United Way of Central Indiana Recognizes Four Companies with the Prestigious Spirit United Award
Four companies were awarded with the top prize – the Spirit United Award – for exceptional volunteer and financial support of United Way of Central Indiana during United Way’s Annual Meeting at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in front of a crowd of nearly 1,000 people. Spirit United is the most esteemed company award, celebrating businesses that have consistently supported and generously donated to United Way. A Spirit United Award winner knows it takes more than just giving to improve our community – it takes volunteering and advocating too! The 2018 Spirit United Award winners are: Hachette Book Group, Homebanksb, Hulman and Company and The National Bank of Indianapolis. Hachette Book GroupHachette Book Group (HBG) is a leading US trade publisher. HBG has consistently supported United Way, ranking as one of the top five employers in Boone County for many years. In 2017, HBG sponsored the Boone County Backpack Attack and 900 backpacks were distributed throughout the community as a result. One HBG employee helped establish the Area Northwest Backpack United Festival, which supplies over 800 students with school supplies, medical screenings and basic needs items. HBG has persevered to ensure its growing staff understands the importance of community impact, reflected by 60% participation in their workplace fundraising efforts and a near $28,000 campaign contribution to United Way. The company hosted its first National Community Service Day on April 18, participating in a variety of community service activities including United Way’s Restock the Classroom.
HomeBanksbHomeBanksb is a community bank that serves Morgan, Johnson, Putnam and Hendricks counties. HomeBank has consistently partnered with United Way, providing over $124,000 in financial contributions over the years. In 2017, HomeBank planned various workplace fundraising opportunities benefiting United Way, resulting in a total campaign contribution of over $17,000 and a 50% increase in employee payroll contributions. This year, HomeBank was eager to support United Way’s priority area of education and 12 employees currently serve as ReadUP tutors in Morgan County elementary schools. The company also provided a corporate contribution of $5,000 to six ReadUP programs in their community.
Hulman and CompanyHulman and Company, owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, was founded in 1850 as a wholesale supplier of groceries, tobacco and liquor. In 2017, Hulman and Company’s own Mark Miles and Allison Melangton served as United Way Engagement Co-Chairs. They led the United Way @100 Committee, supporting United Way in reaching its 100th anniversary goals. The company supported United Way throughout the year, collecting items for 6,000 hygiene kits that were donated to Christamore House, a United Way partner agency. During the holiday season, Hulman and Company hosted United Way Monday Nights during Lights at the Brickyard, donating $5 from every ticket sold. The company also helped United Way culminate its 100th anniversary celebration, hosting A Future United at IMS.
The National Bank of IndianapolisThe National Bank of Indianapolis was founded in 1993 with a focus on superior service, local ownership and community involvement. The Bank has proudly supported the Central Indiana community since its inception, providing direct financial support through sponsorships, monetary contributions and in-kind donations. In 2017, the Bank saw a near $8,000 increase in giving during workplace campaigns and donated over $63,000 to a total of 29 United Way of Central Indiana agencies. Over the past year, many employees served on the boards of various United Way agencies and over 50 employees volunteered directly with agencies. Most recently, the Bank’s employees participated in “Hand Raisers for 100,” donating over 2,000 items in a school supply drive supporting Teachers Treasures.