Five Batavians join Batavia United Way board

Five Batavians who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and capabilities were welcomed as new board members during the Batavia United Way board of directors' February meeting.

Joining the organization are Lisa Hillquist, Cecelia Hoffman, Dawn Larson, Matt Novak and Patty Richardson. Hillquist and Hoffman are both kindergarten teachers with Batavia Unit District 101. They will help Batavia United Way research and provide new educational initiatives to Batavians who may not have access to resources on their own.

As a business development director for BI Worldwide, Dawn Larson brings her marketing expertise to the board. Another new member and lifelong resident, Matt Novak, also will contribute marketing and promotional help as the general manager of BFC Printing.

Patty Richardson is also a lifelong Batavian. Her financial expertise as a certified public and the chief of staff at Aurora Township will assist the group as they evaluate programs for grants. She will also help administer business employee giving programs.

Ann Gerardi, president of the board of directors of Batavia United Way, said the addition of new members comes at a good time.

"We are currently developing and organizing new programs specific to Batavia," Gerardi said. "Melinda Kintz, who we hired in October as our executive director, has helped us gain a new focus and these volunteers will help make our goals a reality."

Plans under way include a 10K, 5K and children's runs as a fundraiser in October. Other projects include a children's activity tent at the Batavia Farmers' Market and a scholarship program for all-day kindergarten. The scholarship program is for low-income families who would like their kids to have an all-day kindergarten experience.

Volunteers are still needed for committees and other one-time opportunities. A few more board positions are also available as several board members reach their term limits in May.

For those wishing to volunteer or learn more about Batavia United Way, contact Melinda Kintz, executive director of Batavia United Way, at (630) 877-2780 or melinda@bataviaunitedway.org.

The Batavia United Way is a nonprofit organization charged with raising funds and disbursing them in a fiscally responsible manner to programs that directly benefit Batavians specifically in the areas of education, health and income. The group values all members of our community as well as its volunteers, donors and partners. The goal is to have a measurable lasting impact in the community and do so with accountability and integrity. An all-volunteer board and a part-time executive director, Melinda Kintz, run Batavia United Way.

Visit www.BataviaUnitedWay.org for more information, or call the office at (630) 877-2780.