Lonnie Steele Named “Volunteer of the Year” by United Way of Porter County

Lonnie Steele of Valparaiso was named "Volunteer of the Year" by United Way of Porter County at the 2010 United Way and Funds State Leaders Conference held April 13th at the Hilton Indianapolis North Hotel, Indiana. UWPC---VolunteerYear-2010

Appreciated for his history of leadership and support to United Way, Steele served as Board Chair in 1992 and as Campaign Chair in 2003, raising $1,862,160. In 2009, Steele approached the United Way Board and suggested a new fundraising effort at the Porter County Fair. He facilitated a partnership with the Porter County Fair Board, which resulted in a United Way Silent Auction Tent at the Porter County Fair last July. More than 400 auction items were donated by local individuals and organizations and raised over $30,000. The event also increased visibility for United Way with the 180,000 fair goers.

In addition to volunteering at United Way, Steele is a retired school principal, a past president of the Valparaiso Noon Kiwanis Club, and a past District Governor for Kiwanis International.

Photo: Lonnie Steele was recently honored as "Volunteer of the Year" by United Way of Porter County at the 2010 United Ways and Funds State Leaders Conference. Congratulating Lonnie Steele are Sharon Kish, President of United Way of Porter County; Maria Pantaleo, Board Chair of Indiana Association of United Ways; and his wife, Carol Steele (left to right).