United Way Reaches Goal for 2011-2012 Campaign
Donors to United Way of Christian County have insured that 23 agencies will receive allocated funding to service area communities.
The grand total is $142,000 exceeding the agency’s 2011-2012 fundraising goal of $140,000. “In this time of economic hardship, Christian County has once again demonstrated its outstanding generosity,” stated Board President Dick Wamsley.
With over one hundred volunteers this year under the leadership of five Co-Chairs – Bill Bullard, Terri France, DJ Kennedy, Pam Peabody, Carol Schramm - the United Way team set out to keep the momentum going from the last three years. United Way Executive Director Joni Beyers stated that the drive’s effectiveness always rests on volunteerism. “During our eight-week campaign, our co-chairs, board members, and volunteers set out to raise money by visiting or calling prospects and soliciting donations so we’ll reach our goal. Our Caring Leaders do a wonderful job within their businesses, not only by raising funds, but also by spreading the United Way mission - changing lives changes the community.”
Caring Leaders’ Program is an initiative started five years ago to take the United Way mission into the workplace. Caring Leaders promote United Way in-house, either encouraging employees to donate or inviting volunteers to speak about the 23 agencies that receive United Way funding. Some companies also make a matching donation.
United Way funding touches every county community by the work of its member agencies: the American Red Cross issues food and lodging vouchers to families displaced by residential fires or other emergencies; several area food pantries provide groceries to community residents; Pana EMS responds to emergency calls; the YMCA provides financial membership assistance; United Cerebral Palsy provides appropriately adapted toys to disabled children. The list goes on with 23 agencies total providing a variety of services for Christian County communities.
Board President Wamsley recognized all who contributed to the campaign. “As in past years, this year’s success can be attributed to a team effort. Jon Robinson and Joni Beyers once again did an outstanding job on the front end organizing our Captains and their teams. Our drive co-chairpersons led the way, and Caring Leaders were diligent in getting their plants, businesses, and organizations informed about United Way Agencies, and they encouraged employees to participate. Finally, special thanks are due to all who gave to United Way. Obviously we cannot help the agencies supported by United Way of Christian County without our generous contributors.”
To make a donation, volunteer or become a Caring Leader, contact Beyers at 824-8404 or visit the United Way website at www.unitedwayofcc.org