In early November, Ruan corporate team members joined forces to raise money for the United Way of Central Iowa. The Ruan team raised a record of $155,397 during the 2013 campaign, surpassing the 2012 record of $142,000. In addition, 92.7 percent of team members participated during the campaign, and many of them increased their previous giving level.
“I’m proud to be associated with a company that supports the needs of others in the community,” said Ruan President and CEO Steve Chapman at the Appreciation Breakfast following the campaign. Chapman said there are 600 homeless adults and 230 homeless children in the Central Iowa community, and 51,000 people live below the poverty line. “The need in this community has grown—and so has the generosity.”
The highlight of the campaign was Ruan’s second annual Fall Festival. On November 8, nearly 60 preschool-aged children from five local early learning centers traveled to the Ruan Center for a fall-themed festival. Ruan departments organized activities such as coloring, a wellness race, bag toss and crafts. In addition, four clowns painted faces and made balloon animals for the kids.
The rest of the campaign included the fourth annual bake sale, which earned $1,300 for United Way. With a focus on early learning, the campaign also included a children’s winter clothing drive. The items were donated to the early learning centers that attended the Ruan Fall Festival.
“At this time of Thanksgiving, I want to thank all of you for reaching out to those who have little,” Chapman said.