CORNING, NY, September 10, 2007 – United Way of the Southern Tier launched its 2008 community campaign Thursday during the organization’s annual kickoff event at Corning Museum of Glass.
Daniel Bower, United Way Board chair, told the nearly 250 guests that the not-for profit would reach for $4.560 million, another record-breaking goal.
“If we all do our part, then we can reach the goal line,” he said. “We need everyone to come together with one voice to say, this is important. United, we can change the lives of people in our community.”
This year, eighty (80) companies and agencies helped set the pace for the campaign by holding early fundraisers during the month of August. Pacesetter companies serve as a model for hundreds of local companies that join the community-wide fundraising effort each year.
“Our Pacesetters have set a positive example this year and demonstrated that there are many people willing to help thousands of local individuals and families improve their lives," said Steve Hughes, vice-president of Resource Development. United Way officials acknowledge that escalating energy and food prices will challenge the community to achieve an ambitious goal. "Our community has a long history of rising to the occasion when things get tough and we believe this year will be another compassionate response."
This year’s pacesetters have raised $1,286,564, or 28% of this year’s goal. During its 2007 campaign, United Way raised more than $4.4 million.
“The campaign kick-off event is an opportunity for us to celebrate our successes while acknowledging there are still many challenges left for us to face,” said Ron Hatch, president, United Way of the Southern Tier. “By uniting for the common good, we will help children be successful, seniors keep their independence, and adults prepare for a changing world. Sometimes this means access to healthy food or safe shelter, other times it takes after-school, mentoring, or job-skills programs. For many, it’s access to services including awareness of existing health care options.”
Because of the generosity of United Way donors, 100 programs offered by 57 agencies are able to provide residents of Chemung and Steuben counties with needed services. Together they provide a strong safety net for community members and the opportunity to move well beyond it.
The following volunteer campaign leaders have worked diligently with their committees to prepare for the annual fund-raising campaign.
