Edward Ruiz recognized as Volunteer of the Year by Indiana Association of United Ways

(L to R) Vickie Talcott, President, Board of Directors, United Way of Marshall County, presents the 2009 "Volunteer of the Year" award to Ed Ruiz, 2008 Campaign Chair.

4/1/09 - Edward R. Ruiz, 2008 Campaign Chair, was named "Volunteer of the Year" by the United Way of Marshall County at the 2009 United Way and Funds State Leaders Conference held March 19th at the RENAISSANCE Indianapolis North Hotel, Indiana.

"Ed led the 2008 campaign as the Marshall County campaign chair. In spite of a declining economy, Ed and his campaign cabinet were able to raise 75% of our campaign goal ($375,000) to fund community efforts to improve lives. He devoted many hours each week throughout the campaign to personally making calls and working closely with campaign volunteers. Ed's commitment to United Way was evident in everything he did-especially achieving 100% participation from our legal division in this year's campaign," said Jennifer Maddox, executive director, United Way of Marshall County.

"It is an amazing feeling having received this award," said Ed Ruiz. 'While I was working on the 2008 campaign, I really had no expectation this was coming. I would like to share this award with all those who helped with the 2008 campaign, including my cabinet chairs, volunteers, and most importantly the citizens of Marshall County. Without the combined efforts of this entire community we would not have had such a successful campaign. The achievement of the 2008 campaign really was a result of the efforts of many, many people. To all those who contributed to the 2008 campaign, I again give my sincere thanks."

Community service comes easily to Ed. He has served on the Board of Directors of the United Way of Marshall County since April 2006. In addition, he currently serves as Commander of the Sons of the American Legion, Post #27; as Treasurer of the Marshall County Bar Association; as Judge Pro Tempore for Marshall County Courts; and for the last four years as the girls' soccer coach for the Plymouth Youth Soccer Association. Most recently Ed served on the board of Older Adult Services.

Graduating with honors from Butler University in 1992, Ed also received his J.D. from Indiana University School of Law, Bloomington, 1995. He is licensed to practice law in Indiana State Court and the Northern and Southern Federal Districts of Indiana. Ed has been a Certified Domestic Relations Mediator since 2004 and he is one of a handful of attorneys state-wide qualified to serve as lead counsel in death penalty cases. Ed is also a graduate of Leadership Marshall County, Class VIII. He is a senior partner of the law firm Morris & Ruiz, P.C. and has two children; a daughter, Gabriella (8) and a son, Aiden (3).

The United Way of Marshall County advances the common good by focusing on the building blocks to a good life: income, education, and health. When we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all. That's what it means to Live United.

For more information, contact Jennifer S. Maddox, Executive Director, United Way of Marshall County at (574) 936-3366.