2009 Campaign Kick-off

BRATTLEBORO -- Despite the rain, the United Way of Windham County’s kick-off its 2009/2010 campaign was a success.

"It turned out wonderfully," said Barbara Harris, who has been chairwoman of the United Way’s board for the past two years.

At least 200 people attended the event, which was held at the Retreat Farm on Route 30.

"There was no cost for the whole thing," she said. "It was free to the public. We wanted to do something that involved the community to let people know our new campaign is getting under way."

Picnic food -- hamburgers, hot dogs, potato chips and, of course, apples -- was served and activities included a hula hoop contest, facepainting, a scavenger hunt and the "All Things Apple" baking contest.

"The kids were out in the rain with the hula hoops," she said. "They didn’t care if it was raining or not."

The Retreat Petting Farm was also open.

The rain ended only after the event was over, said Harris, but with the help of local businesses, who supplied tents, most people were able to stay dry. Big tents came from Vermont Yankee and Sam’s Outdoor Outfitters. Smaller tents were also supplied by other friends of the United Way, said Harris.

Sponsors included C&S Wholesale Grocers, UPS, Suburban Propane, J.J. Nissen, Grafton Village Cheese, Dynamic Landscaping and others.

Because of the troubled economic times, said Harris, every dime that can be donated is needed.

member agencies are going to be in need of as much help as we can possibly give them," said Harris.

United Way collects donations and distributes them to several service agencies around the country.

Even though the campaign came up a little short last year, she said, "People in the Windham County area always seem to step up no matter what the economy is like. We were thrilled with what we came up with."

Most of the donations to United Way come from workplace deductions. Some companies match employee contributions dollar-for-dollar, while others make a corporate donation.

There is also a large group of individuals, or residential donors, who consistently contribute to the United Way, said Harris.

The campaign kick-off was a tribute to the efforts of Windham County’s business community, said Jerry Goldberg, executive director of the Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce.

"If Saturday’s event was any indication, we can look forward to the same amazing support from businesses we’ve come to count on, rain or shine," he said.

Vermont Yankee employees are responsible for the largest amount of payroll deductions.

"That’s because so many of our employees are involved with United Way organizations and their boards or volunteer in some capacity," said Larry Smith, spokesman for Yankee. "They love United Way and getting involved."

Contest Winners: All Things Apple -- under age 18 category: Alysa Morse, Apple Cake; Byron Morse, Apple Crisp, Madelyn Brady, Apple Rhubarb Crisp, Ben Brady, Apple Smoothie; and Meghan Hoppe, Apple Ooie Gooie Wooie. All entrants won a sundae from Fast Eddie’s. All Things Apple -- Age 18 and over: Danielle Hoppe for her Caramel Apple Cupcakes. Hoppe won dinner for two at the Riverview Cafe. Riverview’s chef will also feature her recipe on the menu for selected nights yet to be determined. Biggest Zucchini -- First Place to Darnel Brown and Second Place to Roy Lester. Most Beautiful Flower Arrangement -- First Place to Deer Ridge Farm. Ugliest Veggie -- First Place to Alysa Morse, Second Place to Darnel Brown and Third Place to Roy Lester. Most Beautiful Veggie Arrangement -- First Place to Old Athens Farm, Second Place to Walnut Ridge Farm and Third Place to Roy Lester.

Bob Audette can be reached at raudette@reformer.com, or at 802-254-2311, ext. 273.