Ashland – For Thursday mornings, United Way of Ashland County “Faces of Change” 2018 Campaign kick-off Breakfast, the theme was “Ashland’s Got Talent”, and it became apparent throughout the program that giving to help others is one of the county’s best talents.
“We are so proud of the work they (Pacesetters) did, “Stacy Schiemann, executive director of United Way of Ashland County, said after the breakfast.
Michelle Vanderzyden, Joe Reep and Dan Lawson served as the “Judges” for the pacesetter talent performances.
The Pacesetter organizations for the 2018 campaign are Ashland University, Ashland City Schools, Ashland County West Holmes Career Center, BCU Electric, Farmers & Savings Bank, Loudonville/Perrsyville Schools, Lutheran Social Services, Snyder’s Lance, University Samaritan Hospital, Whitcomb & Hess and the partner agencies of the United Way.
“While today is about fun and getting the campaign launched, it’s really about how meaningful United Way and its partner agencies are to this town and we want to connect those dots for everyone, “Schiemann said. “We don’t want anyone to forget that United Way is here to fund the agencies that are doing the hard work every day and by you donating your time and your dollars, You’re really making an impact to make this community thrive.”
Aaron and Aubrey Bates are serving as the co-chairs of the 2018 Campaign. The couple praised the hard work put in by the Pacesetters and asked the community to join their family in supporting United Way.
“We as a community, it is our hope that we would be known as a place that holds the values of compassion and generiosity very, very high, “Aaron Bates said. Ashland resident Rebecca Zickefoose shared the story of how Hospice of North Central Ohio helped her 9-year old son after his grandfather passed away a few years ago. He was having trouble coping with the loss so the family turned to Hospice of North Central Ohio’s bereavement counselors.
“The people, our friends there, they treated him with the same respect and care that you would expect to give anyone who is grieving. They gave him the support. they gave him the tools. With just a few sessions they equipped him with things he could use to get through situations, “Zickefoose said.
“We fostered relationships. It’s not just about numbers and it’s not just about money or anything like that. What United Way does that supports organizations, like Hospice, it affords them the opportunity to just do what they do, which is care for people and make a change in our lives and many, many, others. So thank you.
Article provided by: Richland Source – Tim Busbey