Four Central Indiana companies whose businesses range from property development, to legal, energy and health care research were honored with United Way of Central Indiana’s (UWCI) Spirit United award presented at the organization’s annual meeting celebration.
Duke Realty Corporation, Ice Miller LLP, Indianapolis Power & Light Company and Roche Diagnostics Corporation won the award recognizing exemplary and consistent volunteer and financial support for UWCI’s mission: helping people learn more, earn more and lead safe and healthy lives. This is the fourth year in which the award has been presented.
“These companies join the ranks of 16 other iconic partners in helping us to create a community where we can be proud of the quality of life for everyone,” said Ellen K. Annala, United Way’s immediate past president and CEO.
Honorees and background on how each achieved the distinction are:
Duke Realty Corporation — Operating in 18 major markets, Duke Realty develops industrial, office and healthcare properties. Likewise, the company has developed a strong LIVE UNITED tradition. It has earned the coveted Company that Cares award for more than 15 years. In addition to United Way’s annual campaign, Duke Realty has also donated nearly $1 million dollars worth of construction services to several United Way agencies including Boys and Girls Club of Zionsville, Boone County Senior Services and Lutheran Child & Family Services. Duke Realty employees also volunteer on United Way’s board and committees, as agency evaluators and board members, for Day of Caring and participate in Leadership United. The company also participates in United Christmas Service.
Ice Miller LLP — Attorneys and staff at Ice Miller are actively involved with many community organizations, with the largest contribution — more than $270,000 last year — to United Way. Partners match employee pledges to United Way, and the firm ranks among the top Indianapolis law firms for the number of people who pledge at a leadership level of $1,500 or more. In recent years, Ice Miller has been honored with the Company That Cares award for exceeding goals. Over the years, the firm’s lawyers and employees have also served on United Way’s board and committees, participated in Leadership United training and performed pro bono legal work for nonprofit organizations that could not otherwise afford it.
Indianapolis Power & Light Company (IPL) — A current of giving flows through Indiana. This describes both Indianapolis Power & Light Company and its United Way involvement. Between employee contributions and the company match, more than $500,000 goes towards IPL’s annual Central Indiana United Way campaign. IPL employees also power United Way’s mission by volunteering on United Way’s board, leading key policy committees, serving dinner to families at Mary Rigg Community Center every Wednesday for several years and through Day of Caring. Last year’s multi-faceted project resulted in an outdoor face lift for IPS 94: new landscaping, repaved bike path, and refurbished outdoor learning area, and more.
Roche Diagnostics — A leader in research-focused health care, Roche also differentiates itself in its support of the community’s quality of life through United Way. A multi-year Company that Cares honoree, Roche has participated as a Pacesetter (early) campaign, provided sponsorship for events, and adopted United Christmas Service families. Roche executives have also connected United Way with new business prospects. Its employees volunteer at the board and committee levels for United Way, are members of affinity groups, and give their time as agency evaluators, agency board members and more. Last year Roche partnered with UWCI by providing volunteers and funding for ReadUP at Brook Park Elementary School in Lawrence Township.
To be eligible for Spirit United, a company had to have won United Way’s Company that Cares award for the past three years, have provided financial support and resources above and beyond a successful workplace campaign, and engaged significant volunteer support for United Way’s mission.
Recipients were chosen by a volunteer task force of previous winners. Each Spirit United honoree received a custom-designed award created by Herff Jones, Inc.
For more information about United Way’s LIVE UNITED movement, visit uwci.org or call (317) 923-1466.
