United Way Community Campaign

United Way Fox Cities | 2015 5 Each year, the United Way community campaign brings together committed volunteers who lead our efforts to raise the funds that support the programs that address our most pressing problems, while supporting vital services. This year, we are pleased to have Tom Riordan, president and CEO, Neenah Enterprises and Mike Weller, COO, Faith Technologies, leading our 2015 campaign. Co-chairs Mike Weller of Faith Technologies, Tom Riordan of Neenah Enterprises W hy would anyone take on the challenge of leading the annual community campaign for United Way? Each year we ask our volunteers to take on this responsibility — one that will change lives for over 100,000 people in the Fox Cities. For Tom Riordan, president and CEO of Neenah Enterprises, it was not a difficult commitment to make — "Saying "yes" was actually pretty easy," he says. "Having been involved with United Way campaigns in past years, I have been extremely impressed with how United Way has changed over time into a catalyst for change in our community, rather than just acting as a 'bank' for supporting local causes. It's a great way to solve many of the challenges we have in supporting families in our area." is will be the second year that Riordan will be at the helm of the campaign, and his experience has shown him that when people understand the mission of United Way support follows. "Once people — whether they are employees, business leaders, young or old, long-term residents or newer to the area like myself — find out what the real "mission" of United Way is and the great work and successes the partner agencies are making, it's pretty easy to get them to support the cause with time, talent and financial support. Who can possibly be against strengthening families, improving self-sufficiency, developing children, or improving health? My job as co-chair is simply to help tell the story — the rest takes care of itself." Mike Weller, chief operating officer of Faith Technologies, is also leading the campaign for a second time. Weller's previous time as chair of the campaign was in 2005, a year that saw the country reeling from the effects of Hurricane Katrina. Weller was inspired by a visit he made to Harbor House, a United Way partner agency. "I saw a mother with her four children very happy that they had a safe place to go — that made a difference to me. e goal of United Way is not about raising funds but to make a difference through the programs that help people. My goal is to BEYOND DONATIONS: Making a real difference in our community B y N a n c i M i c k e ensure that every person who needs a helping hand receives the help they need." Riordan adds, "I would hope that we can continue to build on past successful campaigns and accelerate the trend of increasing participation by adding thousands more people that join us to donate their time and financial support. As I have learned during my time here, the Fox Cities is a wonderful area to raise a family — no new news there. But if you look closely, we have a lot of families and people that are quietly struggling. United Way impacts one of every three people here! e work of United Way is to focus on key areas that will literally change people's lives." UW

• Cover