United Way Announces 2018-19 Community Campaign Chair
If you have been around McHenry County for a while you have probably heard of the Finzel family. Gracious, giving and community-minded are only a few words to describe them! I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Steve Finzel, president of Golden Eagle Community Bank, since I was hired to work with United Way in May 2016. Steve is one of our b
oard members and exemplifies all that you’d want someone in that role to be! We are thrilled to announce that Steve Finzel has accepted the position of Campaign Chair for our upcoming 2018-2019 Annual Give Where You Live Campaign. I thought it would be a great idea to have a Q & A with him to let people know how marvelous he really is…
1. What compelled you to join the United Way of Greater McHenry County Board of Directors?
In 2013, I was asked to participate as a financial member of the Independent Audit Committee for United Way and that really sparked my interest! I was extended the invitation to join the board of directors then and have been serving ever since.
2. What is one surprising thing you learned about United Way since joining the board?
In 1972, I was first introduced to supporting United Way as a high school senior on a work program. My employer offered “payroll deductions” at that time and that theme of an employee campaign is essentially still the same ask today. If each working individual throughout McHenry County gave $1 per week through a payroll deduction, the results would be off the charts!
3. What do you think is inspiring about McHenry County?
In my experience, many individuals and businesses here in McHenry County are loyal and passionate supporters of those in need within the communities where they live.
4. Why are you passionate about making an impact in our community?
Over the years, I have been involved with community events and activities and most recently served on human service agency boards or advocate groups. These activities and my desire to provide support to others has just become a part of my day-to-day activity. It sort of grows and grows and continues to grow on you.
5. What are you most excited about as you take on the role of Campaign Chair?
I am really looking forward to the many roundtable discussions and interactions with those who are already supporting UWGMC and hearing how they have grown or taken their earlier or initial campaigns to another level. These successes can be captured and shared with others for their workplace campaign events and opportunities for further success.
6. What are some of the goals of the 2018-2019 United Way Campaign?
First and foremost, we would love to capture and continue the workplace campaign momentum we have seen from the previous year. Along with that, we want to increase efforts for reaching out to those who work outside of the county with workplace campaigns to designate their support back to McHenry County. We are all about “Give Where You Live.”
7. What is one interesting thing people might not know about you?
I was born and raised on a dairy farm in Huntley before going into banking right out of high school. When I decided to stay in banking and not continue with farming as my career, moving to Woodstock was city enough for me.
8. How do you LIVE UNITED?
I would have to say I live united each time that I say “Yes” or “Let me see what I can do.”
As you can tell, Steve is a life-long community member who embraces giving back! The Board of Directors, staff, volunteers and agencies are all thrilled to have him at the forefront during our new campaign year. We are excited to officially launch our next community campaign on Wednesday, September 12th at Rush Creek Distilling in Harvard.
If you are interested in learning more about how you or your company can participate in a United Way Campaign this year and help support the mission of United Way of Greater McHenry County, please feel free to check out our website at www.uwmchenry.org or call our office at (815) 363-1377 for more information.
