WABASH, IN – Wabash County United Fund is thanking the Duke Energy Foundation for making its
Wabash County United Against the Heat event possible through a generous $2,500 grant.
The grant allowed Wabash County United Fund to purchase 150 20-inch box fans to distribute on
September 15 at no cost to Wabash County residents. The community response was incredible, with
nearly all 150 fans finding their way into local homes.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for trusting us to turn their investment into
something that could make an immediate difference for people right here in Wabash County,” said Kelli
Dale, Executive Director of Wabash County United Fund. “A box fan may seem like a simple thing, but
for someone without adequate cooling during extreme heat, it can make a real difference. Seeing our
community show up and seeing those fans go home with people who needed them is exactly why we
wanted to bring this event to Wabash County.”
Jennifer Jordan, Government and Community Relations Manager for Duke Energy, said, “It’s always
great to help organizations that are already doing so much to support their communities. This has been a
very warm summer – all the way into September – and there’s no doubt this effort to keep Hoosiers cool
was very welcome in Wabash County.”
The event was about more than distributing fans. The Wabash County Health Department, Wabash
County Emergency Management Agency, Heartland REMC and Duke Energy joined Wabash County
United Fund to connect residents with additional information and resources. Heartland REMC also
provided energy efficiency kits to distribute during the event.
Wabash County United Fund also thanks Wabash County for generously providing the building at 808
Manchester Ave. for the event and the Menards team on Illinois Road in Fort Wayne for working with
United Fund to fulfill the large order of 150 fans.
But the success of the day also belonged to Wabash County.
“A huge thank you to everyone who shared our posts, told a friend or neighbor, or helped us spread the
word,” Dale said. “We had 150 fans to give away, and Wabash County showed up! We’re so thankful to
the Duke Energy Foundation for giving us the opportunity to bring this event to our community, and to all
of our partners and volunteers who jumped in to help make it happen. This is exactly what we mean when
we talk about being united in Wabash County.”
A limited number of fans are still available. Wabash County residents in need of a fan can call Wabash
County United Fund at 260-563-6726 to request one while supplies last.
Wabash County United Fund works to improve the quality of life for Wabash County residents by
bringing people and resources together and investing in local solutions in the areas of health, education,
and financial stability.
For more information visit www.wcunitedfund.org
