butter of its fundraising campaign, and in Wayne County numerous businesses have made a commitment to supporting UW’s efforts. In Holmes County they have not made those inroads, which is why the tour to Holmes County was so critical.

"Everywhere we go in Wayne and Holmes county, we see so much potential in the relationships we can build,” Salazar said. “It is through building these relationships that we are able to reach out and help people. And what could be better than that?”

Salazar went on to note that setting up a philanthropic program connected with UW can be a morale-building process and something that can unite businesses and employees through the pursuit of a common goal. She said when businesses make an effort to give locally, it can inspire people by giving them something to rally around.

“What really makes it wonderful is that in addition to building camaraderie in the workplace, workplace giving remains local. So many of our donors want to know exactly where their giving goes, and to know that it goes locally means a great deal to a lot of people,” Salazar said. “There is so much need right here in our own community that we understand how important it is to find ways to connect people with organizations that are going to help them through times of struggle.”

Having made its fundraising goal of $1.3 million last year, the ante has been upped to $1.43 million this year as the kick-off to the capital fundraising campaign draws nearer.

Koglman said opportunities like this are invaluable when it comes to building relationships that can carry United Way to its intended goal.

“We have cherished these chances to get out into the community to meet the people who are supporting our mission to help others,” Koglman said. “We are all so passionate about what we do, and we want other people to better understand our role in serving others in our community.”