Brake Parts Inc (BPI) raised more than $150,000 for the United Way of Greater McHenry County during its annual campaign drive that ran from early October through the end of November, it was announced recently by David Overbeeke, president and CEO of Brake Parts Inc. The United Way will use the funds to support 27 local health and human service agencies in the area.
“We are pleased to partner with our local United Way chapter again this year to help build a stronger and healthier community,” said Overbeeke. “Brake Parts Inc has a long-standing tradition of community involvement and United Way holds a special place in our hearts. BPI employees raised a remarkable amount of money to help this worthy organization, and I am proud to have BPI double their donation.”
Brake Parts Inc matched the $75,000 raised by employees for a total donation of over $150,000. For their part, employees conducted special fundraising projects, including many held at the McHenry, Ill. headquarters, such as “Jeans Day” where employees paid $5 to wear jeans to work, a raffle, pizza lunch sale, bake sale, computer sale and brake sale. In addition to the fall campaign, BPI raised money through a car show held in August 2014, with the raffle proceeds going to six United Way agencies. The company is also partnering with a United Way agency through a “giving tree” to help families in the McHenry area this holiday season.
“Brake Parts Inc once again led all others in money raised for our United Way,” said Steve Otten, executive director of United Way of Greater McHenry County. “These monies will be put to use in our local community to fund programs that assist McHenry County residents in the areas of health, education and financial independence. The generosity of local corporations like Brake Parts Inc helps McHenry County residents to improve their lives in these three areas. Everyone at our United Way is grateful to BPI and its employees for their confidence in us and our mission. We will continue to strive to be the very best stewards of these donations.”
Brake Parts Inc has been the largest contributor to the United Way in McHenry County for several years and has received the Landmark Award three times. The Landmark Award was created in 2011 and is reserved for companies who reach an outstanding level of success by raising $100,000 or more during their United Way campaign.