United Way Names Don Apple & The Herald Bulletin 2009 Volunteer and Business of the Year

ANDERSON, IN - Don Apple was announced as United Way of Madison County’s 2009 Volunteer of the Year at the United Way of Madison County’s annual meeting March 10 at Anderson Country Club. This annual award recognizes the achievements of outstanding volunteers that have contributed time, talent and financial support to our community. The Herald Bulletin was named Business of the Year. This is the first Business of the Year award given by the organization.

Apple, the Chief Financial Officer for Saint John’s Health System and United Way of Madison County fundraising committee member, has led the Saint John’s employee campaign for the past three years. Saint John’s recorded the largest workplace campaign with employee contributions totaling 10% toward the final campaign results. Saint John’s President Tom VanOsdol said, “Don generated significant enthusiasm and healthy competition within our Saint John’s associate and physician community through his creative use of the LIVE UNITED campaign within each department of Saint John’s Health System.”

In addition to United Way, Apple is a past president of the Noon Exchange Club, Timbercrest Senior Living Community board member, and past president of the Indiana Chapter of the Healthcare Financial Management Association. He is also a 30-year member of the Church of the Brethern. Don and his wife Roseanne are loyal United Way donors, contributing to the campaign for more than 10 years at the leadership level.

President Nancy Vaughan said, “I have always appreciated being able to count on Don’s help during the campaign.  He is dedicated to community service and has encouraged many of his peers to follow his lead, whether it means encouraging others to give of their time or give of their financial resources.  But most of all, I appreciate Don's warm spirit and positive outlook.”

United Way has been presenting the Volunteer of the Year award since 1985.   In addition to Apple, other past recipients include: Norma Schlossberg (1985), Frances Snell (1986), George Satterwhite (1987), Russell Johnson (1988), Robert Austin (1989), Sandy Volk (1990), David Bucove (1991), Tom McMahan (1992), Joe Cook (1993), George Graves (1994), Howard Myers (1995), Joyce Gaskill (1996), Dick Vannatta (1997), Rich  DeHaven (1998), Jim & Marilyn Ault (1999), Duane Hoak (2000), Keith Pitcher (2001), John May (2002), Jeff Jenness (2003), Matilda Barber (2004), Tom &  Bobbette Snyder (2005), Bob Schuler (2006), Keith Trent (2007) and Dick May (2008).

President Nancy Vaughan said, “The Herald Bulletin stands out among Madison County businesses this year because of its exceptional demonstration of LIVE UNITED in action. We are pleased to recognize The Herald Bulletin as our 2009 Business of the year for its demonstration of the three components of LIVE UNITED: give, advocate, volunteer.”

Lead by Mike Casuscelli, former Herald Bulletin publisher and 2008 United Way of Madison County campaign chair, the Herald Bulletin advertising sales staff secured donated items for our online auction by making contacts throughout the business community on our behalf.  The design staff created 68 LIVE UNITED ads that ran daily from August through October at no cost, creating perhaps the most visible local ad campaign in United Way’s history. 

Publisher Henry Bird lead the employee campaign to its largest campaign increase on record - from $3241 in 2007 to $12,514 in 2008- a 300% increase. Henry followed that up by pledging one of their largest corporate gifts, and filling in as emcee at the UWMC final campaign report meeting.  The editorial staff continues to support United Way and other local non profit organizations by making column space available on a regular basis.

The official company recognition will be given at the Indiana Association of United Ways State Leaders Conference on March 19.  

Other volunteer recognition activities during the meeting included acknowledgment of retiring board member Joyce Gaskill, who has served on the United Way Board of Directors since 1995 and appreciation of longtime volunteers Sandy Volk, John May and Norma Schlossberg, all past Volunteer of the Year recipients.

Source: United Way of Madison County