The Wabash County United Fund distributed $10,000 on February 27 to ten local non-profit organizations. The funds were part of the 2017 Annual Campaign conducted by Wabash County United Fund. This is the 7th consecutive year for the United Fund matching partnership with the Wabash Cannonball Chili for Charity.
Steve Johnson, executive director for UF:
“Chili for Charity, and subsequently the United Fund $10,000 match, generously assists with meeting funding gaps for non-profit programs in Wabash County,” stated Steve Johnson, executive director for UF. “Partnering together creates even greater impact and results in lasting change. “
The organizations who received this year’s monetary awards include:
Wabash All Inclusive Playground
The United Fund Chili for Charity matching funds will help with the cost of constructing the all-inclusive playground so all ages and abilities can be involved in all aspects of play. Visitors will receive the benefit of not just play, but the benefit of interacting with others.
Wabash County Fair Association
The Wabash County Fair Association manages and maintains the Wabash County Fairgrounds. The grounds include 75,000 square feet of building space.
Hands of Hope
“The United Fund Chili for Charity money will be used to provide critical domestic violence, sexual violence and stalking services to Wabash County victim and their families. The services include a listening ear, referrals to community programs, assistance with safety planning, protective order paperwork completion and both individual and group therapeutic counseling” said Hands of Hope director Linda Wilk.
Manchester Recreation Association
The Manchester Recreation Association has managed youth baseball and softball programs at the Glenn W. Ruppel Sports Complex in North Manchester since 1984. The facility includes 4 ball diamonds, basketball courts, playground areas, parking and concession stand.
Wabash County YMCA
“The funds provided by Chili for Charity sponsored two students to attend the WABASH COUNTY Y’s SPARK summer learning loss prevention camp for 5 weeks last summer. These students were supported in continuing their academic growth while school was out, encouraged to increase their confidence in school, and experienced dynamic field trips and enrichment activities in STEM and the arts.”
Honeywell Foundation Education Outreach
“Chili for Charity funding directly benefits the Educational Outreach Program and its many activities and helps to ensure its continued success. This program relies on support from organizations like Chili for Charity. Support from Chili for Charity helps ensure that students continue to receive the enriching artistic opportunities afforded through the Educational Outreach Program.”
“Without support from the United Fund, Chili for Charity, and others, these amazing experiences would not be available.”
Learn More Center
The Learn More Center offers free classes for Adult Basic Education and preparation for the High School Equivalency test on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the lower level of the Wabash Alliance Church, 1200 North Cass Street, and on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Town Life Center, on the 2nd floor at 603 Bond Street in North Manchester. Learn More Center curriculum offerings also include college preparation as well as support and assistance for those in college. English Language Learners classes are also available. New this year, the Learn More Center is working with outside groups to provide classes in job skills for several areas. To test you must be at least 18 years old or 16/17 years old and have a high school exit form signed by your local superintendent of education. To get started call 1.877.363.6128 or 260.982.6138.
North Manchester Historical Society
Chili for Charity and United Fund Partnership funds will help cover North Manchester Historical Society operational expenses in the Center on Main Street and the Thomas Marshall birth house museum on Market Street. The collection includes over 28,000 items. The organization sponsors historic programs attended by an average of 125 persons monthly; historical tours twice a year; educational programs for 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade students; and public programs at the Center for History. We sponsor the Historic Preservation Group, which has rescued seven properties in North Manchester. We publish a newsletter four times a year, and maintain a web site to provide outreach and assist researchers. Staff are active in planning for the Indiana Bicentennial in Wabash County and North Manchester. We assist in historical research, with over 150 in-person requests annually. Our web site receives over 300,000 information requests annually.
Wabash County Cancer Society
“Wabash County Cancer Society provides local cancer patients with supportive equipment, supplies assistance, and transportation and prescription reimbursement. This financial support will help provide additional reimbursements for cancer patients in Wabash County.”
Wabash County Crime Stoppers
According to Wabash County Crime Stoppers Coordinator Sheriff Bob Land, “the funds will be utilized for operations and paying those individuals who provide information to law enforcement in cases where such information leads to an arrest.”
Wabash County United Fund invests in programs that have a positive impact on the quality of life for residents of Wabash County. UF focuses on three main funding initiatives: Education, Health/Healthy Living, and Income/Financial Stability. “The non-profit community in Wabash County helps improve the quality of life for many residents. The services provided by these organizations help make life in Wabash County a whole lot better!” said Jennifer Scott, 2018 president of the UF volunteer board of directors.
This seventh year of the Chili for Charity partnership match brings the total distribution to $70,000 that has been awarded to non-profit organizations in Wabash County. Chili for Charity as a whole has raised nearly $470,000 to benefit local groups and initiatives. This year’s 16th annual Chili for Charity Cook-Off is scheduled for Saturday, October 20, 2018. For more information about Wabash Cannonball Chili for Charity, visit the website at www.chiliforcharity.com.
For more information about Wabash County United Fund or ways you can be involved with United Fund, please call the office at 260-563-6726 or send an email to steve.johnson@wcunitedfund.org.