Tomco employees contributed $16,240 to Campaign 2006, an increase of $700. ITW matches all contributions based on percentage of participation at the local plant. This year, the Bryan plant had 71% participation, which means the ITW Foundation match is $11,530. Total giving from ITW/Tomco is $27,770, and if 75% participation is reached corporation wide, this will increase to more than $32,000 for our local United Way.

The internal campaign at ITW/Tomco was run by Tara Brown and Vickie Greenler. The campaign featured a company-produced video showing how ITW employees nationwide were helped by United Way. They also offered a number of incentives to give. Hourly employees that gave at least $1.00 per week got one unpaid vacation day. Those giving at least $5.00 per week got two unpaid vacation days. Givers were also entered in a drawing to win a number of prizes. Production at the plant was shut down so that United Way representatives could speak to all employees. Face-to-face contact and incentives are two of the biggest things a company can do to help increase giving.

Thanks to all the employees at ITW/Tomco for a great 200 campaign! We appreciate the hard work of Tara and Vickie to get the word out and get such fantastic results.

Andres O'Neil and Lowe continued its tradition of campaign success this year, raising $16,257 from its employees. A corporate gift brings the total to $18,957.

Leadership giving - personal gifts of $500 or more - is the focus of the Andres O'Neil and Lowe campaign. Each employee who makes a contribution of $500 or more to the United Way campaign receives three additional vacation days to be used during 2007. Campaign coordinator Heather Teegarden credits this incentive for the increase in leadership givers; the company now has 12.

Thanks to the employees of Andres O'Neil and Lowe for again stepping up to the plate for our United Way!

Did you know that donations to the Thomas M. Herman Leadership Giving Society made up almost 40% of Campaign 2005? This year's leadership giving total to date is $54,119 or 36% of our $150,000 leadership goal.

Individuals and spouses who contribute $500 or more to the United Way of Williams County each year are enrolled as leadership givers.

Please promote leadership giving within your company. For as little as $9.62 per week, someone can make a difference in a huge way.

Thanks to all who participated in the United Way Week coloring contest. We had hundreds of entries so it was a very difficult decision. Thanks to local artist Lana Pendleton Hall for judging the contest.

The winners in each community are as follows. Those in bold were randomly selected to win the grand prize of a United Way t-shirt and riding along in that community's summer parade.

• Bryan: Lewis Orr, Anna Graham, Logan Psurny
• Edgerton: Micheala Gulick, Colton Gulick, Vanessa Stotz
• Edon: Zoe Maier, Anikin Meeker, Jasmine Meeker
• Montpelier: Gabby Cox, Zachary Mason, Simon Saewang
• Pioneer: Draven Keller, Allison Hutchison, Jared Morris
• Stryker: Sophia Rockey, Aubri Reiniche, Destany Medaugh
• West Unity: Kennedy Fish, Jasmine Haynes, Bailey Funkhouse

Thanks again to everyone who participated and look for us again next year!

A bright new hardcover book arrives in the day?s mail.

?For me?? he asks.

With the wide smile and excitement of a special gift, he tears through the cellophane wrap, savors the brightly colored jacket, and folds his new treasure next to his chest. He wraps his hand in mine and joyfully pleads, ?Momma, come on. Read it to me. Momma, come on.?

I have learned to stop and indulge at moments like these. The dishes may be piled high, and laundry, bills, work and other tasks beckon. Fifteen minutes on the sofa with Luke and a new book are a cherished haven in an otherwise typical day.

So off we go... on our adventure.

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