United Way sets ambitious $900,000 goal 21 August 2009

When the going gets tough, the tough get fundraising. United Way Campaign Chair Luke Braun (left) and Board Presidnet Jim Cox (right) announce the organization's $900,000 goal at the 2009 Campaign Rally at Union Rural Electric. United Way volunteers established a milestone $900,000 goal for their annual fall campaign at Wednesday’s Board meeting. That’s a 7% increase they hope to achieve over last year to meet growing demand for social services in Union County. “This year, United Way has one of the biggest challenges we’ve ever faced,” said Jim Cox of McCarthy & Cox, United Way Board President. “The current economic situation climate dictates that the needs of the community have never been as high as they are this year.” Union County’s unemployment rate has doubled in the last year to 9%, its highest level since 1985. Roughly 10% of the Union County population is on the Food Stamp Program. United Way estimates that it would really have to raise $945,000 to meet the full funding requests of its Member Agencies and its own programming. In establishing their goal, volunteers agreed that the number should reflect the true need in the community while balancing expectations of what could be raised. “The state of the economy is not an excuse for not getting involved. In fact, it’s a call to action,” said Dave Bezusko, United Way’s Campaign & PR Director. “This is a time when our neighbors our counting on us to rise to the challenge. Yes, there are many people hurting in our community. But there are many others who have the capability to help.” United Way has made its campaign goal three straight years, including $840,000 in pledges last fall, a 3% increase over the amount raised in 2007. This was accomplished in an economic environment not conducive to fundraising. According to the Giving USA Foundation, overall giving to charity nationwide dipped last year 5.7% from 2007 levels, the worst one-year decline in history. United Way funding is used to support programs in four major areas: Emergency & Basic Needs, Youth Services, Senior Services, and Health & Human Services. Coordinators of United Way Campaigns at various local businesses mix and mingle to discuss campaign ideas at the 2009 Campaign Kickoff Thursday at Union Rural Electric. Over the last year, United Way was able to add support for new programs in each impact area. The North Union School District Personal Needs Pantry provides items that cannot be purchased with food stamps, such as toiletries and household cleaning items. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library provides a free, monthly children’s book to toddlers through their fifth birthday, promoting early childhood learning and increased family interaction. Community and Seasoned Citizens provides dozens of weekly opportunities for seniors to gather and socialize. The Plain City Free Clinic provides free medical care for uninsured residents of the Jonathan Alder and Fairbanks School Districts. “One gift to United Way addresses over 35 of the most pressing needs right here in our community,” Bezusko said. “From basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter to ensuring that children have an opportunity to participate in recreational activities, United Way is at the forefront of making an impact in the areas that need it the most. That’s what makes United Way the best value for your charitable dollar in Union County.” Bezusko cites the fact that United Way and its agencies can leverage donor dollars with other resources to make an even greater impact in the community. For instance, a pledge of $1 a week can provide two families with a week’s worth of toiletries and household items that cannot be purchased with food stamps. A pledge of $2 a week can provide a full month of meals-on-wheels to a senior citizen. A pledge of $5 a week can provide a working family with a month of child care for one child. And a pledge of $10 a week can keep a family from becoming homeless by providing rent assistance to a household that would otherwise be evicted. Coordinators of United Way Campaigns at various local businesses mix and mingle to discuss campaign ideas at the 2009 Campaign Kickoff Thursday at Union Rural Electric. There are many ways for individuals and businesses to give back through United Way this year. The most familiar and most needed way for people to give is via payroll deduction during the United Way campaign at their workplace. This is because the gift is spread out over the course of the entire year, is tax-deductible, and is often matched by the employer. More than 50 area workplaces are conducting workplace campaigns this year. Residents may choose to make a personal gift by sending cash or check to United Way of Union County, PO Box 145, Marysville, Ohio, 43040 or can give online at www.unitedwayofunioncounty.org. Individuals could participate in United Way’s September 19 Game Day 5K at Glacier Ridge Metro Park, give or bid to the annual Online Auction in October, or volunteer with United Way or one of its Member Agencies. “I know the economy is bad, but I can guarantee you that there are people in our community worse off than you,” said Kathy Dietsch, of Memorial Hospital, a United Way Campaign volunteer. “And if you can help, it is greatly appreciated.” For more information about United Way, please visit www.unitedwayofunioncounty.org or contact (937) 644-8381.