United Way luncheon recognizes donors

Mardi Suhs | Cadillac News Bonita Besaw of Mesick told members of the United Way Leadership Circle how the Medication Access program, funded by United Way, has provided her and her husband Harry with needed medications after the loss of his job.

CADILLAC — Money raised locally by the United Way of Wexford County is saving lives.

At the organization’s First Annual Leadership Recognition luncheon, held Thursday at the Cadillac Grill, recipients of locally funded United Way programs attended to personally thank donors.

“Without the Medication Access program,” explained Bonita Besaw of Mesick, “we could actually be deceased — and that is not an exaggeration.”

“On Sept. 30,” she began, “after working 36 years my husband Harry was told he had two hours before they changed the locks and shut down. They gave him 30 days insurance.”

“We both have heart conditions,” Bonita continued. “We are both diabetic. We didn’t know what we were going to do.”

The Besaws heard about the Medication Access program, partially funded through the United Way. By working with program director Karen Zenner all of their medication needs have been met.

“Without this program we could not live,” Bonita said. “It virtually saved our lives.”

The Medication Access program is just one of 22 local programs funded through the Wexford County United Way.

The luncheon, a new event made possible by Baker College, was an opportunity for the board of directors to recognize its top leadership donors. All donors who contributed gifts over $500 are considered members of the United Way Leadership Circle.

“We are very pleased to be able to honor our leadership individual givers who have consistently supported the mission and goals of our United Way,” stated Diane Dykstra, Executive Director.

The United Way is dedicated to strengthening families, building self-sufficiency and nurturing youth in Wexford County. For more information, call Diane at 775-3753.

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The first annual United Way Leadership Award, presented Thursday to Katy Huckle, by the board of directors, was based on three criteria: 1) He/she is a consistent leadership donor to United Way of Wexford County, 2) He/she is a dedicated volunteer for community charitable organizations, and 3) He/she is an outstanding promoter of philanthropy in our community.

“She’s such an outstanding example of all three of our criteria,” explained Diane Dykstra, executive director of United Way of Wexford County. “She’s a good example for our young people and a role model as well. I’m thrilled and excited.”

Award presenter and board president Paul Liabenow praised Huckle for “leading by example and giving time to local causes every day.”

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