United Way Northwest Indiana and the Gary SouthShore RailCats worked together on Friday, July 12 for the annual Level Up fundraiser, and they really knocked it out of the park. With hundreds in attendance, the game proved the perfect way to raise money for United Way Northwest Indiana’s transformational program.
Level Up is United Way Northwest Indiana's premier program assisting the underemployed of Northwest Indiana. Supporting five counties in the Region, United Way Northwest Indiana’s Level Up program assists Region residents in overcoming socioeconomic barriers to carve out sustainable lifestyles through a combination of skills training, provided services, and connecting participants with needed resources.
With a goal of creating 1,000 Level Up graduates by the end of 2025, United Way Northwest Indiana relies on community partners like the RailCats to help spread the word about everything the program offers to the Region.
“The Gary SouthShore RailCats team has been a tremendous partner for us and for all of Northwest Indiana, and we were really looking forward to teaming up with them again for a night of great baseball and family fun,” said Adam O’Doherty, President/CEO of United Way Northwest Indiana. “Level Up has literally been a game changer for more and more of our friends and neighbors, and the added support from this game will make a difference for even more people.”
In addition to all the usual perks of a stadium game – concessions, community, good baseball – United Way Northwest Indiana also had its Economic Mobile Unit onsite. The Economic Mobile Unit, created in collaboration with NIPSCO and Center of Workforce Innovations, was unveiled to the public in May and is meant to bring Level Up’s resources to those unable to travel.
“The Mobile Unit is used as a tool to reach out to the communities that need it the most. Since a lot of people can't really get out to places, this allows us to get to them and reach them in a better location. It also gives us opportunities to go to places, such as community events as well as giving us more outreach in that sense as well,” United Way Northwest Indiana Director of Marketing Joe Justak said.
Supporting programs that transform the community for the better like Level Up is something that the RailCats are more than happy to do. An investment in the Level Up program is an investment into the Region.
“You know, I was born and raised in Gary and a lot of people are afraid to come to this area. I believe making our presence and leaving our mark here in this area makes it a better place for all. We are a safe, fun, and friendly environment. We love the work that we do with United Way, and we wanna continue to make a difference in the area,” said RailCats Marketing Manager Deonne Witherspoon.
With a fun game of baseball and plenty of community engagement with the Level Up program, United Way Northwest Indiana’s night with the RailCats was a home run for everyone involved.
Those interested in learning more about Level Up, including how to apply to the program and the services provided, can visit the program’s website.
To learn more about United Way Northwest Indiana, visit unitedwaynwi.org.