Published: August 24, 2009 09:07 pm      

You can make a difference

The United Way’s 2009 campaign

THE ISSUE:The United Way’s 2009 campaign.

OUR VIEW:Make a pledge and join those who contribute

On the day of the 2007 Campaign Celebration for the United Way of Howard County, agency president Lori Tate went to work knowing pledges were short $40,000 of a $2 million goal.

She and the others in her office worked the phones, asking for additional pledges. Tate still was $4,000 short of $2 million when she showed up for the party.

That evening, Matt Boor, Brant Parry, Curt Trainer and Paul Wyman each pledged an additional $500. Campaign chairman Stephen Daily announced to those gathered at the celebration the community had fallen short of its goal.

Then Sister Catherine Kelly stood before the crowd and pledged an additional $1,500 from St. Joseph Hospital. Daily pledged another $500. The $2 million mark was reached.

The United Way is gearing up for the 2009 campaign. Soon “loaned associates” – volunteers from local businesses – will visit workplaces across the county, encouraging people to make payroll contributions. Please consider participating this year.

Beginning in 2003, the United Way missed its fundraising goal three straight years. Financial support to local service agencies were reduced, even as the needs of community residents increased.

In 2003, the agency cut 12 programs to make up for its funding gap. The following year, three programs were stopped. And though the organization missed its 2005 goal of $2.2 million by just $150,000, some non-profits had their allocations cut.

We believe county residents have a civic responsibility to financially support local health and human services through the United Way. We know better than the federal government which local programs have a track record of providing scholarships, delivering meals to senior citizens, and offering counseling programs for families or emergency shelter for victims of fire.

Countless people make a difference in this community through the annual United Way campaign. We encourage you to join them.