By: Amy Wendt
On September 20, 2022, the United Way of Williams County held its 2021 Annual Meeting, Awards Banquet & 2022 Campaign Kickoff, where it was announced that Jeff & Bobbie Erb will serve as 2022 Campaign Chairs.
Jeff is no stranger to the United Way as he has served on the organization’s board where he was able to see its operations from a different perspective than most.
The Erbs wrote in their campaign kick-off letter, “The United Way of Williams County does truly amazing things.
In 2022 over 21,000 people in Williams County were touched by the kindness of the United Way donors.
Donors giving to the United Way helped feed, clothe, educate, and provide health and mental health services… That is incredible!”
For Bobbie, this is the first time she has been involved in the United Way. Despite not having attended a meeting in her official capacity yet, she is excited about serving as co-chair with her husband.
The couple looks forward to bringing community awareness about the many charities the United Way campaigns for.
“There are a lot of organizations that do good, but not a lot of organizations that help only Williams County,” Jeff says. “This money helps our neighbors.”
Because Jeff has sat on the board, he feels it is also important to help people feel confident when donating to the organization since all of the funds benefit Williams County residents directly.
“The United Way has really good systems setup so they protect those funds and they do not squander them,” Jeff continued. “I trust their process, it’s rock solid.”
In addition to the 2022 Campaign, the United Way holds other fundraising events throughout the year and Bobbie is looking forward to getting the word out to the public on those.
Upcoming events include the 9th Annual Trivia Night scheduled for Friday, January 20, 2023, which benefits We Care Cabinet.
The 3rd Annual Boots and Bowties for Books, which is set for Saturday, March 4, 2023, is another well-liked fundraiser that raises money for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
United Way’s 2022 Fiscal Year goal set by the board is to raise $345,000 to fund more than 30 programs throughout the county.
According to Jeff, “the folks in Williams County are very, very generous folks. I have no doubt that we will do very well this year.”
To the Erbs, it is truly an honor to serve as campaign chairs. Lifelong Williams County residents, the couple calls Stryker their home.
“I appreciate Williams County,” Jeff says, “and if I can give a little bit back I will certainly do that.”
According to Chasity Yoder, Executive Director of the Williams County United Way, the Erbs are the first Campaign Chairs from Stryker.
Yoder appreciates all of the support and also added that many do not realize that the United Way must campaign every year for those dollars to support the over 30 Williams County external programs that receive funds.
Amy can be reached at publisher@villagereporter.com
