LANB President Steve Wells accepts the Philanthropist of the Year Award on behalf of the bank from United Way Executive Director Kristy Ortega for the generosity and support the bank provides to the community. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
LANL Deputy Director Beth Sellers accepts the Regional Partnership Award on behalf of the Lab and LANS from United Way Executive Director Kristy Ortega for its million dollar match campaign. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
United Way Youth Team from left, Kaylie Burk, Emma Haines, Soumyo Lahiri-Gupta, Youth Team Advisor Morrie Pongratz, Chair Justin Dunn, Nicole Graham and Akane Dunn. The team hosted five fundraising projects raising more than $10,000. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
Staff Report
LANB President Steve Wells was honored as Philanthropist of the Year on behalf of the bank, which Ortega said most everyone in the community had been touched by in a positive way.
LANL Deputy Director Beth Sellers accepted the Regional Partners Award on behalf of the Lab and Los Alamos National Security, LLC. She spoke to the crowd gathered at the Manhattan Project Bar & Grill, thanking the many employees who supported the United Way giving campaign and recognized staff from Community Programs Office including Carole Rutten, Johnnie Martinez and Debbie Wersonick.
Once again LANS participated in the Million Dollar Match Program for United Way. Cray Inc., was recognized for contributing $30,000 over three years as part of Community Commitment Plan with LANL.
Special thanks went to LANL Champion, Terry Wallace and to LANL’s Ethan Fogget and Steve Sandoval and many others.
Ortega explained that the United Way of Northern New Mexico raises money for the Community Action Fund. In 2012, more than 50 non-profit organizations serving Los Alamos and Rio Arriba County came with requests for funds totaling more than $1.3 million. UWNNM was able to grant out $600,000 to some 20 organizations.
“In 2013, the numbers look very similar,” she said. “This tells us that non-profit organizations have all identified specific needs in our community and then created ways to meet them. To do this, they require funds and other resources. We look forward to working together with Community Action Fund Investors and local non-profit organizations in our effort to raise the money they need to help our friends, neighbors and our community.”
In the non-profit industry administration, fees are unavoidable if you want experienced individuals in key positions making the organization as successful as possible, Ortega said. Donors make investments primarily to help a cause and non-profits preform their mission. This is where companies have stepped up and covered administration fees to make the “100 percent of individual investments” to the cause, or mission, a reality.
“Because of Cornerstones, each dollar you give to the Community Action Fund goes directly to a non-profit serving your community,” she said, adding that the funded partners in attendance Thursday included Family Strengths Network, Los Alamos Family Council and Family Learning Center.
Cornerstone Companies were recognized for their generosity to help those in need including LANB at $50,000, SOC at $10,000, Rio Grande Sun at $3,000, ReMax of Los Alamos at $1,000 and Del Norte Credit Union at $1,000. Abba Technologies raised $4,000 through a golf tournament.
Zia Credit Union was recognized for its sponsorship of the United Way Youth Team Sponsorship.
“Ellen Rhodda and JC Duggar stepped up to sponsor our UWNNM Youth Team,” Ortega said. “They are outstanding community supporters and had staff volunteers at each of this year’s five Youth Team events in which more than $10,000 was raised toward the Community Action Fund.”
Hot Rocks Café and Film Festival were Youth Team Sponsor for Taste the Sky and the High Tea on the Hill events, she said.
Los Alamos Commerce & Development Corporation promoted Small Business Saturday, which raised more than $2,500. Participants donating a portion of their proceeds included Fusion Multisport and Uli’s.
Los Alamos County was recognized for participating in a Workplace Campaign. Executive Director Ellen Morris Bond of Self Help, Inc. was honored with the Service Above and Beyond Award. She coordinates the 2-1-1 Program for Los Alamos and Rio Arriba County.
Ortega commended the United Way staff including Finance Administrator Marie Marroquin and Marketing Assistant Jeremy Varela.
United Way Board members in attendance Thursday include President Don Cobb, Vice President Valerie Martinez, Past President Bob Trapp, Steve Boerigter, Carol A. Clark, Jerry Ethridge, Katy Korkos and Jeff Mousseau.
Local media was recognized for covering the various fundraising events held throughout the year. Ortega announced that the next big event will be a joint effort by the Chamber of Commerce and United Way to host a Golf Tournament July 11 at the Los Alamos Golf Course.
LANL Deputy Director Beth Sellers spoke at Thursday’s event on behalf of the Lab and commended employees for their support of United Way. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
LANB President Steve Wells spoke of the importance of supporting the community. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
United Way Executive Director Kristy Ortega thanks Board President Don Cobb for his many contributions. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
United Way Executive Director Kristy Ortega and Board President Don Cobb present a special award to Jerry Ethridge. left, for his nine years of service on the board. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
United Way Board member Steve Boerigter and his wife Kathy greeted guests attending Thursday’s event. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
United Way contributors Lori Heimdalh Gibson, left foreground and her husband Robert Gibson, right foreground, were recognized along with other contributors at Thursday’s event. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
Owner/Broker Kendra Henning of ReMax of Los Alamos, center, was recognized as a Cornerstone Company for her generous contributions to United Way. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
The Gills, at right, received special recognition for their longtime generosity to United Way. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
Guests and board members join United Way staff at the buffet line Thursday. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
