Fulton County United Way Executive Director Jenny Moriarty stands next to the organization’s sign on Jan. 10 outside the Fulton County Courthouse showing how much has been raised through the current campaign. InkFreeNews photo by Leah Sander.

By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

ROCHESTER — Fulton County United Way Executive Director Jenny Moriarty said people can give to many nonprofits through the organization.

She noted people will often want to donate separately to individual nonprofits United Way helps like Court Appointed Special Advocates of Fulton County, which she says is fine.

However Moriarty noted kids in CASA often need help from other area nonprofits too.

“A lot of times that kid at CASA needs (Fulton County) Council on Aging because they have Transpo and they have to get to school and they need (Fulton County) Pack-a-Backpack because they need a backpack,” she said. “There’s a lot of other things that a kid may need besides just that one agency, that when they give to us we’re able to help a lot of other areas of need.”

The nonprofits Fulton County United Way helped in 2023 include: CASA of Fulton County, Fulton County Council on Aging, Fulton County Animal Adoption and Education Center, Manitou Training Center, Fulton County Pack-a-Backpack, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, The Salvation Army, and United Ministries of Fulton County.

Moriarty said any nonprofits based in the county are welcome to apply for funding raised from United Way’s most recent campaign, which should be distributed around “mid-February.”

“There is an application … they have to fill out, provide budgets and all of that and then we meet with them and do an in-person interview as well,” explained Moriarty of the process for nonprofits to get monies.

People may stop by Fulton County United Way’s office at 722 Main St., Rochester, or call (574) 223-8929 to learn how to apply.

As of Jan. 10, Fulton County United Way had raised $70,000 through its current campaign, with the fundraising nearly over.

From all the funds raised, “less than $2,000 … in dues” each year goes to the state and national United Way branches, Moriarty explained.

“Paying our dues, we’re able to get different grants through that, so yes, it does cost, but we’ve gotten that money back,” she noted.

“The biggest way we found that we raise the money is through employee campaigns,” said Moriarty of how the money comes in each year. “So, we do try to get into different businesses and speak with them.”

Moriarty stated individual donations are welcomed though, with people able to give even when a campaign isn’t ongoing.

This may be done by people dropping off funds or mailing them to: P.O. Box 183, Rochester, IN 46975.

Fulton County United Way had its first trivia night fundraiser in September 2023, which Moriarty said was a success and should return again for 2024. She and Fulton County United Way’s Board will meet this month to discuss any additional fundraising events.

The current United Way Board includes: President Lauren Adley, Vice President Staci Heinzmann, Campaign Chair Todd Van Sickel, Secretary Kim Hunter and Members Tyson Kalischuk, Angie Miller, Hannah Penrod and Sherry Shepherd. Sophie McCall serves as the board’s student ambassador.

Moriarty said other future plans the group is working on include possibly bringing back the organization’s “Day of Caring,” through which volunteers do service projects at the homes of people in need.

She said there’s also been discussion about moving United Way’s office from its current location, although no formal decisions have been made yet.

“It’s nice having visibility on the main street, but realistically if people come in … I’m directing them to United Ministries or a food pantry or something like that, so … we’re trying to be as resourceful as we can with the funds we raise,” said Moriarty.

Community members participate in Fulton County United Way’s trivia fundraiser in September 2023. Photo provided by Fulton County United Way.