Sowing seeds, growing community

NORWALK — The Norwalk Area United Fund gathered community leaders, volunteers and partner agencies Thursday morning for its annual campaign kickoff breakfast at the Enrichment Center of Huron County on Shady Lane Drive. Running from 7:30-8:30 a.m., the event embraced this year's theme: "Sowing seeds, growing community." The Norwalk Area United Fund, founded in 1877, serves Monroeville, Norwalk and Wakeman by raising money locally and investing it back into local programs. With the mission "to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve," the fund supports more than two dozen partner agencies that provide education, crisis assistance, health services and youth programs, such as Reach Our Youth. Sponsored by Firelands Federal Credit Union, the breakfast featured a video presentation by Matt Wilde followed by remarks from Sarah Nutter of Reach Our Youth. The program matches at-risk children in Huron County with adult mentors who provide friendship, guidance and support. In addition to one-on-one mentoring, Reach Our Youth hosts group activities that help kids build confidence and positive connections within the community. Celebrating Service and Leadership The heart of the event was the awards ceremony, recognizing individuals and organizations for their commitment to service: • Community Commitment Award: Presented by Andy Thomas to Lisa Hiler of the Piggyback Foundation; "This award, which began in 1999, recognizes one's devotion to service in our community through volunteerism and service," Thomas said. • John A. Elmlinger Extra Mile Award: Presented by Denny Doughty to Wayne Babcanec; Doughty praised Babcanec's "countless years of devotion to enhancing quality education in our communities" and noted that he has "touched many lives." • Emerging Leader Award: Presented by Erin Cannon to Lindsey Esker, executive director of Artists' Open Studios; Cannon explained the award "recognizes rising leaders who are committed to inspiring the next generation and enhancing our community." She added that Esker inspired "an outlet of outstanding work to be shared and admired for others' enjoyment." • Cornerstone Award: Presented by Zach Jones to Dave and Robin Bleile; According to Jones, the award "celebrates the philanthropic efforts that have shaped our community." He described the Bleiles' guiding principle as: "Give until it feels good." Looking Ahead With the breakfast concluded, the United Fund's campaign season is officially underway. Organizers said the theme reflects the organization's mission to plant the seeds of generosity, volunteerism and collaboration that will continue to strengthen Norwalk and surrounding communities for years to come.