2016 United Way Campaign co-chairs Paul and Anne Hedin at the Campaign kickoff event on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016. It was announced on Tuesday, Jan. 24, that the campaign had exceeded its $1.3 million goal.
JAMESTOWN – The 2016 United Way of Southern Chautauqua County Campaign has ended with what officials are calling welcome, but unexpected, results.
More than 60 people were in attendance on Tuesday night at Jamestown Community College to learn the final amount raised was $1,338,652, more than $38,000 over the goal of $1,300,000.
Campaign Chairs Anne and Paul Hedin celebrated the evening with Board members, staff, volunteers, and special guests in the Sarita Weeks room at JCC.
“We are humbled by the results of this year’s campaign and are honored that we were able to lead this effort. We are grateful for the volunteers who stepped forward to make this possible,” said Anne Hedin.
United Way officials say the 2016 campaign was strong from beginning to end.
“We made 50 workplace presentations. This is the most we have ever done,” said Tory Irgang, Executive Director. “Our volunteers understand that the best way to learn about United Way is to have a face to face presentation and a strong effort was made to arrange them at workplaces this year.”
Many of those companies were recognized for increasing the number of donors or total amount raised during the event. Those recognized include: Artone LLC, Bush Industries, Clark Patterson Lee, Chautauqua County employees, Fancher Chair Company, Frewsburg Central School, IBEW Local #106, Jamestown Fire Department, Mental Health Association, Northwest, Panama Central School, Weber Knapp, Wegmans, and Winifred Crawford Dibert Boys and Girls Club.
Throughout campaign, a video was used to visually demonstrate United Way’s four priority areas: to ensure families are self-sufficient, everyone is ready to work, young people succeed in school, and those in need can find help. Attendees watched a thank you video that featured the priorities.
“We wanted our donors to understand how their dollars are being invested in these areas. Our video is a great way for them to see first-hand how the programming is making an impact in the community, stated Tory Irgang.
The thank you video can be accessed by visiting the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County Facebook page.
“This is a simple way for us to let our donors know that their contribution is appreciated and making a difference,” stated Ms. Hedin.
At the conclusion of the event, Anne and Paul Hedin received special recognition for leading the 2016 campaign.
“The leadership delivered by Anne and Paul made this campaign smooth from the start. We would have not succeeded in this way without them,” shared Irgang. “They remained confident throughout and kept us focused on reaching our goal.”
Over $1 million will be awarded in grants to 25 local agencies. United Way of Southern Chautauqua County is proud that 100% of the money raised each year remains in this community. To learn more about United Way, visit uwayscc.org.
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