CAMPAIGN KICK-OFF |
United Way Kicks-Off 2008 Campaign with Big Fundraising Goal BRATTLEBORO, Vt. — United Way of Windham County officially kicked off its 2008 fundraising campaign on Friday evening during Gallery Walk and announced a fundraising goal of $590,000. This year’s goal is a 6.4 percent increase over the $554,606 raised last year. United Way of Windham County was founded in 1958 and accordingly its campaign theme this year is “Celebrating 50 Years of Caring: 1958–2008.” Campaign Chair Sally Winchester, owner of Windham Flowers, told supporters at the River Garden on Friday evening, "This year’s goal to raise at least $35,000 in new contributions for United Way is a reflection of this community’s determination to make a difference in addressing root causes of our most pressing issues.” Barbara Harris, president of the United Way board of directors, said that while the larger goal is challenging, she believes it can be met, because the need is so great. "Every day United Way and its agency partners work to ensure children and youth grow into successful adults, help families find economic stability, and maintain our community’s safety net for people most in need. That’s change we all want for our community as we work to make it the best possible place to live and to work. That’s what matters. And that’s what United Way is all about," she said. Harris is an Employee Benefits Advisor with the Richards Group and has been involved with United Way as a donor and volunteer for more than twenty years. Harris and the campaign committee have been hard at work on the 2008 campaign for much of the summer. So far their efforts have resulted in pledges of more than $40,000. Those results include corporate gifts and employee campaigns from Pacesetter businesses that ran campaigns earlier this week. This year’s Pacesetter campaigns are at Brattleboro Savings & Loan, The Richards Group, and River Valley Credit Union. And these Pacesetter numbers are expected to keep on growing as the campaign continues. Today’s United Way has grown by leaps and bounds from its humble beginnings 50 years ago. United Way Executive Director Konstantin von Krusenstiern believes that the strong sense of community in Windham County has contributed to that growth. "While this year’s goal is admittedly ambitious, there is a sense of real optimism in our community today," von Krusenstiern said. "Contributing to United Way is a way that every member of our community can vote in favor of continued progress toward a brighter future. It’s about neighbors helping neighbors." Von Krusenstiern stated that campaign strategies this year include a focus on new donors that have not given to United Way in the recent past, as well as on Leadership Giving, with volunteers reaching out to individuals with the capacity to give $1,000 or more. United Way brings together resources and expertise to create lasting change in our community. United Way of Windham County works with more than two dozen partner agencies and community impact initiatives. United Way–funded agencies and programs promote health and wellness, assist the elderly, help children and youth succeed, provide basic needs, and help the struggling build self-sufficiency. Anyone interested in becoming involved, making a donation or volunteering time, talent or resources is encouraged to contact campaign director Carmen Derby at United Way, 28 Vernon Street, Suite 410, Brattleboro, VT 05301, (802) 257-4011 ext. 110, or e-mail carmen@unitedwaywindham.org.
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