United Way of Central Indiana recognizes top donors, companies, partners at annual celebration
INDIANAPOLIS – United Way of Central Indiana highlighted its work in the community for 2022-2023 and honored top donors, volunteers and partners Tuesday at its annual celebration.
During the event at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis, United Way recognized an exceptional executive and company employee in the community and presented awards to top investors and companies.
This was the first annual celebration for President and CEO Fred Payne, who took over the position in July 2022.
Speaking to those gathered, Payne shared several highlights of United Way’s work over the last 12 months:
United Way invested nearly $57 million in community organizations across its seven-county service area – Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan and Putnam counties – to help people and families “live the lives they are capable of living,” Payne said.
The public policy team advocated at the statehouse for several bills ultimately passed by the Indiana General Assembly, including an increase in funding and eligibility for the On My Way Pre-K program; automatic enrollment for eligible Hoosier students in the 21st Century Scholars program; and expanded eligibility for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, which had not been updated since 1988.
United Way collaborated with Glick Philanthropies, Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership, The Mind Trust and Women United to bring “Maid” author Stephanie Land and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Matthew Desmond to Indianapolis to speak.
The Parent Advisory Council, a new initiative from United Way of Central Indiana, in April awarded $200,000 in grants to seven nonprofits in the region. This was the first round of funding granted by the council, which brings parents to the table – with the goals of strengthening parent leaders and also tapping into community voice to inform and influence United Way’s work.
In October, United Way launched a new interactive data tool – the Impact United Dashboard – that highlights the needs of the community and how United Way’s partners are working to address those challenges.
Here’s a look at the awards presented Tuesday:
Spirit United winners
Spirit United is the most prestigious recognition United Way gives to corporate partners. The award has been presented annually since 2007 to companies whose employees volunteer, advocate and donate to United Way. Winners are chosen by a group of United Way leaders and previous award recipients.
Winners for 2022-2023 are:
Arlington/Roe
Elevance Health Inc.
Exceptional Executive and Exceptional Engagement Coordinator
Each year, United Way recognizes an exceptional executive who encourages their employees to give back to the community and an exceptional engagement coordinator who leads a United Way fundraising campaign in their workplace with dedication and creativity.
This year’s Exceptional Executive is Karen Woods of First Financial Bank.
This year’s Exceptional Engagement Coordinator is Lori Schneider of Walker.
Top community investors
United Way of Central Indiana recognizes the following companies and organizations that were this year’s top investors (presented in order from top investment):
Lilly Endowment Inc.
Eli Lilly and Company
Elevance Health Inc.
OneAmerica
Cummins, Inc.
Community Health Network
Citizens Energy Group
AES Indiana
Corteva Agriscience
Allison Transmission, Inc., and UAW Local #933
Siemer Institute
Gene B. Glick Company, Inc.
Marian, Inc.
Deloitte LLP
Fischer Homes