Five long-time board members step down

NORWALK — December 2022 brought an end to five long-term board members' service. We thank these five men for more than 110 years of combined service to our agency. Their countless acts, wisdom, participation and dedication to our efforts is greatly appreciated. We thank Wayne Babcanec, Steve Euton, Mike Jackson, Ed McClendon and Tom Schubert for their commitment to our mission. Our new board is listed below. Board Members for 2023 Emily Baker, Chip Battles, Dave Bleile, Tracy Brown, Stacy Carr, Danita Conway, Denny Doughty, Valerie French, Makenna Laser, Audrey Gaston, Jeff Huber, Zach Jones, Alex Lendrum, Andrea Lenyo, Kate McKinney, Mike Moore, Brett Montague, Ken Smith, Judy Sommers, Andy Thomas and John Wasiniak. *Still have three open positions to fill. Associate Board Members for 2023 Wayne Babcanec, Kim Bailey, Joe Centers and Ken Leber. New Members added to the Board of Directors are Emily Baker and Alex Lendrum. 2023 Officers are Denny Doughty President, Zach Jones 1st VP, Andy Thomas 2nd VP, Audrey Gaston Board Representative and Mike Moore Past-President. What's happening We are starting our new year gearing up for the 2024 Budget and Admissions process that will begin soon. At the same time reviewing agency reports and progress of allocations in 2023 and continuing the campaign progress towards goal. We currently are at 59% of our goal at $294,734.30. So more donors are needed daily to get us to goal. We thank everyone for their continued support of our mission and dedication to our community. Dine out is once again back by the demand of the community. We thank the restaurant partners that make this such a success. Blessing bags have been requested at an increased level. Needs are still great for many community members. Inflation of normal household goods is causing a strain on household in the area. Collaborations are being made with various groups to provide education and community activities in 2023. We are working with the Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce, MHAS and Firelands Forward. Details of this work will be forwarded soon to outline the details and implementation. Looking ahead A New Year sparks many things into action. NFL Playoffs, College Bowl Games, new resolutions, or maybe just a refocus on what is important to us. Life is filled with decisions. We can choose a multitude of paths to wind along. As for me, I may just pick the road less traveled — it seems to serve my needs and others. At the Norwalk Area United Fund we rely on others to choose this path as well. May it lead to a societal shift in outlook and more compassionate giving for all. Our goal is simply to enrich lives in our community. Our campaign raises money to accomplish this outreach. Each year we analyze agency requests and community needs. Then we vet the agencies to ensure needs fulfillment and positive outcomes in our community. I once was asked what dream career would suite me best and I said being a philanthropist would make an ideal career. Having millions and getting the opportunity to impact lives would be fulfilling. But in reality, I already am a philanthropist and live the principle of one. "A philanthropist is a person who donates time, money, experience, skills or talent to help create a better world. Anyone can be a philanthropist, regardless of status or net worth." Anyone who becomes a donor to the Norwalk Area United Fund is acting in the spirit of philanthropy too. You may be a donor contributing $5 a week, or a member of our pillar society. More donor participation is always welcome. Thank you to our donors for having a heart for philanthropy. Share your spirit and inspire others to do the same. We all benefit when we care for one another. Dine out for the FUND of It. Jan. 18 — Freight House Jan. 25 — The Norwalk Eagles Feb. 1 — Press Box Feb. 8 — Bluto's Hometown Cafe Feb. 15 — Jimmy's Backyard Cafe Feb. 22 — Casa Fiesta March 1 — Pean's Pizza March 8 — D&D Winery Bistro March 15 — East of Chicago March 22 — Buckeye Pub March 29 — Pizza Post April 5 — Suki's Carol Wheeler is executive director of the Norwalk Area United Fund.