In 2012 United Way of Posey County celebrated 50 years of making a positive impact on the lives and organizations it serves. The following video was made in celebration of the 50th anniversary.
HISTORY OF THE UNITED WAY OF POSEY COUNTY, INC.
The United Way of Posey County, Inc., was incorporated on August 1, 1962. Originally it was known as the United Fund of Posey County. The purpose of the organization was stated in the original articles of incorporation as “to receive gifts and grants of money and property of every kind and to administer the same for charitable, educational, civic, and philanthropic use”.
Living United in Posey County
Visit our YouTube channel and hear about the impact of organizations funded by the United Way from individuals in Posey County.
Visit Our YouTube Channel Here.
In its first campaign drive in 1962, the goal was $15,000 and funds were allocated to four agencies – Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Mental Health Association, and Red Cross. In the history of the United Way of Posey County, there have been 56 campaign drives and 48 of them have made the goal. In the 2014 campaign, the largest amount ever was raised – over $727,000.
On the 25th anniversary of the United Way of Posey County in 1987, the Mayor of Mount Vernon proclaimed that day to be Posey County United Way Day in Mount Vernon, Indiana, and the Commissioners of Posey County issued a proclamation extending congratulations to the Posey County United Way for its work accomplished for the county. Beginning August 1, 2002, the United Way of Posey County celebrated its 40th anniversary with a proclamation by the Mayor of Mount Vernon and recognition throughout the campaign. In 2007, we celebrated our 45th Anniversary, with a proclamation of United Way of Posey County Week by the City of Mt. Vernon and recognition by the State of Indiana and Posey County. 2007 also saw the beginning of the Elizabeth D. Baier Youth Spirit Award, started by the Board of Directors and volunteers of the United Way of Posey County to recognize Elizabeth Baier’s 25 years as Executive Director. The Youth Spirit Award is given annually to an incoming high school senior from Posey County and honors leadership, community involvement, and volunteerism. The Award is presented at the Leadership Giving Recognition Dinner.
In 2012, the United Way of Posey County celebrated its 50th anniversary. At the campaign kickoff breakfast, members of the Board of Directors provided, cooked, and served breakfast to campaign volunteers to thank them for years of service. On October 13, 2012, under the direction of Keith Spurgeon, there was a Variety Show which featured 16 local acts and was free to the community to thank them for their years of support. CGB sponsored the event and almost 300 attended.
Currently, the United Way of Posey County has a board of directors of 23 members and 3 active-voting Ex Officio Directors. Each director serves for a three-year term and may serve three consecutive terms. The United Way has 5 officers, each of whom serves for a one-year term. There are also several past-presidents who remain involved.
The United Way of Posey County funds 16 agencies in 2023, as well as 2-1-1 for Posey County. During a campaign, about 150 volunteers will be involved.
In the past 38 years, the United Way campaign results have gone from about $60,000 to more than $727,000 in 2014. The United Way of Posey County does try to maintain a reserve of about 2 to 3 months worth of total allocation amounts to agencies.
Tonya McDaniel is the 2023 president of the United Way of Posey County and Keely Winiger is our Executive Director.