Community pillar hits $1.3 million fundraising goal

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The strength of a community can be measured by its generosity, and Kokomo has demonstrated the might of a powerlifter for decades. Time and again, the local community steps up and aids those in need locally, nationally, and globally.

It was with this spirit of giving that United Way Serving Howard and Tipton Counties held a wrap-up celebration for its 2024 fundraising campaign. Gathered at The Hobson in downtown Kokomo on Feb. 11, a crowd of nonprofit leaders, United Way board members and staff, and several community-minded citizens listened as CEO Dana Neer welcomed everyone to the event.

“We have a mission,” said Neer. “We are focused on that mission. Even though we may not have all smooth paths, we have a direction and godliness. Our guide today and our direction today is going to be celebration; all of us coming together for our community’s success.”

United Way executive board president Jessica Ausbrook emceed much of the lunchtime event, which was catered by The Love Bug Café. She explained how the funds raised through the campaign are used for several internal programs, such as Buddy Bags, free tax preparation, Imagination Library, and information and referral services.

The funds also are devoted to grants for local nonprofits that meet United Way’s mission of providing advocacy, service, and giving opportunities that empower all people with health, education, and financial security.

To that end, Ausbrook welcomed Travis Taflinger, executive director of Bridges Outreach, to talk about how United Way funding helps his organization. Taflinger cited a passage from II Timothy in which the apostle Paul encouraged Timothy to fan the flames and rekindle his passion for his spiritual gifts.

"And that is exactly what United Way has done for Bridges,” said Taflinger. “We have a lot of dreams and a lot of passions, and they have come beside us to define and give oxygen to our fire so that we can fulfill the things that God has called us to.”

Taflinger explained that Bridges recently launched a K-5 afterschool program to complement its existing middle school and high school programs. It is taking place in partnership with the Carver Community Center.

He also announced that Bridges recently completed construction of its first house as part of its home ownership program for young adults. It has rehabilitated 12 homes to go along with its first build, which were then sold to young adults who participated in the program.

Bridges also is the organization that operates the Frozen Sandlot each year at Kokomo Municipal Stadium and will be the operator of the miniature golf course which will be constructed in Highland Park this year.

"That's the some of the things that United Way has helped us do in 20 years," said Taflinger. "Bridges just wants to say thanks to United Way for being part of our team."

Ausbrook next invited Amanda Mendenhall, executive director of the Boy and Girls Club of Tipton, to speak about its activities and the role United Way has played in its success.

“I want to publicly thank the United Way for believing in us and believing that we will accomplish great things for the youth of Tipton and now Howard County as well,” said Mendenhall. “The mission of our organization is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.

“Our mission impacts our youth and communities both now and in the future. We're working to raise up the next generation of leaders, and we want to be assured that tomorrow's leaders are well prepared and equipped to take the reins for many of the strong leaders sitting in this room today, whenever that time may come.”

The Boys and Girls Club recently purchased a preschool in Tipton and began providing services. Through a grant from United Way, it was able to double the number of children it serves in a day-long childcare program. It also used United Way funding to provide scholarships to low-income families in need of services.

The club also is expanding to provide services to Taylor Schools, again, because of United Way grant funding.

Having heard how United Way has helped, it was time to hear how others have helped United Way. Josh Walden from the Kokomo Rotary Club spoke to the crowd in support of United Way's Buddy Bags program. The service group regularly assists Buddy Bags by sorting, packing, and delivering food for the recipients. But the club wanted to do more.

“We realized that United Way needed their own trailer,” said Walden. “They needed something that they could have on hand. So, the Rotary Club raised some money. We got a grant from our district, a matching grant, and we bought a brand-new trailer.”

Walden said that the trailer currently is being "wrapped" with logos and designs and will be delivered soon. With it, the Buddy Bags program will be able to continue its mission of feeding dozens of local families that face severe food insecurity.

As the event neared its close, United Way Campaign Director Allie Tomlinson thanked everyone for their efforts in making the campaign a success, from volunteers to donors to staff. And she presented an award to Jeff Young, who served as the 2024 campaign chairman.

Young, who led his second campaign to success, explained the benefits he received by serving United Way.

“Being the campaign chair gives you an opportunity to really just share,” said Young. “It's not about going out knocking on doors and raising money. It's about going out and explaining what the United Way does, what it has done, what it's going to do, and who it can impact.

“We listen to the donors to find out what else do we need to do. What happens then is the money rolls in. Once you can give people a reason to give and show them that you have an effective use for their gift, they give. It's simple.”

It was then time to announce the total raised in the 2024 campaign. Together, Neer, Young, and Tomlinson revealed the total -- $1,302,902. The goal was reached.

“We're building momentum, and this story helps us continue to build momentum,” said Young. “We'll see what the goal will be for next year, but we will just keep shouting about the United Way and keep helping people.”