In This Edition
Annual Meeting Highlights
Elder Abuse in Lake County
Opportunities to Get Involved:
Back to School Bash Clothing & Book Drive - Volunteers Also Needed
Emerging Leaders' 11th Annual Golf Outing
Youth United Way Fall Program - Applications Being Accepted
Raffle! Win a Lifetime of Free Monthly Services from Ladies & Gentlemen
Small Business United
GET CONNECTED! Volunteer Opportunities
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May 23rd Annual Meeting Highlights
$1,960,000 Raised for Community
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United Way of Lake County’s (UWLC) 2023 Campaign Chair, Ric Selby of Dworken & Bernstein, announced that $1,960,000 was raised during the organization’s 2023 campaign during their annual meeting breakfast held May 23, 2024, at LaMalfa.
UWLC President & CEO Dione DeMitro further announced that 66,360 services were provided to residents in need last year through their support of nonprofit agency programs.
| “The funds raised, and the services provided are such a win for our community,” said DeMitro. | |
“We can only invest in our community thanks to the unwavering support of those who believe in our mission. I am deeply grateful to our 2023 Campaign Chair, Ric Selby; our affinity groups, Women United and the Emerging Leaders; our board of directors; volunteers; local businesses; and countless donors for their extraordinary generosity."
A total of two-hundred and forty people turned out for the breakfast where it was announced that Brandi Haught of KeyBank would succeed Patricia Conrad of VISA/Cardinal Commerce, a Visa Solution as the new Chairman of the Board.
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2023 Chairman of the Board Patricia Conrad of VISA/Cardinal Commerce was recognized and thanked for her extraordinary service.
Special recognition was given to those UWLC refers to as “Forces for Good,” acknowledging the companies and organizations whose support is exceptionally strong. Among these distinguished supporters are The Lubrizol Corporation, Avery Dennison Corporation, the Jerome T. Osborne and Georgeanne S. Osborne Charitable Trust, and Component Repair Technologies.
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Andrea Vullo, Community Investment Manager of The Lubrizol Corporation Shares a Few Words about their Support of UWLC.
During the meeting, sponsored by The Lubrizol Corporation, DeMitro took a moment to thank all in the room who have made a personal contribution, given through a workplace campaign, donated food and other items, volunteered for Day of Caring and other UWLC events and initiatives, bought raffle tickets and event tickets, ran workplace campaigns, and became members of Small Business United.
In a heartfelt moment, DeMitro shared that because of the generosity of their supporters and the tireless work of
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their funded partners, many vital services are available to those in need. Those with no place to rest their heads at night can call Lifeline’s 2-1-1 help referral service to access Project Hope for the Homeless. Victims of domestic violence will receive shelter and care, individuals and children will receive much-needed medical care.
Ray Sminchak, General Manager and Managing Partner of Mentor Nissan, was recognized for his exceptional contributions to UWLC. Sminchak received UWLC’s Power of One Award, which honors the profound impact that a single individual can have in driving positive change.
Thanks to Sminchak, Mentor Nissan donated two new Nissan Sentra SVs - that each came with a $15,000 cash option - to UWLC for their fundraising efforts during the 2023 campaign. The first, a 2023 model, was provided early in the year as a raffle prize. The second, a 2024 model, was used for a Donor Appreciation Contest. Both served as significant incentives for donors, resulting in a surge of contributions.
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Winner of the 2024 Nissan Sentra SV Donated by Mentor Nissan: Andie Musial of Lakeland Community College (Flanked by Representatives from Mentor Nissan).
The first car was awarded at the organization’s campaign kickoff in August, and the second was awarded after UWLC’s annual meeting. Ten finalists selected the previous month, each chose a key fob for a chance to win. One by one, they attempted to start the car until the engine roared to life, and Andie Musial of Lakeland Community College emerged as the winner.
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Outgoing board members Morris Beverage III of Lighthouse Advisers, Karen Burton of STERIS, and Ellen Foley Kessler of WINT Radio were also thanked and honored for their many years of service and support.
UWLC's 2023 Campaign Chair was also recognized for his unwavering support in the organization's highly successful campaign.
| UWLC's 2023 Campaign Chair Ric Selby of Dworken & Bernstein accepts recognition plaque for his service. | |
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Gus Gehring Award Winner
The Late Dennis Morley, City of Eastlake Mayor
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Matt Logies Ambassador Award Winner
Doris Behnke, Retired, The Lubrizol Corporation
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Power of One Award Winner
Ray Sminchak, General Manager and Managing Partner of Mentor Nissan
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Woman Leader of the Year Winner Kerry Bliss of Alluvial Private Wealth | |
Emerging Leader of the Year Winner Lindsey Defeo of Leolo Hospitality | |
Annual Meeting Generously Sponsored by | |
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Spotlight: World Elder Abuse Awareness
Elder Abuse in Lake County
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Did you know that 10% of seniors nationwide are victims of elder abuse? In Lake County alone, this translates to 7,000 seniors suffering from neglect, physical and verbal abuse, and exploitation.
Last year, Lake County's Department of Adult Protection Services investigated 500 cases. This makes the number of elders suffering due to undetected cases extensive. By 2030, thirty percent of Lake County residents will be over 65, increasing the urgency to address this issue. At the June 13, 2024 kickoff to the walk for Elder Abuse Awareness hosted by the Department of Lake County Jobs and Family Services Adult Protection Services department, Probate Court Judge Mark J. Bartolotta and Signature Health's Director of Geriatric Services Adrienne Green shared these alarming statistics.
This past Saturday, June 15th, was World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, making now an important time to help raise awareness and take action to protect our seniors.
If you or someone you know suspects a case of elder abuse or maltreatment, call Lake County's 24-Hour Elder Abuse Hotline at 440.350.4000 or 440.918.4000 and press #1. Click here for information from the Lake County Sheriff's Department on scams and elder fraud.
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Get Involved!
Upcoming Events, Volunteer Opportunities, and More!
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Back-to-School Bash Clothing & Book Drive
Donations & Volunteers Needed
At United Way of Lake County, we were happy to agree to serve as the collection point and sorting house to donate clothes and books for this year's Back to School Bash (B2SB), a community-wide initiative carried out by many nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies. As our first year serving in this capacity, we hope you will help by donating new socks, underwear, and new and gently used clothing and books for infants, toddlers, school-aged children, and young adults. To further help, please consider pre-sorting any donated clothing by gender and size and providing these in labeled boxes or bags (e.g. adult, youth, small, medium, etc.).
The B2SB is open to ALL Lake County children in need and serves up to 2,000 children annually. It will be held this year on Saturday, August 3, 2024 from 9 am - 2 pm at Harvey High School. The B2SB offers all of the following FREE services/items: school supplies, clothing, books, haircuts, dental services, vision screenings, sports screenings, and family photos. Free immunizations are also available to children ages 4 -18 years with advance registration. The B2SB also offers free breakfast and lunch on the event day.
Drop-Off Times & Location
United Way of Lake County, 9285 Progress Pkwy, Mentor
Drop-Off Times: Mon-Thu 9 am - 4:30 pm & Fri 9 am - 11:30 am
Volunteers Also Needed
Volunteers are also needed to help sort and prepare donated clothing and books for the Back-to-School Bash. Volunteer opportunities for this and other UWLC initiatives can be found here.
Questions? Contact ejohnston@uwlc.org or call 440.639.1107.
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Emerging Leaders' 11th Annual Golf Outing
August 30th at Black Brook - Spots Selling Fast! Register Now.
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United Way of Lake County's Emerging Leaders annual golf outing at Black Brook in Mentor draws golf enthusiasts from all over Northeast Ohio and quickly sells out each year! So grab your friends and colleagues for a day of fun and team building! Good time. Great cause. Spots are selling fast so hurry and register now for a fabulous day on the green while openings last.
Sponsorships and registration information along with complete details can be found here!
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Now Accepting Youth United Way Program Applications
Fall 2024 Class!
United Way of Lake County's Youth United Way program engages and empowers our community’s youth to become active agents of positive change through volunteering, advocacy, and philanthropy.
The program is designed to teach students how to mobilize community resources to make a positive impact through the spirit of service. Students even have the opportunity to work together to allocate $5,000 in grant funds to Lake County nonprofit programs that benefit our community's youth.
High school students, grades 9 - 12, are eligible to apply. All that’s needed is a Letter of Recommendation from a teacher or staff member at their school. Complete details, fall program dates, and registration can be found here.
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WIN a Lifetime of FREE Monthly Services from Ladies & Gentlemen Salon and Spa (Mentor & Lyndhurst)!
Get Your Raffle Tickets Now!
We are very grateful to Ladies & Gentlemen Salon and Spa for generously donating this fabulous prize! One very lucky winner will receive one FREE service per month for life at either of their two locations in Mentor and Lyndhurst! Services include hair cuts & styling, formal styling, manicures, pedicures, facials, relaxation massages, and men's cuts! Raffle ticket entries start at just $10 each. Additional discounted quantity options are also available. Plus, for every $100 in entries purchased during one single transaction, you will be entered into a second raffle for a chance to win $1,000!
Please note that this prize is non-transferable and can be used only by the winner. Must be 18 years or older to purchase entries. Complete contest rules are available at uwlc.org/salon.
Get your raffle entry tickets here now!
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Small Business United (SBU)
Join the Movement
Small business owners know a strong, healthy community is good for business. These same owners also understand the importance of giving back and keeping local dollars local, which is where our Small Business United (SBU) membership comes in. All funds raised in Lake County from this membership, stay in Lake County, helping our local friends and neighbors in need. If you are a small business owner interested in a simple, budget-friendly way to give back, then this may be just the program for you!
Learn more about our SBU program now!
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GET CONNECTED!
Volunteer Opportunities at UWLC and Other Lake County Nonprofits
Our new GET CONNECTED! initiative serves to bring together individuals eager to make a positive impact with those looking for volunteers. If you are an organization in need of volunteers, we would love to include your listing in our program. Simply reach out to Emily Johnston at ejohnston@uwlc.org, and we will guide you through the simple steps to get you connected.
If you are an individual looking to make a difference, we urge you to also contact Emily to learn about how you can select from a list of online opportunities that align with your interests and schedule!
Learn more about our GET CONNECTED! program here!
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