This year’s United Way of Will County goal — $4,001,001
By Brian Stanley bstanley@stmedianetwork.com October 4, 2012 12:56PM
Michael Hennessy, president and CEO for United Way of Will County, addresses the crowd during a kick off for the 2012-2013 campaign in the ballroom at Jacob Henry Mansion Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, at 15 S. Richards St. in Joliet. | Matthew Grotto~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: November 6, 2012 6:10AM
JOLIET — It’s not stopping Dr. Doom from taking over the world or stopping Galactus from eating it.
But 2012-13 Campaign Chair Mike Rittof compared the United Way of Will County to a team of superheroes at Thursday’s kickoff breakfast.
“When I think of the United Way and the people behind it, I think of the Fantastic Four,” Rittof told an audience of more than 200 people at the Jacob Henry Mansion Victorian Ballroom.
The Invisible Woman’s force field is provided by partner agencies; supporting organizations show the burning passion of The Human Torch and the strength and endurance of the United Way staff is worthy of The Thing.
“Which leaves President Michael Hennessy as ‘Mr. Fantastic’ because he’s not just the leader, but finds a way to stretch those donations as much as he can,” Rittof said.
And this year’s fundraising goal is just more than $4 million — $4,001,001.
“The ones (are so) everyone can remember giving that extra dollar matters,” Hennessy said.
Representatives from major companies supporting the organization spoke about ways they’ve encouraging employee contributions — from bake sales and paying to wear jeans to putting managers in dunk tanks and competing for vacation days.
“We see these children and these families every day,” Troy School Superintendent Don White said. “Hearing about the things you’re doing (to contribute) is very exciting.”
The United Way of Will County provides funding to more than 40 local service organizations providing health and human services for local residents. Last year, 453,869 people used United Way agency services locally.
To become involved with the United Way of Will County, call 815-723-2500 or email info@uwwill.org.
