BEN THERE. DONE THAT. Vollrath to serve as 2024 Campaign Chair

You'd be hard pressed to find a bigger champion for Logan County than Ben Vollrath. The President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce moved to Bellefontaine with his family (pictured above on Eclipse Day) six years ago and instantly fell in love with the small-town atmosphere.

"Logan County has it in a way I've never experienced anywhere else," Vollrath said. "The people here, the care for our neighbors, the ability to have really quality conversations and friendships. I've been blown away by Logan County in that sense. This is a special place. I love the collaboration that happens. That's what this community is about. Figuring out how we drive forward together."

The husband and father of three says he knows the future of Logan County depends upon youth being trained to become leaders who are involved and engaged in opportunities in our community. That's why he says his most fulfilling work at the Chamber so far has been the development of the 3E Initiative, in which students at every local high school are encouraged to graduate having made a decision to be enrolled in post-secondary education, employed at a local workplace, or enlisted in the military.  

"Each one of those E’s is equally considered, respected, and honored in Logan County, providing students with a path for their future in a great community where they can make a difference."   

BEN THERE. DONE THAT.

Now Vollrath is looking to make another difference, using his voice and connections as the champion of the 2024 United Way Campaign. Vollrath has done this before - in Union County in 2017 - and he sees the value United Way has here in Logan County.  

"United Way is one of those organizations that sees the big picture and is collaborative, pulling people together to accomplish what others can't do individually," Vollrath said. "The focus is, 'Let's pool our resources into one place, and that one place is able to provide those resources out where they can have the greatest impact.' United Way does that in an amazing capacity in our community. This is the organization that brings charitable giving and charitable service all under one roof."  

To Vollrath's point, 440 volunteers from 50 local workplaces are coming together on Friday August 23 for United Way's ninth annual Community Care Day to work on pre-coordinated service projects throughout the county. That serves as the kickoff for the 2024 Campaign. Between then and the end of the year, Vollrath and United Way hope to raise $1 million for the seventh year in a row.

"Giving to United Way is more than just checking a box or doing something out of a sense of duty," Vollrath said. "These dollars make a difference!  

"We are in a low-income community and there are significant needs for education, for financial assistance, for housing stability. It's not always in your face. But the needs are massive here. So when you give to United Way, there's a face on the other side of that dollar that is being blessed, that is being impacted. It's about the people who get the support and the help."

CLICK HERE TO GIVE TO THE 2024 UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PROGRAMS THAT BENEFIT FROM UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN

LUNCH BUDDIES NEEDED FOR NEW SCHOOL YEAR

Back to school means Lunch Buddies are coming back to Logan County cafeterias! Our school-based mentoring program returns for a third year and we need more adults to serve as Lunch Buddies. Lunch Buddies get to build a meaningful relationship with a 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade student at one of our local schools. "I would encourage anyone to volunteer in this worthwhile program," said Pam Munz, who mentored at Bellefontaine Intermediate School last year. "A half hour once a month is so minimal compared to the benefit you receive from sharing lunch with a student who just needs an adult 'buddy.' One-on-one time is so valuable to these young students. This will not only have an impact on their lives but yours too."

"I really enjoyed being part of the Lunch Buddies program!" said Mike Ray, who mentored at West Liberty-Salem last year. "My Buddy and I never lacked for anything to talk about. He told me that I was the oldest living person that he knew. LOL!! He also taught me about Minecraft."

Lunch Buddies commit to meeting with their match during the school lunch period each month on the designated Lunch Buddies Day throughout the year. They also agree to a background check and orientation prior to being matched.

Would YOU like to be a Lunch Buddy and make a difference for a child?

CLICK HERE TO CONTACT DEREK ROBB ABOUT YOUR INTEREST OR CALL HIM AT (937) 592-2886 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

 STUFF THE BUS ENDS THIS WEEKEND

Turn in those School Supplies at one of our yellow bins

Our yellow bins are filling up all over town and we'll be out Monday to round up all the items donated to our Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive.

Pick up an extra item or two when you're out running errands this weekend and drop it off at one of our 50 collection sites.

Items collected will be sorted and delivered next Friday on Community Care Day to all of our local schools for students and teachers to access for the new school year.