This year, United Way of Central Indiana (UWCI) celebrates an impressive milestone — 100 years serving the Indianapolis community. Since 1918, UWCI has worked with more than 80 agencies that serve the critical needs of the community.
Now, the organization is celebrating its progress and everyone is invited.
When the organization set out to plan what its 100-year celebration would look like, they knew more than anything they wanted it to be year long and inclusive of the communities they’ve served.
“We began planning more than a year ago,” says President and CEO of UWCI Ann Murtlow. “The goal was simple: generate awareness and excitement for United Way of Central Indiana.”
The celebration began in June 2017 when local celebrities, elected officials and people from the community wore a special pair of United Way 100 anniversary gloves. They shared the pictures on social media with the hashtag #UWCI100, making it a local trending topic on launch day.
Since then, UWCI held a kick-off event with the Indianapolis Colts in September and participated in dozens of speaking engagements across the city. To go out with a bang, the organization will have a few special events this month. “A Future United: The Greatest Spectacle in Hand Raising” will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Attendees of all ages are encouraged to become part of a human art installation. UWCI encourages children to get involved in Global Youth Service Day. Indianapolis youth can plant an urban garden to address food insecurity for neighborhoods without access to nutritional food from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Seven Steeples Farm.
In addition to events, United Way selected 100 people from Central Indiana who work tirelessly in the community to highlight in the 100 Heroes campaign. The heroes include community activists, religious leaders and public service officers. United Way recognized Brenda Scott-Petty for her commitment to mentoring young women who were at risk of becoming homeless. Scott-Petty used her gifts for hair and makeup to enhance women’s beauty on the outside. She also made a point to speak life and positivity to these women in order to transform them on the inside.
Celebrating five years with the organization, Murtlow says she’s honored to see UWCI reach this significant milestone and is already anticipating the next 100 years.
“United Way is an amazing organization,” Murtlow said. “Our history is significant. Our brand is strong and trusted. I know United Way will continue its tradition of acting boldly to eliminate barriers to a person’s or a family’s education, financial stability, health and basic needs, but we are not your grandfather’s United Way any longer. We know our donors want to have a straight line of sight to the impact they want to make. We know we must provide meaningful value to corporate partners and their employees. We know we must advocate for local and statewide policies that advance our mission to deliver impact at scale. We know we have arrived at a pivotal time in our history, and we’re energized as we think about and strategize what comes next for United Way.”
Celebrate United Way
What: A Future United – United Way of Central
Indiana’s 100th
Anniversary
When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday (Gates open at 10 a.m.)
Where: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 4790 W. 16th St.
What: Global Youth Service Day – Planting for a Brighter Future
When: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday
Where: Seven Steeples Farm, 3200 W. Vermont St.
Registration: Email taylor.rhodes@uwci.org. –
UWCI
