of

Southern Illinois

 “We work on what matters™:  Community Impact!”

 The Winged Elm Society of United Way of Southern Illinois

In Fern Clyffe State Park, just south of Goreville in Johnson County on Illinois Route 137, the largest winged elm tree (Ulmus alata) in Illinois has been growing for over 100 years.  It might have been little more than a seedling when United Way was founded in 1887.  A typical winged elm will have a circumference of about 18 inches, but the girth of the giant in Fern Clyffe is more than five feet.  It is a majestic testament to the hearty spirit and deep roots of the southern Illinois communities whose growth and development it has silently witnessed. 

In recognition of this living monument in the midst of our service region, the United Way of Southern Illinois (UWSI) has chosen the leaf of the winged elm as the symbol under which to gather all of its leadership-in-giving programs. 

Much like UWSI, which serves a broad cross-section of more than 60 human service agencies in 14 counties, the winged elm plays an essential and multi-faceted role in the stability and potential of our region.  The winged elm is a hearty tree.  It adapts well to the different conditions that make southern Illinois a region rich in diversity.  It is valued by conservationists, who know its key role in providing nutrition for white-tailed deer and other birds and animals.  Its wood makes strong and beautiful furniture.  It is even prized by sporting goods manufacturers, who know that it resists splitting and use it to make high quality hockey sticks.

 Like UWSI, therefore, the winged elm is capable of adapting to each southern Illinois community where it grows – and it can meet a wide variety of needs.  And like the winged elm, UWSI depends on the people of southern Illinois to nurture it and help its Affiliated Agencies fulfill their essential roles.

In recognition of their generosity and community leadership, any individual or family contributing $500 or more in a single year to United Way of Southern Illinois is appointed to a one-year membership in the Winged Elm Society.  In accordance with the wishes of the donor(s), that membership can remain confidential or be included in the continuously updated public membership rolls of the Winged Elm Society, which are publicized on the UWSI web site (United Way of Southern Illinois) and in periodic media releases.