United Way of Lake County Announces $1,960,000 Raised for Community at May 23, 2024 Annual Meeting Breakfast
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 through their support of nonprofit agency programs.
“The funds raised, and the services provided are such a win for our community,” said DeMitro. “
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 a member of Small Business United.
“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,” said DeMitro.
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.
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.
In a heartfelt moment, DeMitro shared that because of the generosity of their supporters and tireless work of 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 attention from the Lake County Free Clinic, those who might otherwise go hungry will have food on the table. Among other essential services, pre-kindergarten children will receive free monthly books from the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program, promoting childhood literacy and preparing them for kindergarten.
Ray Sminchak, General Manager and Managing Partner of Mentor Nissan, was recognized for his extraordinary 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.
The first car was awarded at the organization’s campaign kickoff in August, and the second car was awarded at the conclusion of 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.
Event highlights also included:
Announcement of 2024 Campaign Co-Chairs, Nancy and Ed Brown, owners of Ladies & Gentlemen Salon & Spa and The Brown Aveda Institute.
Recognition of outgoing board members:
- Morris Beverage III, Lighthouse Advisers
- Karen Burton, STERIS Corporation
- Ellen Foley Kessler, WINT Radio
Announcement of UWLC’s 2024 Board of Directors:
- Chair: Brandi Haught, KeyBank
- 1st Vice Chair: Andrew Phelps, Truist
- 2nd Vice Chair: Maria Kula, STERIS Corporation
- Treasurer: Rick, Bumgardner, The Lubrizol Corporation
Board Members
- Robin Baum, Community Volunteer
- Kerry Bliss, Alluvial Private Wealth Cleveland
- Patricia Conrad, VISA/CardinalCommerce
- Dione DeMitro, United Way of Lake County
- Michelle Graf, The Lubrizol Corporation
- Craig Heath, Mentor Public Schools
- Jeremy Iosue, Stefanik Iosue & Associates
- Terry Kilbourne, Tec Inc. Engineering & Design
- Ian Lewis, Little Scholars Early Learning Center
- Maria Manocchio, MAM Consulting
- Patrick Mohorcic, Lake Development Authority
- Brad Shimko, Martinet Recchia
- Danielle Sindelar, University Hospitals
- Bryan Thomas, Lighthouse Advisers
- Shane Vermilye, Sheet Metal Workers Local #33
- Marwin Walling, Painesville City Schools
- Kristina Willey, Lakeland Community College
Announcement of UWLC’s Gus Gehring award for excellence in volunteerism and advocacy to the late Dennis Morley, City of Eastlake Mayor, presented to his daughters Lisa and Vicki Morley.
Announcement and presentation of UWLC’s Matt Logies Ambassador Award for giving, advocating, and volunteering – the very foundation UWLC is built upon - to Doris Behnke, retired, The Lubrizol Corporation.
Announcement and presentation of the Woman Leader of the Year award to Kerry Bliss of Alluvial Private Wealth Cleveland.
Announcement and presentation of the Emerging Leader of the Year award to Lindsay Defeo of Leolo Hospitality.