​Through the company’s annual United Way giving campaign, Honda associates have raised $1.4 million for local United Way agencies, with funds being distributed to 59 of Ohio’s 88 counties in the coming year. This is the 15th year that total campaign dollars exceeded $1 million through associate pledges and the company’s match of 50 cents per dollar contributed. The annual campaign solicits contributions from associates at Honda of America Mfg., Inc., and Honda Engineering North America, Inc. More than 60 percent of the Honda associates pledged contributions to the 2010 campaign, with the majority of the money directed to agencies in their own communities, said Tom Shoupe, member of Honda of America’s Operations Committee and the campaign’s United Way Campaign chair. “I am gratified that our associates maintained such a high participation level during these challenging times, because it shows their commitment to making a difference in their communities,” Shoupe said. “These associates are involved in supporting their communities, and often volunteer their time and unique talents to organizations that make our communities better places to live and work.” United Way campaigns support hundreds of local agencies that provide educational and enrichment programs for youth, programs on family health and well-being, and care for people in crisis, among many other needs in our communities, said Bobbie Jo Trittschuh, Honda’s United Way project leader. “Some United Way agencies are unique in our communities,” she said, “while others are well-known organizations such as the American Red Cross and YMCA.” Honda’s United Way campaigns have contributed $29.6 million to local agencies since 1982.