Greater Ottawa County United Way & Volunteer Center Celebrates What Matters at Celebration Dinner

March 26, 2004 - Donors and volunteers from dozens of companies and organizations throughout Ottawa County, celebrated what matters at the Greater Ottawa County & Volunteer Center’s 2004 Celebration Dinner. Companies and individuals were not only recognized for their leadership efforts during the recent Community Solutions Campaign, but also for their active participation in volunteer activities throughout the year. The evening’s events were topped off by the announcement of the 2004 G.W. Haworth Strength of Community Award recipient, Tim Parker, Vice President of Operations for Harbor Industries.

“We had a client here tonight that shared the story of how each person in that room had helped to impact her life in a positive way.” Says Joan Mack, Interim Director of Greater Ottawa County United Way & Volunteer Center. “Because of the services she received and the lifelong lessons she learned, she is now self-sufficient, making a life for herself and is teaching others how to do the same thing. Her story is one of many examples of what is happening in our community because of people working together. We are honored to be able to recognize the individual leadership efforts of local companies, non-profit organizations, donors and volunteers who invested in what matters to make these results a reality.”

During the evening’s ceremonies, Randy Smith, President, Paragon Bank and Trust; Dave Young, Insurance Specialist, Shoreline Insurance Agency and Karen Young, occupational therapist, Muskegon Public Schools; Sam Vriezema, Investment Representative, Edward Jones Investments; and Julie VanDyke, Executive Director, Allendale Area Chamber of Commerce were thanked for their dedication as the Community Solutions Campaign Chairs for the Holland, Tri-Cities, Zeeland and Northeast Ottawa Areas respectively.

Specialty awards, such as the United Way & Volunteer Center Continuous Improvement Award and Zany Award were presented to partnering companies. The Continuous Improvement Award was given to recognize the top organizations in each community that experienced the highest growth in total giving or employee giving. The Zany Award recognizes companies who have the most creative, fun and interactive campaigns.

The United Way & Volunteer Center inducted the newest recipients into the distinguished Cappon & Bertsch Community Builder Society. This year’s inductees included A.D. Bos, Haworth, Light Corporation and Pfizer. This award recognizes organizations who run model campaigns and exemplify a year round partnership with United Way & Volunteer Center, including participation in Day of Caring, the community investment process and a commitment to workplace volunteering. The award embodies the commitment made by Isaac Cappon and John Bertsch to rebuild their tannery in Holland ensuring the rebirth of the community and the positive growth of our county. The companies who receive this award show an unwavering dedication to make their community a better place to live.

Catholic Social Services, Delphi Automotive/UAW Local 2151 and Macatawa Bank were once again recognized for providing United Way & Volunteer Center with three Loaned Executives. These loaned executives worked enthusiastically during an 11 week period on a full or part time basis to assist with the campaign. Their efforts helped maintain low campaign costs while reaching more companies and individuals.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious G.W. Haworth Strength of Community Award by Lynne Sherwood, Corporate Secretary and member of the Senior Management staff of JSJ Corporation, and last year’s G.W. Haworth Strength of Community Award recipient. This award recognizes the company and/or individual who embodies and exemplifies United Way & Volunteer Center’s leadership spirit of volunteering, philanthropy and community decision-making. Mr. Tim Parker, Vice President of Operations, was the honored recipient this year. Through his leadership, he serves as an example to young executives by integrating service above self in his personal and professional lives. She continually works to strengthen our community by serving on the United Way & Volunteer Center board and actively volunteering for community organizations and groups.

The event would not have happened without the generous donations from Bank One, Fifth Third Bank, Shape Corporation, A.D. Bos, Delphi Automotive/UAW Local 2151, GHSP/PACE Local 6-0278, Grand Haven Bank, Haworth, The Holland Sentinel, Magna Donnelly, Trans-Matic Mfg., Holland Community Hospital, Huntington Bank and Mercantile Bank. Shores Bank. Generous In-Kind sponsors: The Boardroom and Eastern Floral.

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