United Way Holds Annual Meeting

New Officers of UW Board of Directors: (l to r) Jim Wagner, Treasurer; Rick Kreps, Vice President; Vickie Talcott, President; Sharon Blubaugh, Secretary

4/19/07 Courtesy of WTCA

PLYMOUTH -- The Annual Meeting of the United Way of Marshall County was held Wednesday evening in the Fellowship Hall of the First United Church of Christ in Plymouth.

Out-going President, Dave Morrow said, "I can't help but to reflect about all of the outstanding caring people who have touched my life. I may not have had the opportunity to meet many of these people had I not been a United Way volunteer." Morrow also noted that they made their goal with the dedicated volunteers and the generosity of John Oliver of U.S. Granules who wrote a "good sized check" to make up the difference.

Co-campaign Chairmans Jessica Oliver and Dan Bates were asked to make some final comments. Dan said, "We made it!" Jessica said, "It's done and over with. It was so nice to see so many young faces involved in this year's campaign, it makes me excited about the future of Marshall County." Both thanked all those who assisted with the 2006 campaign, especially the staff who helped to keep thing flowing smoothly throughout the fund drive. Dan ended by saying, "I got a lot more out of this than I gave."

Awards were given to the largest giver in Marshall County, Nishikawa Standard from Bremen. They have been the number one giver for five years with this year's donation totaling more than $64,000 including their corporate gift. Triton Elementary was the tops in student giving and Argos Community Schools were tops in faculty and staff giving.

Retiring Board member were recognized: Joyce Graybill (2001-2007), Scott Joyner (2001-2007), Duane Miller (2000-2007), Greg Renz (2004-2007), Donna Louk (2005-2007). Retiring student board members were also recognized: Timothy Coxey (2004-2007), Megan Millard (2004-2007), and Andrew Parchman (2004-2007).

Dave Morrow presented the President's Award for volunteer-ship to Joyce Graybill and new Executive Director of the Marshall County United Way, Jennifer Maddox presented Morrow with a plaque for his 20 years of leadership, vision and commitment to United Way. They also gave him a gift of Chamber Bucks as an outgoing present noting his wish for fiscal responsibility, they presented his $20, one for each year of service to the United Way.

Board members re-elected to a third term were Sharon Blubaugh and Vicki Talcott. New board members are Chris Eberly, Francis Ellert, Jessica Oliver, Dianna Parsons and Bob Schulte. New student board members are Jocelyn Kinsey from Culver Academies, Mackenzie Williams from Argos High School, Eric Zeltwanger from Bremen High School and Rebecca Moberly from Plymouth High School. The 2006-2007 slate of officers elected Wednesday night were: President - Vickie Talcott, Vice-President - Rick Kreps, Treasurer - Jim Wagner, and Secretary - Sharon Blubaugh.

2007 Campaign Chair, Brad Serf said he has been part of the United Way program since 2002. He said it's a privilege to be this year's Drive Chair. Serf said, "The need doesn't stop...the giving must continue....and we must continue the tradition of giving." He also introduced his vice-chair Ed Ruiz.