United
Way launches the “50 from 50 Campaign”
Unprecedented grassroots effort hopes to raise $100,000
by end of year
1 December 2009
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Instead of winding down their long fundraising campaign, local United Way volunteers are gearing up for an unprecedented
push at year’s end. United Way of Union County is launching its new “50 from 50 Campaign,” hoping to make up a
projected $100,000 shortfall toward its $900,000 goal with a widespread grassroots effort throughout the county.
A committee of 50 volunteers is being mobilized this week, each with the task of asking 50 people they know to
give $50 to United Way of Union County by the end of the year. If successful, the effort would generate $125,000
in additional donations, allowing United Way to continue providing for the needs of our community.
“Campaign time is almost over and we are projecting a major shortfall,” said Luke Braun, United Way’s Campaign
Chair. “This is to be expected given the bad economy and high unemployment rate. Add to that the number of people
fearful about the future and you've got a surefire recipe for reduced charitable giving. This isn't good; especially
considering that now is precisely the time when those most in need need help the most!”
United Way estimates that roughly 90 to 95 percent of its revenues come from residents giving via payroll deduction
at area workplace campaigns and corporate giving. But donations are off about 5 percent from last year’s $840,000
record. To date, United Way has raised $665,133 and is projecting final results without an additional effort to
come in around $800,000.
“It’s not the number that’s important,” said Dave Bezusko, United Way’s Campaign & PR Director.
“It’s what that number represents. It’s a family that‘s going to be turned away for help when they need it the
most. If we take no action, we will have to cut funding to vital social service programs during these difficult
economic times.”
Bezusko estimates that 3,500 local households and an additional 300 area businesses give annually to United Way
of Union County. The “50 from 50 Campaign” is being organized to reach out to those who do not have the opportunity
to give via the workplace and to expand its donor base. Volunteers will be asking their peers to give via letter,
e-mail, phone, in-person, and on social networking sites like Facebook.
“The number one reason why people don’t give is because they’re not asked,” he said. “So we’re going to ask as
many people as we can in as many ways as we can.”
Why $50?
“$50 is less than $1 a week and goes a long way at United Way,” said Shari Marsh, United Way’s Executive Director.
“For $50, United Way can buy a new wig for a cancer patient who’s lost her hair to chemotherapy. $50 provides a
night in the homeless shelter for a mother and child. $50 gives two families toiletries and personal needs items
that can’t be purchased with food stamps.”
If United Way misses its $900,000 goal, funding cuts to social service programs will be forthcoming at a time when
United Way’s agency requests are up 23 percent from last year due to increased usage.
“As the former chairperson for the Community Investment Committee that determines how donations are spent, I can
say from experience that it's no fun at all deciding that a Member Agency won't get the funding it needs,” Braun
said. “Senior citizens will suffer, homeless families and those near homelessness will suffer, and in general we
all will suffer,” Braun said. “Simply put, the people most in need will suffer most. Important life-changing programs
will lose vital funding. From basic YMCA programs to complex efforts in drug education and prevention, our Member
Agencies will suffer if we miss our campaign goal.”
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 or by calling its office at (937) 644-8381.
“Do it for the compelling reasons listed on the website, or give because it makes you feel good,” Braun said. “Do
it in the spirit of the holiday season. Give because you itemize your tax deductions, or for whatever other reason.
Just give. Please.”