The importance of impact continues to drive the United Way of Lake County. Officials this week noted that 2024, as with previous years, saw sustained community outreach and partnerships that benefited several initiatives, including staple food drives and key programs, notably in a time of continued need. Established action UWLC president and CEO Dione DeMitro added that the nonprofit invested $1,449,000 in funds, grants, and food into the Lake County community to fill gaps, ensuring that friends and neighbors, struggling to stay afloat, have access to essential services. “This includes medical care, shelter for our homeless, formula to fill the bellies of hungry babies, refuge and care for victims of domestic violence, free books for pre-K children to fight illiteracy, mentors for our youth, and more,” she said. Just last month, the organization distributed over 800 turkeys and traditional Thanksgiving side items from its office at 9285 Progress Parkway in Mentor to area pantries during its annual “United for the Holidays” food drive. Ryan “Shugabooga” Gilkerson of Ville City Branding is admonished by Jail Bus Driver Ben Capelle, CEO of Laketran, during United Way of Lake County’s Second Annual “Jail and Bail” fundraiser. (Submitted) Additionally, UWLC hosted its second annual “Jail and Bail” fundraiser, with all proceeds raised supporting nonprofit programs in education, health and financial stability. The community campaign, officials noted, raised more than $13,000, surpassing 2023’s “impressive total” of $10,000. “The energy of everyone who generously participated was incredible,” DiMitro said. “They’re helping us meet the increasing needs in our community, and I couldn’t be more grateful.” United Way of Lake County President and CEO Dione DeMitro teamed up with staff members and community volunteers on June 19 during the nonprofit’s recent food distribution drive in Mentor. (News-Herald file) New ventures This year, officials noted, also saw the launch of programs, primarily “Get Connected” and “Small Business United.” Get Connected, managed by UWLC, is a volunteer initiative that serves to match individuals with organizations and agencies in need of help for any number of projects, DeMitro added. Small Business United, known as SBU, naturally, promotes business owners and enterprises aimed at growing a “strong and healthy” community. “These same owners also know the importance of giving back, which is where SBU comes in,” DeMitro said. “All funds raised in Lake County from this membership, stay in Lake County. “The program is designed to make philanthropy a simple, rewarding, budget-friendly way to make a big impact while giving back,” she added. “When membership donations are pooled together, the impact is much greater than when donations are diversified.” Also, this year, DeMitro said, saw the opening of a food pantry at the office. “We use it to store donated items for the 38 pantries we help support to shop from,” she added. “Food banks can now shop in between our regularly scheduled food distribution dates.” Challenges and looking forward Acknowledging obstacles, as always, DeMitro noted that one of UWLC’s biggest challenges as a nonprofit working for the benefit of vulnerable residents is the need for assistance continues to grow. “The more people there are that need help means fewer are available to give back in support of our work,” she emphasized. “To address this, we have expanded our network of partners with those who believe in our mission and that a partnership with us is the best way to help the most people within Lake County.” Moving forward, DeMitro added that the organization aims to continue expansion through its grant allocation program, in addition to providing resources. “By doing so, we can continue to strengthen our community and address (those) critical areas of need,” she said. “Every year we start with a clean slate — a budget of $0 —where we must work to raise needed funds from organizations, agencies and residents to put back into our community where the needs are the greatest. “And all donations raised in Lake County stay in Lake County,” DeMitro added, noting the organization will work diligently in 2025 as it did this year. “We’re excited we exceeded our 2023 fundraising goal and through our success (in 2024) we’re proud to have funded 35 nonprofit programs via 23 agency partners, and to have supported 38 Lake County food pantries.” Next month, UWLC will honor the winners of the “Emerging Leaders” during the Sixth Annual “4 Under 40 Awards.” The award serves to honor Lake County’s “best and brightest young professionals for their hard work and achievements in the areas of leadership, community involvement, entrepreneurship, and professional accomplishment.”