United Way Acknowledges 'Sensational 7' Companies

Published June 3, 2008
By Sioux City Journal

01/28/08 -- Dr. Michael and Lynn Kafka, 2007-08 campaign co-chairs, announced total of $1,429,136 has been raised to date toward the $3.1 million community impact campaign goal. "Our fund-raising efforts are seeing positive results because of the tremendous community-wide support for the campaign. We have seen a number of successful workplace campaigns as well as increased giving at the leadership level ($500 or above)," said Lynn. "At this point in the campaign, we'd like to acknowledge seven companies we are calling our 'Sensational Seven'. These companies are leading the way this year with outstanding increases in contributions, participation and leadership giving.''

The following highlights those "Sensational Seven" for their fund raising efforts since the campaign began on Aug. 21.

Terra Industries Inc.: This year, Terra's employees generously pledged over $74,000, which the company matched dollar for dollar. Several special events including a basket challenge, silent auction, and denim days raised an additional $6000. As a result, Terra's corporate campaign{M3 gift for United Way will be approximately $155,000, a 55 percent increase over last year's gift{M3. Mike Bennett,{M3 President and CEO of Terra Industries stated, ''The commitment of the employees, the company and the outstanding work of the volunteers were critical to achieving a successful campaign. It's an investment in our community.''

PREMIER Bankcard: Giving increased by 36 percent this year and the number of leadership givers increased from 11 to 23. Success centered on employee meetings and great incentives/prizes complete with a pizza party for hitting goal. Kylie Odell, employee campaign coordinator for PREMIER Bankcard said, "We feel it's important for us to support United Way, which in turn makes the community in which we live and work even stronger."

Cargill: Reported a $17,329 increase over last year, with a total contribution of $41,297. Several special events, as well as a first time Leadership Giving campaign proved to be very successful. ''Clearly, our employees stepped up to the challenge and generously increased their pledges by 54 percent,'' stated Nicole Buss, employee campaign co-chair along with Luci Mead. ''Cargill also had a triple match. We were able to benefit from the employees contribution, which the company matched locally, along with another match by the corporate headquarters. Personally, I can't think of a better way to positively impact our community.''

185th Air Refueling Wing: Through the combined effort of meetings, incentives, and a raffle, once again this year, the 185th was able to increase its giving by $4,084 and raise a total of $53,246. ''Our employees have always felt the importance of supporting our community and local organizations through volunteering, community involvement, and through our contributions,'' stated Stephanie Samenus, employee campaign coordinator. ''As evidenced by our participation rate of 89 percent, we feel very strongly that it takes everyone together to make a difference.''

Jolly Time Pop Corn: Ran an extremely successful campaign this year, increasing their contributions to $23,098. In addition, they had nine leadership givers and 77 percent participation among employees, which was the best ever. Year after year, this well established campaign, with more than 145 employees, continues to increase their annual contributions.

Western Iowa Tech Community College: ''We had an incredible year of participation,'' said Barb Nyreen, employee campaign coordinator. ''Through the leadership of our President, Dr. Robert Dunker, along with incentives and special events, we were able to increase our participation by 148 percent, which resulted in doubling our contributions to $12,236 this year. These resources will go a long way as we partner with United Way to make a lasting impact in our community.''

KTIV TV: Once again this year, KTIV increased giving through a corporate gift and their employee campaign, achieving 93 percent participation for a total of $10,852. Dave Madsen, station manager, stated, ''As a vital member of the Siouxland community we understand the importance and value of being a good corporate citizen. Being involved with the United Way enables our employees to help improve lives and build a stronger community.''

''Employee campaigns are the heart of United Way fundraising,'' said Heather Hennings, Resource Development Director for United Way. ''Hundreds of local businesses conduct employee campaigns, educate employees about services available in our community and help to raise dollars needed to make lasting change in Siouxland.

Hennings also noted that Leadership giving has increased so far by 7.2 percent.

Many companies are still running campaigns and United Way hopes to have all completed by January with a total to be announced at that time. To make a donation, please call United Way at 255-3551 or visit our website at www.unitedwaysiouxland.com.

United Way of Siouxland also acknowledges several companies reported at this point in the campaign with over $2,000 pledged and reaching double digit increases above what they pledged last year.

Organization Percentage increase
King, Reinsch, Prosser & Co LLP 62
Arthur J. Gallagher RMS Inc. 40
Sioux City Ford 31
Northwest Area Education Agency 29
Council on Sexual Assault & Domestic 27
Bryant Elementary School 26
Thompson Electric Company 24
Interbake Foods, Inc. 24
Haakinson & Beaty Company 20
Palmer Candy Company 20
Goodwill Industries 20
United Real Estate Solutions 19
Gerkin Windows & Doors Ltd. 19
Scheels Sports Shop 18
Pinnacle Bank of Sioux City 18
American Water Services 17
Pappas Telecasting of Siouxland 17
Family Health Care of Siouxland 16
June E. Nylen Cancer Center 12
Senior High School (South Sioux) 12
Aalfs Manufacturing Company 12
Cannon Moss Brygger & Assoc., PC 12
Siouxland Chamber of Commerce 10