United Way presents Landmark award to Brake Parts Inc.

The Landmark award is given to companies that reach an outstanding level of success and raise $100,000 or more for the United Way in the yearlong drive. Steve Otten, executive director for the United Way of Greater McHenry County, recently presented David Overbeeke, president and CEO of Brake Parts Inc. (BPI), with the United Way Landmark Award.

“We truly appreciate the support,” said Otten. The United Way’s programs and agencies help one in four people in McHenry County. “You have to partner with people in order for it to be a victory for everybody. BPI is definitely one of the most valued partners we have in helping us reach our goals.”

The group discussed the challenges and opportunities faced by United Way. As he moves forward with his upcoming campaign, Otten said that the ideas discussed during today’s meeting will help the United Way reach out more effectively to the larger community.

“The United Way is something that I’ve always participated in,” said Overbeeke. “My wife has a real passion for helping kids, so we’ve been involved for a long time.”

He said he tries to drive that same mentality at BPI, and it seems to be working. While some people believe only high earners can afford to donate to organizations like the United Way, Overbeeke said most all BPI employees contribute to the United Way regardless of their wages or compensation.

“These folks always come up and hit 100% participation in very short order. They may give a dollar a week, but it adds up in a hurry.” Overbeeke said he hopes the push within his own business inspires other large businesses in McHenry County to recognize the need within the community and follow BPI’s example.

This need to create awareness came to the forefront during today’s discussion. The two groups discussed ways to inspire other large organizations in McHenry county; developing a larger interest in the community as whole and increasing their contributions on a larger scale. “One of four is a lot of people, said Overbeeke. “If they realized what’s really going on in our community and the true benefit of their giving, I know other businesses would step up and do the right thing.”

Otten said the United Way and the community is one big partnership, but it can’t flourish if just a minimal part of the community buys in. “We need to knock on new doors and get other companies to buy in, because that’s where we’re going to succeed and help the greatest number of people.”

Megan Harned, also of the United Way, gave some interesting food for thought and illustrated that turning a life around can happen with a minimal donation. She said that more than 159,000 people are employed in McHenry County. “If everyone gave just a little bit, just a dollar a week, we could raise more than $8 million. When you combine your $52 with another corporation’s $50 thousand… you have power to do great things.”

Harned said that 90% of their campaign contributions come from employee and corporate donations, but it if someone doesn’t work for an employer who supports the United Way campaign, he or she may not think of contributing to the United Way. In cases where their employers are not involved, they discussed ways to broaden their efforts and involve the community more directly.