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http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...amp;TM=46177.26

United Way honors Sullair chief

Erica Wort
Staff Writer

MICHIGAN CITY - Sullair President Henry Brooks has been recognized with United Way of La Porte County's highest honor.

He accepted the Burton B. Ruby award at the United Way's recent victory celebration at Blue Chip Casino and Hotel. It was in recognition of his work and the commitment of Sullair employees in contributing to United Way.

The fund drive topped its 2008 goal of $1,102,008 by more than $5,000.

"I am proud to be the caretaker of this distinguished award. Mr. Ruby set the mark high for the entire community with his tireless efforts," Brooks said. "In my case, the credit really goes to the men and women of Sullair, along with the many supporters who keep our community top of mind and assure that Sullair's activities add value to those that need it."

Sullair is the largest contributing organization by far in support of United Way.

The award, named in honor of Burton B. "Bud" Ruby, United Way of La Porte County board chair emeritus, is presented on an annual, as-merited basis to a United Way volunteer in recognition of commitment to the principles of volunteerism and service above self.

As Brooks accepted the award, he received a spontaneous standing ovation.

United Way supports 24 agencies in La Porte County, organizations that rely heavily on United Way funding to continue providing support to the community.

"I'm so thankful to everyone in the community for stepping up in such a big way, especially during a difficult economy," said Bill Hanna, United Way of La Porte County executive director. "People just would not let us fail."

Surpassing the goal this year was made even sweeter considering before 2007, the goal hadn't been met for five consecutive years.

Fred McNulty, 2008 campaign chair, underlined the achievement.

"This is a United Way celebration, but it really is a community celebration," McNulty said. "There are many winners - this is a team victory."

The victory celebration honored the volunteers and organization leaders who helped make the Better Together campaign a success.

Special honorees included the 19 loaned executives who pounded the pavement asking organizations to increase their giving, and the cornerstone award organizations that raised about half of the total money.

McNulty received the Chairman's Leadership Award, which recognizes unique and distinctive leadership in serving the community and United Way.

The John A. Garrettson Distinguished Service Award, presented to the volunteer whose continued interest in and service to a United Way partner agency best typifies Garrettson's qualities, was awarded to Dave De Lau of Dunebrook. The other nominees for the award were Judge Richard R. Stalbrink Jr. of the American Red Cross of La Porte County, Jennifer Heath of Barker Woods Enrichment Center, Sally Clapp of the La Porte County Council on Aging, Dot Ryan from the La Porte Family YMCA, Andie Wolfinsohn of Michiana Resources, Shirley and Norman Duerr of READ La Porte County Inc. and Jeff Weston of Youth Service Bureau.

"The award of significance was unveiling the check," McNulty said. "We did it. Any of us (McNulty, Brooks and De Lau) would give our awards back to be sure we made it," he added.

In addition to all of the volunteers and organizations that made the Victory Celebration possible, United Way of La Porte County also saluted NIPSCO and Lakeshore Public Televsion as their major campaign underwriters.

2008 Cornerstone Award Winners
• Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa, Ted Bogich, vice president and general manager.

• Chicago South Shore & South Bend Railroad, Henry Lampe, president.

• City of La Porte, Mayor Kathy Chroback.

• City of Michigan City, Mayor Chuck Oberlie.

• Criterion Catalyst Co., LP, Mike Burke, CEO.

• Fiber Bond Corp., John Marinau, president.

• Horizon Bank, Craig Dwight, president.

• ITW Red Head, Brian Michon, Plant Manager.

• La Porte Regional Health System, Mike Haley, CEO.

• Lakeshore Foods Corp., Gil Pontius, president.

• Michigan City Area Schools, Mike Harding, superintendent.

• National City Bank, Jeff Smith, President-La Porte County.

• Purdue University North Central, Jim Dworkin, chancellor.

• St. Anthony Memorial Hospital, Dr. James Callaghan, president.

• Sullair Corporation, Henry Brooks, president.

[Dave]

I've never been that wild about the United Way. It may donate money to good causes, but I've always figured it was more efficient for me to just give money directly rather than go through UW -- less overhead, and I get to determine what groups get the money rather than some group of UW folks I don't know. Hasn't there been some skulduggery about the UW as well, involving executive salaries, and earmarks by contributors not getting where they were supposed to go (something about some groups on the earmark list actually getting no funding)?

This probably goes back to the time I worked for Illinois Bell. I wondered back then why I, a poor slob working in customer service, should contribute from my meager paycheck so the company president could stand on a big stage and get an award from UW for handing over a check I and the other little guys mostly paid for.

[Michelle]

Eh, United Way is okay in the sense that it might prompt donations that would otherwise not occur. Also, it brings attention to some lesser-known charities that don't draw a lot of attention. But overall, I agree with you, Dave. It's more efficient to direct your help and dollars directly to the causes you want to support. I particularly dislike high-pressure campaigns to give in the workplace, since giving is such a personal matter.