Corporate Campaign Leader Spotlight
Our Corporate Partners are a very integral part in raising the money we need to support our local communities. Within these companies there are unsung heroes, our Campaign Leaders, who make the campaign work. These are employees that take on running the United Way campaign internally in their company. On top of their day to day jobs, they take on all the responsibility of communicating the mission of United Way to employees, setting up meetings where employees are able to come face to face with what United Way does, coordinating any corporate sponsored special events, and even reporting results back to United Way. United Way of the DuPage Area is indebted to all of our dedicated Campaign Leaders because without them our message and mission would not reach anywhere near as far as it does with their help.
We are proud to present this month’s highlighted Campaign Leader from our #1 Top Corporate Citizen:
Debra Kurtz
HR Business Partner, Information Technology
Kellogg Company
1. How did you get started with the United Way Campaign? What made you want to get involved?
I have chaired United Way Campaigns since getting into the Human Resources field out of college. It is extremely rewarding for me and I really enjoy it. I came into the role of Human Resources Business Partner for Information Technology just as the 2006/07 Campaign was kicking off.
2. How did your company start their partnership with United Way?
Kellogg Company has supported United Way for more than 80 years. We have a long history of investing in the communities where we have operations, and believe that United Way is a great partner in identifying and addressing critical needs in our communities.
3. Can you please explain a little about your company’s role with United Way? What strategies does your company use to get more people involved in the United Way Campaign?
Kellogg has campaigns all throughout the U.S. In 2007, $4.7 million was pledged companywide, benefiting 26 communities. We encourage community involvement by our employees. Each campaign is run a little differently but all are inclusive.
The Oak Brook/Elmhurst, IL campaign is set-up to have a Business Lead and a Human Resources Lead. Each year we flip the leadership role between Specialty Channels and Information Technology. A committee with representation from all levels across the company helps to plan and execute the campaign locally. Prior to the campaign, Kellogg hosts a companywide campaign leader conference to share best practices. We engage employees through volunteer activities, events to drive awareness and our internal communications.
Kellogg’s Corporate Citizenship Fund matches all employee and retiree pledges dollar-for-dollar.
4. How do you feel United Way has helped your company to reach its philanthropic goals?
Kellogg has a 100-year heritage of nutrition leadership and a founder, W.K. Kellogg, that instilled the importance of investing in the communities where we have operations. Kellogg continues to focus its corporate giving to support these priorities. That’s why our partnership with United Way is a great alignment. United Way mobilizes communities to make them stronger and has a focus area of health.
5. What is one of your most memorable moments during the United Way Campaign?
One of the most memorable moments of the Oak Brook/Elmhurst Campaign was our White Sox event. This event had high employee participation and was enjoyed by all.
An additional special moment was listening to Amy Liss-recipient of United Way Services at our Oak Brook Facility Kick-off. She was extremely moving and inspiring to our employees.