Super Volunteers 2018

During National Volunteer Week (April 15-21), United Way of Lake County recognized four #SUPERvolunteers that have selflessly dedicated their time to furthering our mission of creating lasting change in Lake County. Keep reading to meet each of our SUPER Volunteers and learn about their connection with United Way.

 OUTSTANDING LONG-TERM VOLUNTEER: MARK ANDERSON

Photo: (Right to left) Mark Anderson, Mark’s current Reading Success student, and Ms. Chang.

Mark Anderson, Ph.D scientist in Oncology at Abbvie, has been volunteering with United Way of Lake County as a Reading Success tutor since 2011. For the last seven years, Mark has been tutoring at North Elementary in Waukegan and the majority of those years have been in Ms. Chang’s classroom.

Mark understands the need in Lake County and, through the Abbott/AbbVie volunteer portal, found the United Way Reading Success opportunity. The impact he makes and the progress he sees with the students he tutors brings him back each year. Mark identifies with United Way of Lake County’s mission that our community becomes stronger when everyone works together.

Watch Mark accept his Outstanding Long-Term Volunteer award:

 

“I think [reading] is something that can have a strong impact early on in children’s education.”
– Mark Anderson, on why he likes to volunteer around the issue of reading.

 

OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER: STEVE CARLSON

Steve Carlson is District 7 Commissioner for the Lake County Board. He has volunteered with United Way of Lake County since 2012 as a Board Member for the Lake County Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) where he has helped to review local needs and allocate funding to high capacity agencies proven to align with local efforts to prevent and decrease homelessness and hunger. Steve’s deep commitment to our community is showcased in his many volunteer roles throughout the county, including involvement with the Lake County Health and Community Services Committee, Lake County Forest Preserve, Lake County Board of Health, Lake County Coordinated Transportation Services Committee, and many more.

Watch Steve accept his Outstanding Community Volunteer award:

 

In 2015, Steve became involved with United Way’s efforts to implement a 2-1-1 system in Lake County after learning about the initiative through his work with EFSP. He has been a determined advocate for 2-1-1 fighting for its implementation and helping to move the initiative forward. Steve has helped United Way to build widespread community support for a 2-1-1 system and has been responsible for bringing numerous community leaders to the table with both organizational and financial support. On behalf of the community, we thank Steve for his time and efforts to help implement 2-1-1!

Watch Steve discuss 2-1-1 with UWLC’s President and CEO, Kristi Long:

 

OUTSTANDING FUNDRAISING VOLUNTEER GROUP: WOMEN UNITED

Photo: Women United members volunteering at their newest H.U.G.S. partner, Baby Talk in Waukegan. 

Women United of Lake County (WU) is comprised of nearly 100 women who dedicate their time, talent and resources to ensure Lake County’s most vulnerable children are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed. WU members are committed to growing their self-directed philanthropy fund, Little Kids, Big Futures, through special events including Power of the Purse, and growing their tribe of members. At least half of their membership donation of $1,000 or more goes back to the Little Kids, Big Futures Fund; so the more members, the more impact they are able to make.

Over the past 4 years, their fundraising efforts have been impressive. They have grown the Fund from $26,000 in 2014 to $132,000 in 2018, which is an average increase of 50% year over year and totals $369,000. As a result, between 2014 – 2017, they have funded 32,380 hours of preschool education for 376 low-income children in Lake County.

They look forward to adding to that impact after they make their grants decisions in early May. This powerful network of women is a true gift to United Way of Lake County and the children and families who benefit from their efforts.

Watch Patrice Maloney-Knauff, WU Chair, accept the Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer Group award on Women United’s behalf:

 

OUTSTANDING CORPORATE PARTNER: SNAP-ON CREDIT

Photo: Last June, Snap-On Credit employees spent their day repainting an early learning trail at Carman-Buckner Elementary School in Waukegan.

Snap-On employees have embraced our mission by generously donating both their time and money. They have supported our special events, acting as a sponsor for our Premier Leadership fundraising event since 2015. Snap-On also participates in volunteer engagement opportunities throughout the year. Thank you for being a wonderful partner and a leader in the community!

Watch Joe Burger, President of Snap-On Credit, accept the Outstanding Corporate Partner award on the company’s behalf: