JAMESTOWN – In the Sarita Weeks Room at JCC, United Way of Southern Chautauqua County volunteers and staff celebrated the success of the 2014 Campaign after raising $1,320,402.98 in the final days of the effort.
“A week ago we had a $17,500 gap to fill. We thought we might need to go into ‘overtime’ to declare this campaign a success,” said Melissa Uber, 2014 Campaign Co-Chair. “Our Cabinet decided we would just keep working at it until we hit the goal and not settle for anything less.”
Thankfully, that was not necessary. Melissa and Shane Uber, together with the entire Cabinet, made additional outreach efforts to individual and corporate donors. That combined with extra support from a local Foundation closed the gap.
“We declared success on Monday afternoon,” said Shane Uber, 2014 Campaign Co-Chair. “We made it and we want to thank everyone who contributed along the way.”
“This year really was a tale of two campaigns,” said Tory Irgang, Executive Director. “We had incredible success at some accounts – $30,000 increase at one large manufacturer. But we struggled with some accounts due to unresolved labor issues. Workplace giving remains the backbone of our campaign. When the workplace is unsettled, there is a negative impact on the campaign.”
At the Campaign Celebration on Tuesday, companies and organizations were recognized for increased giving, corporate support, 100% participation, creativity, and engaging new donors. A thank you video was shared that will be available to donors through email, Facebook and the United Way website www.uwayscc.org. Special recognition was given to the Ubers for their leadership of the entire campaign, but especially the way they handled the challenges at the end.
“People often believe that every United Way campaign will succeed and we want them to know that there is no secret weapon or magic that makes that happen,” said Ms. Irgang. “Each year requires volunteers to step forward in a number of ways. Some run employee campaigns that raise additional dollars year-after-year. Others secure corporate and foundation gifts that reflect the generous spirit of our community. But mostly they just ask, and ask and ask.”
United Way of Southern Chautauqua County is proud that 100% of the money raised in the 2014 Campaign remains in this community. Work has already begun on the distribution of donor dollars to programs that demonstrate impact on participants and the community. To learn more about the Strategic Objectives of the local United Way or its current funded partners, visit www.uwayscc.org or check it out on Facebook at United Way of Southern Chautauqua County.
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