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The Shelby County United Way and Compassionate Care of Shelby County held an event on Thursday evening for the United Way’s Cornerstone Society members. The Cornerstone Society is a leadership giving program which recognizes philanthropic leaders in Shelby County who generously contribute $500 or more to the United Way’s annual campaign.

The open house event was held at Compassionate Care and provided an opportunity for Cornerstone Society members to tour the faith-based healthcare center. Compassionate Care provides primary healthcare services to uninsured and underinsured residents of Shelby County. Since their inception in August 2007, Compassionate Care has provided primary healthcare services to over 1,400 uninsured residents of Shelby County.

Jana Potts, Shelby County United Way’s Enhanced Giving coordinator, said “This event offers our leadership givers an opportunity to see firsthand how donations from United Way’s annual campaign are at work in our community. The event also offers the United Way staff and board of trustees, as well as an agency, the chance to personally thank our leadership givers.” Potts further states, “Each year our leadership givers make a special commitment to improve the lives of those in our community, and Compassionate Care is a perfect example of how that commitment is making a positive impact.”

The agency tour is a new event for the Enhanced Giving Committee and was introduced based on feedback received from company representatives and leadership givers. Teresa Ditmer, Executive Director of Compassionate Care remarked, “Everyone here at Compassionate Care is very excited about hosting this year’s Cornerstone event for the United Way. Having people see our facility and learn more about what we do for the community is key to Compassionate Care’s ability to serve our neighbors in need.”

Gifts by Cornerstone Society members represented nearly one-fourth of the 2008 United Way campaign. The Cornerstone Society leadership giving program offers four different levels of giving: Friends ($500-$999), Benefactors ($1,000-$2,499), Patrons ($2,500-$4,999) and Champions ($5,000 and above).

Cornerstone Society members Glen and Vanis Phillips pause for a picture during their tour

	Compassionate Care Board Members Marcia Grigg and Charlie Rhyan talk with Cornerstone Society members John Deeds and Dan Bensman

Board Members John Scheu, John Deeds and Trip Brubacher along with 2009 Campaign Chair Cindy Helman, and Enhanced Giving Volunteer Ken Monnier

	Cornerstone Society members Trip Brubacher and Dennis Ruble

Cornerstone Society member and 2009 UW Board President, Rhonda Keister speaks with Cornerstone Society members Carole Crosley, Stan Crosley and Dave Fogt

	Compassionate Care Staff RN Carol Young leads Cornerstone Society members Jim and Cheryl Boyer on a tour

Susan Tolbert Transportation Manager, Cargill, Inc.

Question:
What inspires you to give to United Way?
Answer:
“I’m inspired by United Way agencies that promote and advance the health and overall well-being of the youth in my community.”

Ralph Keister Attorney, Faulkner, Garmhausen, Keister and Shenk

Question:
Why do you support our community through the United Way?
Answer:
“I support Shelby County through the United Way because it provides me the ability to support multiple agencies and needs through one gift.”

Walt Bennett
Executive Vice President, Thor Industries

Question:
As a leadership giver and past volunteer, what do you feel is the most important message to convey to the community?
Answer:
“As past President/Campaign Chairman and leadership giver to the United Way, I am obviously committed to its mission.

I believe United Way is an important coordinator of giving to agencies that serve a broad range of human services in our community. They question and review each agency represented and perform the necessary checks and balances to assure our community given dollars are put to the uses intended.

We should be proud of our community givers and the funds raised over the years as well as the diligent effort and responsible manner in which United Way conducts itself.”