For the third year in a row, with the generosity, compassion and support of the thousands of people in the Peoria region, the Heart of Illinois United Way's annual campaign raised more than $11 million for vital programs that improve the education, income and health of our community. The campaign’s continued success is a result of the tremendous hard work and effort put forth by all of our volunteers, as well as the unwavering generosity of donors.
In 2016, the campaign's base of support continued to grow with 20 new corporate gifts, 23 new workplace campaigns and 57 organizations that increased their contributions to the United Way by 10 percent or more. Just a few highlights from the last year include: Advanced Technology Services (24% increase), Busey Bank (39% increase), CEFCU (25% increase), City of Peoria (23% increase), CliftonLarsonAllen (11% increase), Illinois Mutual (58% increase), Mexichem Specialty Resins (46% increase), OSF Healthcare System (16% increase), Pearl Companies (16% increase), Peoria Disposal Company (40% increase), Peoria Public Schools (31% increase), River City Construction (17% increase), RSM US LLP (11% increase) and Vonachen Services (13% increase). In addition, Caterpillar Inc. had a very successful employee campaign, with increased participation matched dollar-for-dollar by the Caterpillar Foundation.
Providing a reliable and steady source of income for our 46 partner agencies, the Heart of Illinois United Way continues to be the largest non-governmental funder of health and human care services in Greater Peoria. In addition, our campaign success illustrates a level of financial stability for the area that can be used as a tool for economic development. A generous and dedicated group of donors demonstrates a civic-minded employee base; corporate contributions highlight the committed, philanthropic work of local businesses; and overall quality of life is improved when the community has access to critical health and human care services.
In addition to funding programs at partner agencies, the Heart of Illinois United Way also collaborates with local schools and nonprofit organizations to support three special initiatives that are making a positive impact on lives in central Illinois: Success By 6 supports early childhood education in the areas of math, reading and social emotional skills; S3, or Supporting Student Success, provides in-school counseling to support social emotional health; and the Heart of Illinois 2-1-1 Information and Referral Service connects people in need with critical health and human care programs.
As we look at the health and well-being of central Illinois, the generosity of Heart of Illinois United Way donors and volunteers provides a sustainable, reliable and steady source of income for our partner agencies. Heart of Illinois United Way programs and initiatives, supported by the annual campaign, are critical to positively impacting the lives of more than 100,000 people each year throughout Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Stark and Putnam counties. Thank you for being a part of what it means to "live united." iBi
