UPDATE (3/2009): The Village Network Exceeds United Way Goal by 30%

WOOSTER, Ohio - The Village Network (TVN) presented the United Way of Wayne & Holmes Counties a campaign promise of $6,427 this week. The donation represents a 30 percent dollar increase and a more than 50 percent participation increase over last year.

TVN has participated in the UW campaign for several years and in 2008 joined the ranks of The Pacesetters. A combination of ongoing awareness, incentives and good, old-fashioned challenges made the difference according to committee members Vicki Orr, Sandy Shilling, Julia Barnes, Todd Zollars and Ahmad Dehyar.

The top challenge involved TVN's Executive Director, James T. Miller. Miller, a graduate of The Ohio State University, was challenged to sing the Michigan fight song if the dollar goal was reached. He accepted the challenge.

The results - the long-time, diehard Buckeye fanatic dressed in Michigan blue, choked his way through the enemy's fight song in front of an audience of hecklers. The skit was photographed and videotaped for unlimited replay on demand.

"During this time of economic woe, I feel our staff stepped forward in a tremendous way to help meet some of the most important needs inside our communities," said Miller.

Using the slogan "One dollar a pay for United Way" emphasized payroll deduction as an option. The committee raffled several items including Cheveau Beauty Salon gift baskets, a Guy Gear gift card, a certificate for Stacy's Picture This Photography Studio and a hand-crocheted afghan donated by employee Linda Jestel.

Any employee giving more than $26 had the opportunity to win a $50 gift card. TVN's outlying network locations competed for a traveling plaque honoring the highest average dollar amount and the highest staff participation.

UPDATE (3/2009): OSU President Gordon Gee responds to Jim Miller singing the Michigan fight song.  Check out the performance and response here!