United Way of Greater Topeka

2009 Campaign Ambassadors begin training

2009-08-17T10:21:00.000-07:00

The community is gearing up for the 2009 Live United Campaign, and to lead the charge talented individuals from around the community. These Campaign Ambassadors will work either part time or full time on loan from their employee for the next couple of months. During the next two weeks, the CA's will learn about United Way and its history, understand the community priorities and how programs are funded, learn to manage a campaign and lots of other great work in motivating and encouraging a company to give, advocate, volunteer -- to LIVE UNITED!

2009 Campaign Ambassadors List:

Nichelle Adams, State of KS-SRS
Larry Buening, State of KS-SRS
David Carr, Blue Cross Blue Shield of KS
Rusty Doty, Blue Cross Blue Shield of KS
Joey Frederickson, KS Dept of Commerce
Rhonda Gales, State of KS-SRS
Mary Grossenkemper, Hallmark Cards
Brian Haug, WIBW-TV
Shinita Hishaw, BNSF Railway
SGT Ash Kaboudan, Topeka Police Dept
Mark Koeppe, Capitol Federal Savings
Amanda Lanum, WIBW-TV
Pamela Lewis, KS Gas Service-Topeka Svc Center
Karla Price, Westar Energy-General Office
Kyle Rutschmann, Intrust Bank
Shirley Simms, Stormont-Vail HealthCare
Pam Sipes, Capitol Federal Savings

Video in production for 2009 LIVE UNITED Campaign

2009-07-28T06:50:00.001-07:00

It was a hot, sticky and all-around typical summer day in Kansas. But, the relentless weather of July didn't deter the spirit and passion of volunteers throughout the community to spread the LIVE UNITED message of Give, Advocate and Volunteer.

Nearly 30 volunteers from various companies and affiliations united at the historic Topeka High School auditorium to produce a United Way video unlike anything Topeka has ever experienced under the guiding hand of Gizmo.

Why the pendulum swing?

The work of United Way throughout the community is well-known and effective. And, the staff and volunteers of the organization are looking to further their work in the community by engaging the public in more ways than just giving. Volunteering time and lending a voice through advocacy work are as vital to Advancing the Common Good as monetary contributions.

By mobilizing the community through these three pillars of Living United, United Way is able to have greater impact its community priorities. By honing in on targeted areas, Education, Income and Health, United Way is laying the groundwork to create positive, sustainable change in our community.

So, while the video may not tug at one's heart strings as those great clips of the past, it will show its audience how by reaching out a hand to one, you can influence the condition of all. And, mostly, how Living United feels good and makes everyone involved smile.

The video will be available after September 2009.

Scorch on the Porch to Live United

2009-04-15T07:45:00.000-07:00

Topeka, Kansas -- The words "LIVE UNITED" emerged throughout the crowd of bustling Washburn University students who rose to the challenge.

To celebrate its United Way Campaign, Washburn University hosted the first of two Scorch on the Porch events on Tuesday, April 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the lawn in front of Memorial Union.

Students enjoyed live music, Caribbean Pork and carnival games put on by United Way funded programs throughout the area.

Students who sported a Live United shirt received $1 off their meals. Washburn Bookstore began selling special Live United shirts with the Washburn Logo. The shirts are available through the Washburn Bookstore and cost $10. Proceeds benefit United Way of Greater Topeka.

United Way celebrates St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T14:11:00.000-07:00

Supporters and volunteers of United Way of Greater Topeka came together and made a visual impact statement with the LIVE UNITED message during the Topeka St. Patrick's Day Parade, March 17, 2009. Nearly 90 men, women and children wearing the classic white with black lettering "Live United" shirts marched together while donning festive green accessories.

Parade marchers handed out information cards about 2-1-1, a toll-free number and link to information on services, assistance and volunteer opportunites which is available to anyone, anywhere in Kansas 24-hours a day.

Thank you to these marchers for choosing to LIVE UNITED! And, a special thanks to the children and staff of Community First who came out in support in generous numbers with uplifting spirits.

Project Cram-A-Van Stocks Area Food Banks

2009-02-25T10:57:00.000-08:00

When it comes to vehicle capacity, Project Topeka is shifting focus from number of passengers to tons of food.

On Saturday, Feb. 28, volunteers will unite to advocate on behalf of and give food items to those in need through a Project Topeka event, Cram-A-Van. The event, which is co-sponsored by United Way of Greater Topeka, HyVee, KSNT-27 and John Hoffer, is part of Project Topeka’s annual food drive.

The goal for 2009 is 199 tons of food; up one ton from 2008.

“Cram-A-Van will be a great opportunity to bring the food drive right to the public,” said Dan Woodard, community services liaison for United Way of Greater Topeka. “We have raised the bar in terms of 2008 goals, and know that while many people want to give, getting to one of our drop off locations isn’t always convenient.”

Project Topeka is in its 24th year and helps stock seven area food bank with its annual food drive. Drop off locations include all Topeka Fire Stations and United Way offices. Large donations from groups and companies can call 228-5112 to schedule a pickup.

Items sought must be non-perishable and packaged in a box or a can. Glass containers are discouraged. Items in high demand include breakfast cereals and crackers. Donations are also accepted to help replenish depleting food banks and checks can be made payable to Project Topeka, c/o C.R.C, 501 SE Jefferson Suite 30, Topeka, Kansas 66607. Because Project Topeka has no administrative or over head costs, all donations directly impact the community.

Visit Project Topeka's Website, select here.

View Project Topeka article in the Topeka Capitol-Journal, select here.

Lunch with Leaders -- Lt. Governor Parkinson

2009-01-12T13:56:00.001-08:00

Members of the United Way of Greater Topeka's Young Leaders Society gathered on Friday, Jan. 09 for an intimate lunch with Lt. Governor Mark Parkinson. The event, which was held at the Boy Scouts of America Topeka offices was a success. Twenty young, professionals arrived ready to network, listen and learn -- and of course, enjoy lunch which was catered by the YWCA of Topeka.

Parkinson provided the group helpful information on shaping futures while revealing information on his past and how he has achieved success.

About the Young Leaders Society

The Young Leaders Society is a members group of young professionals who generously donate $500 or more (per individual or couple) to the United Way of Greater Topeka. The group meets approximately six time throughout the year with Lunch with Leaders events to develop leadership skills and network. The YLS group takes on other initiatives, including coordination and planning for the VAL Awards, philanthropic endeavors and various other activities which combining a splash of fun and camaraderie with community betterment. For information on joining YLS, visit the United Way online at http://www.unitedwaytopeka.org/ or on Facebook.

About Lt. Governor Parkinson:

A successful businessman and former legislator, Mark Parkinson is a native Kansan who grew up in Wichita and now resides in Olathe. Mark’s family has its roots in Scott City, where they still own a farm.

Governor Sebelius appointed Parkinson as co-chair of the Kansas Energy Council and chair of the Kansas Wind Working Group. In the summer of 2007, he launched Volunteer Kansas to assist in connecting volunteers to service organizations. Parkinson also serves on the Kansas Mentors Leadership Council, chaired by Coach Bill Snyder. Recently, Parkinson was appointed as Chair of the Governor’s Military Council. He continues to lead the BEST efforts, the Governor’s budget-savings initiative.

Mark and Stacy, his wife of more than 25 years, are active in community and charitable organizations, including co-chairing the successful Sunflower House Capital Campaign which raised $4.2 million to support the child abuse assistance agency. They also completed a $6.7 million Capital Campaign for SAFEHOME, one of the most comprehensive domestic violence agencies in Kansas. Both involvements led the United Community Services of Johnson County to name Mark and Stacy as 2006 Co-Citizens of the Year. They are parents to three children: Alex, Sam, and Kit. They belong to the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood.

Heartwarming tale of a little boy who Lives United

2008-12-23T09:16:00.000-08:00

Story Submitted by Sally Wright, Topeka

I wanted to would share this story with all of you in the Troop:

A couple of hours after I got off the phone with Maria the other night my phone rang, I looked at my caller I.D. and noticed it was Maria calling me back. I was a little anxious about answering it since she told me that her husband that was involved in an accident at work where he fell off a ladder/scafel and broke both of his legs had not had a good day. As a result of the accident, Maria's husband Frankie had been moved into a nursing home to recover from surgery. He is waiting (impatiently) until he gets more movement back in his legs.

I answered the phone and could tell by her voice that she had been crying.

Maria said, "Thank you for teaching Gabriel (her 6 year old son) how to give!"

I was shocked by her statement that she made and said "What do you mean?"

She told me that she had explained to Gabriel what Troop 7 was doing for their family to help them over the holidays by giving them gifts/food to help them out while they are going through this difficult time. Maria then told me that Gabriel went to his room counted the money in his piggy bank and told his Mom that he had an idea of what he wanted to do for Christmas too. Gabriel told his Mom that he felt sorry for the older people in the nursing home that his Dad is in because noone comes to visit him and he wants to use the money in his piggy bank (he counted $20.00) to buy them balloons and tie a candy cane on the string of each balloon for them for Christmas. Maria said that she was shocked that he wanted to use his own money for that and talked about how she would give her last penny to help others if she could. So Maria said Friday night her and Gabriel are going to buy balloons and tie candy canes on them to take to the nursing home.

I told Maria that we feel so fortunate to be able to help them and that how awesome it is this that Gabriel wants to do something for someone else too.

Ironically we haven't even given them their gifts yet and this family already feels blessed by the Troop 7's outreach.

I just wanted to share this story with everyone and thank those families that helped shop for Frankie, Maria and Gabriel obviously they feel very blessed by your giving. Also, thanks to the Bleich family, Timmy Lang, Byron Ashley and Cole for helping wrap after we went shopping.

We are delivering the gifts for the family on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. plan on meeting at the First Christian Church in the back parking lot.

Merry Christmas!!

Sally Wright

United Way Will Reach $6 Million Goal!

2008-12-15T07:18:00.000-08:00

Topeka, Kan – The $6 million goal sounded challenging.

But, the United Way of Greater Topeka is supported by a generous community.

“We will reach our $6 million goal,” said Scott Griffith, 2008 campaign chair at the United Way Appreciation Breakfast at the Big Gage Shelter House today to roaring applause. “This is a community where people really do help neighbors in need.”

The campaign kicked off August 27 with the announcement of the $6 million goal. Because numerous campaigns are still under way throughout the community, the United Way will release the final dollar amount after every last pledge form had been processed. Griffith promised the campaign total would be announced at a later date.

“We are thrilled, excited and humbled to announce the campaign’s success,” said Miriam Krehbiel, United Way CEO. “When the goal was first set last July, we could not have predicted the economic turmoil ahead, which is why reaching and hopefully exceeding $6 million is more crucial than ever.”

Aside from announcing campaign successes, the breakfast focused on honoring and thanking the countless volunteers and companies who donated time and talents to make the campaign goal attainable.

“Throughout this amazing campaign, we have witnessed this community embrace the United Way’s message to Live United,” said Krehbiel. “It’s more than a motto or a slogan. ‘Live United’ goes beyond just the United Way; it is a way of life and we thank you.”

Christmas Bureau Radio-Thon Under Way

2008-12-04T14:00:00.000-08:00

The jingling of Christmas bells can be heard throughout department stores with Santa seated in his sleigh, ready to jot down the wishes of good girls and boys. Twinkling lights strung from the eaves of homes can be seen every evening. And, without thinking about it, we all sing along to familiar Christmas songs heard everywhere we go.

The Christmas Season is here.

Amidst all the hustle and bustle of trying to get shopping completed, gifts wrapped and cards mailed, we must never forget the thousands of men, women and children throughout our very own city who, without the generosity of strangers, would wake up without a gift under their tree (and maybe without a tree at all).

We share the stories, you make the Christmas Miracles.

The United Way of Greater Topeka Christmas Bureau is in full swing. Families have been screened and adoptions are taking place. Today and tomorrow, Majic 107.7 along with Slumberland Furniture are doing back to back days of Radio-Thons to try and give every family a Christmas this year. Call 2-1-1 anytime anywhere in the state of Kansas free of charge for information on adoption, volunteering or if you need assistance.

Consider adopting a family this year, volunteering or simply making a donation. It's all about choosing to LIVE UNITED and the holidays are a good time to start a new tradition of giving back.

Select here to link to the United Way of Greater Topeka Christmas Bureau Web Page.

Big Week of Big Giving

2008-12-04T11:39:00.001-08:00

It's absolutely humbling, exciting and inspiring all at once to see the community come together to Live United and donate to the United Way of Greater Topeka. This week was a busy one with two check presentations.

The first was on Tuesday at 1 p.m. at BNSF. The presentation was at the BNSF Shops, and it's quite the maze to drive to their cafeteria area. You maneuver around stopped locomotives and repair areas, and luckily I had been there before, but the reporters from KSNT and WIBW had not. They arrived separately, so for each, I met them at the gate and had them follow me in.

I caught a glimpse of the check before it was officially unveiled. The amount? $259,642. It was amazing to see a number so large - a number which represented so many individuals uniting together in a common cause.

On Wednesday morning, several United Way staffers crammed into a car with pent up excitement. We were heading to BCBS of Kansas for another big check presentation. Everyone was excited and curious as to their campaign results. Despite the economy, we discovered how thankful people are for what they have. This gratefulness appears to lead donors to give - to help out their neighbors in this community. Topeka really is a place where folks will dig into their own pockets to help each other out.

The big news out of BCBS of Kansas wasn't simply that they surpassed last year - they raised $209,845.44! But, they also increased the percentage of individuals donating -- 66 percent of local BCBS of Kansas employees are choosing to Live United by giving to the United Way of Greater Topeka -- and hundreds more are doing so through volunteering and advocating!

All in all, it was another incredible, amazing week for the United Way of Greater Topeka. And, it shows all of us here just how fortunate we are to live in such a generous community.

Thanksgiving Dinner a Success

2008-12-01T11:17:00.000-08:00

The United Way of Greater Topeka Volunteer Center supplied the hard-working volunteers to prep, cook, serve, deliver and clean-up the 41st annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner Foundation big feast.

The dinner was served from noon to 3 p.m. Thanksgiving Day at the Kansas Expocentre Agricultural Hall. Over 1,320 meals were delivered by dedicated volunteers to individuals unable to travel to the Ag Hall. 430 meals were "carry-outs" and picked up by the diners. Another 975 dinners were gobbled up -- turkey, dressing and the works, in a family style feed at the hall. All total, over 2,775 meals were served, shattering the previous year's record by several hundred.

The event, which is coordinated and run completely by volunteers was free to all who wanted a hot, hearty meal. The meal was prepared with items donated by community members throughout the week prior and cash donations to purchase the 2,000 pounds of turkey required for a successful event.

Kudos to the volunteers who contributed hours of their holiday to the greater good and choosing to Live United!

Miriam's Speech at Philanthropy Day

2008-11-20T08:53:00.001-08:00

After presenting at Philanthropy Day on November 13, many inspired by the speech delivered by Miriam Krehbiel, United Way of Greater Topeka CEO, asked for it to be posted. As requested, here it is... enjoy!

____________________________________________________

Thoughts on Philanthropy
National Philanthropy Day 2008
Miriam Krehbiel

What a pleasure and honor it is to be with you today. I had only been back in Topeka for just a few short weeks when I received the call from Joyce Martin to speak with you today. I think in the whirlwind of moving across country I lost a few brain cells because without even thinking I said “Yes!” Now here I am, in front of all of you with the daunting task of preaching to the choir about the importance of philanthropy in helping communities become better.

Well, let me begin by telling you a bit about myself. I am a native Kansan and so very glad to be home again after 25 plus years in Texas and California. I was raised by parents who believed that it was the responsibility of everyone to give back to our communities – whether that meant giving of time or money or even clothes to those who are in need. But to be perfectly honest, the last thing that I EVER wanted to do was ask people for money! Who would have thought that I would end up in a position with the United Way where doing just that is critical to what I do . . . and not just what I do, but what I’m so very passionate about. But, as you may have heard me say during these past 4 months . . . it’s about so much more than just the money. It’s really all about focusing my life on how to Live United.

I am very sure that there are those out there who think that we are nuts for doing what we do . . . especially in times like we are facing right now. It is a very rare occasion these days when the focus on television and radio isn’t about bailouts and a volatile stock market. We are hearing of people losing their jobs, their homes, and unable to pay for the basic necessities of life. And here we are asking our communities to choose us . . . give to us . . . help us. Nearly all of us in the non-profit sector are watching the needs for our services climb. And possibly more powerful than what we see is what we know in our hearts is still to come. Our need for resources is great. But where will these resources come from? Can we possible believe that people will give of their time and/or their money with so much uncertainty? I believe, without hesitation, that they will. All we have to do is connect, listen, and respond.

In “Democracy in America” Alexis de Tocqueville made, what I believe to be, one of his most important observations when he noted the American disposition to organize and join voluntary associations which helped to provide charitable relief to those in need and to discuss and offer solutions to societal problems. He wrote this in 1835! I believe that across the nation and here in our community people continue to be committed to advancing the common good through giving, advocating and volunteering. That is evident here today by the corporate and foundation support we heard about earlier.

These are times of incredible opportunity for all of us, both as individual organizations and as a sector. If we choose to take the challenge, to be courageous in our efforts, we have the ability to present the community with the solutions that will help not just those in need but the community as a whole. I would offer that to be truly successful in times like these we need to search for ways to work more effectively together in order to maximize our efforts. We need to be truly innovative, responsive and flexible in both our resource developments activities as well as our programming. As I heard just the other day from Eric Morgenstern, President and CEO of Morgenstern Communications, we need to define how we are excellent vs. how we are different. Think about the power of that statement for a moment. So many times we spend our time trying to convince those we are soliciting that we are different from the organization down the street – we are more worthy, more cost effective. Now think about the power of your conversation if you were to focus on how you are excellent. Excellent because you are knowledgeable about what is important to them. Excellent because you value your relationship with them and want to help them achieve their goals. Excellent because of the positive results you are achieving in the community with a service that is critical to advancing the common good.

Along with social values, the nature of philanthropy has changed. According to an Environics study, in the 1950s, philanthropy was motivated by guilt, and a religious sense of duty, and was often conspicuous. Today by contrast, donors are driven by personal quests and a desire to make a difference. They are more focused on the root causes of issues rather than just providing relief to problems. They are also looking for opportunities to learn and grow through their involvement with the charities that they support.

In an article written by the Corporation for National Community Service it was said that “Economic downturns also offer special opportunities for truly innovative nonprofits to increase their incomes above normal, prosperous levels by, for example, broadening the client base to embrace people newly distressed, appealing to new groups of contributors, or marketing new types of goods or services that, when prosperity inevitably returns, can be important new sources of significant income for a nonprofit that proved itself innovative in difficult times.” I was on a webinar yesterday with United Ways across the nation, discussing the current giving environment and I listened to how the United Way in Salt Lake is campaigning to raise an additional 5 million in goods and money to assist people with basic needs. I was struck by the words she used. She said that just as they are doing she would encourage each of us to ask people to “Give courageously” . . . to look past our fear and uncertainty and invest in our neighbors . . . invest in our community with perspective that together we can make it through daunting times.

Over the past months I have had the incredible opportunity to participate in and observe our community, through the United Way lens, courageously give. Let me tell you, it has been an awesome and humbling experience. I have seen our community step up time and time again. First through incredible participation in Day of Caring . . . even in the pouring rain people wanted to do their part in helping others. Then through the continuing good news of increasing financial campaign results from companies large and small. And finally the gift from a gentleman during our on-air new business blitz. This gentleman gave us all he could . . . he gave us a precious 5 dollars . . . because at one time he had been helped by a United Way organization and remembered the hope he gained from that assistance – he felt that he had a responsibility to give back. Donors come in all shapes and sizes, from all walks of life, and often from unlikely sources.

To quote Elizabeth Barrett Browning:
God answers sharp and sudden on some prayers,And thrusts the thing we have prayed for in our face,A gauntlet with a gift in it.
In what can appear to be difficult times for us, I would challenge you to take up this gauntlet and recognize that in it is the gift of opportunity to be excellent – excellent in addressing the needs of our neighbors and excellent at working together to advance the common good and Live United.
Thank you so much for your time and for welcoming me so warmly into this community.

We Are Blogging Now

2008-11-20T08:44:00.000-08:00

The purpose of this blog is to better connect the community with the Live United Movement and the United Way of Greater Topeka. The UWGT website (http://www.unitedwaytopeka.org/) is a wonderful tool in explaining the nuts and bolts of how the United Way works with the community, allocates funds and coordinates volunteers. It is also a great resource in finding ways to Give, Volunteer and Advocate, and while this blog will not replace the web site, it will most definitely complement it.

More clearly stated, this blog will give a personal voice to the work of the United Way, the people we reach and those who give their time and money.

Please feel free to post comments or ask questions.