The 2013 Heart of Illinois United Way campaign raised more than $10.807 million, the second year the annual campaign raised more than $10 million for vital health and human care programs throughout central Illinois.
Each year, more than 300 local companies and organizations participate in the campaign. In 2013, a $280,000 Challenge Grant, sponsored by Caterpillar, CEFCU, Federal Companies and UnityPoint Health – Methodist | Proctor, matched new or increased contributions that helped the Heart of Illinois United Way continue to expand its base of support. Last year, there were 15 new employee campaigns, 16 new corporate gifts, and 73 organizations that increased their contributions by 10 percent or more.
By supporting the United Way, individuals and organizations know they are making a positive impact in our community. Last year, 123 of the top 150 United Ways across the nation reported an average increase in campaign revenue of less than one percent. The Heart of Illinois United Way’s campaign revenue increased 2.5 percent from 2012, demonstrating the incredible generosity of people in central Illinois.
Our United Way continues to be the largest nongovernmental funder of health and human care services in the community. Since 1921, our organization has brought together people from business, labor, government and health and human care services to ensure central Illinois is a strong, safe and healthy community. We all know a quality education leads to employment, a stable job provides income to support a family through retirement, and access to quality healthcare affects us at all stages of life.
The Heart of Illinois United Way works to strengthen the education, income and health of our community and actively participates in several community-wide initiatives, such as Focus Forward Central Illinois, Quality Quest for Health, the CEO Council and LISC Peoria. By participating in these initiatives—and collaborating with organizations that support them—we are helping to build a healthy, productive workforce and better quality of life in central Illinois.
In June 2013, the Heart of Illinois United Way, in partnership with Advanced Medical Transport of Central Illinois, launched the Heart of Illinois 2-1-1—a comprehensive information and referral service. The easy-to-remember telephone number and website (211hoi.org) goes beyond simple information and referral—it’s an essential link to bringing our community together to address critical needs. In the program’s first six months of operation, 2-1-1 had 3,649 calls, 14,793 referrals and 4,849 visitors to the website.
With 43 partner agencies, Heart of Illinois United Way-funded programs and initiatives help more than 100,000 people each year throughout Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Stark and Putnam counties. The people of central Illinois are among the most generous in the nation, and their support is changing lives. iBi
