Hospital’s United Way donations up 13%

United Way of VW County information

2015 United Way Campaign Chair Jessi Hardesty asked Van Wert County Hospital if it would lead the way in the United Way Campaign this year. The last time the hospital was the campaign pacesetter was in 2000.

Hospital employee Jenny Helt spearheaded its campaign (and challenge) and started getting her team together to come up with campaign themes. Those involved in the planning of the campaign were Mia Keirns, Paula Stabler and Ellen Rager.

The main fundraising event the employees participated in was a football-themed cash battle between alumni and school supporters who are currently employed by Van Wert County Hospital and Van Wert Medical Services.

“We decorated footballs to represent eight of the local school districts and asked employees to donate money on behalf of their favorite school, with all of the money ultimately being donated to the United Way,” explained Helt, who chaired the Van Wert County Hospital fundraising team. “Being the pacesetter for this year’s campaign was truly an honor — the campaign renewed my perspective on the importance of helping others in our community.”

The hospital has always been a huge supporter of the Van Wert community and this campaign was no different. The hospital and staff were able to increase their campaign total by 13 percent over last year’s campaign, with a total donation of $13,400.

“The United Way board would like to say thanks to the Van Wert County Hospital for their support this year with helping fund 26 local agencies,” said Hardesty.