ASHLAND — United Way of Ashland County started with a goal of raising $850,000. The agency shattered that target.
The United Way of Ashland County raised a total of $1,006,498 between September and March, announced Stacy Schiemann, the organization’s executive director on Tuesday during the charitable organization’s 66th annual meeting held at Ashland University’s John C. Myers Convocation Center.
“It’s the most I’ve ever raised,” Schiemann said.
But it’s not about her, she said. The thing that matters is the ability to give back to the community.
“What’s meaningful to me is that we’re getting as many resources into the community as possible,” she said.
Schiemann said the money will be divvied among the organization’s partner agencies, which focus on wellbeing — financially, mentally and physically.
She said the agency’s clients range in age from infancy to retirement. The money is concentrated in Ashland, but it reaches all corners of the county.
“There’s a lot of need in the northern part of the county, and at the southern end of the county,” she said.
Introducing new faces, recognizing others
The annual meeting is typically held in April of each year, and offers the United Way an opportunity to announce fundraising milestones. It also allows its board to elect new members, honor those who have retired and recognize the Volunteer of the Year.
The J. Robert Tipton Volunteer Award went to Karen Alsop, the human resources director of Centerra Co-Op.
“It’s a blessing to be part of such a giving community, and we do it for the right reasons. And we will continue to do that,” Alsop said.
Nicole Hawks, returning board president, welcomed the three new slate of officers:
- Angela Ringler, vice president
- Ryan Emmons, secretary
- Todd Geren, treasurer
Schiemann honored Glen Stewart, who has served as a board member twice.
Stewart, 84, stepped down from being Ashland’s mayor in December 2016 after serving since January 2008. Before that, he served on city council from 1981 to 1989. He served again as the city’s at-large council member from 2001 to 2008.
Schiemann appreciated Stewart’s “historical knowledge” that he brought to the organization.
“I’m not saying anything,” she said, prompting laughter from the audience. “It’s just been a long time.
“He’s really a champion of United Way. He helped streamline our allocation process in the last several rounds and really has just been a dynamite board member.”
Schiemann got emotional when she recognized Kelly and Casey Cooke, this year’s campaign chairs.
“Casey and Kelly have prioritized, in their lives, relationships with families, friends and neighbors — and it shows through the support they were given through this campaign,” Schiemann said.
The organization also welcomed new board members: Peggy Yoder, Brittany Burkett. Natalie Pryor has returned for another term. Each member will serve a term of three years.
United Way will kick off its next fundraising cycle in the fall of 2024.
