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Despite economic challenges, United Way campaign still tops $1 million

John E. Usalis, Editor - News Item

(November 22, 2008)

The slogan for the 2009 Schuylkill United Way campaign was “Giving Makes You Feel...So Good!” When the results of the campaign were announced, another appropriate slogan could have been: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

The 2009 general campaign came to an end last Friday during an appreciation breakfast at Penn State Schuylkill Campus, where it was announced that pledges totaled just over $1 million, the second year in a row the United Way campaign in Schuylkill County made it to seven digits.

Unfortunately, the campaign did not reach its goal of $1,050,000, but came close with a total of $1,002,495, or a little more than 95 percent of the goal.  Just a few weeks after the closing of the campaign, the current total is $1,011,019, or 96 percent of the goal.

The 2009 general campaign chairperson, Jeanne Boyer Porter, announced the division totals, and when it was time for the total, she told the crowd that the campaign raised $982,495, or 94 percent of the goal, which garnered a round of applause. However, Porter received a pleasant surprise when Karen Kenderdine of First National Bank was called to the podium, and then announced that the Schuylkill United Way was the recipient of a trust fund charitable donation of $20,000, taking the campaign total over the $1 million mark.

“Thank you. That was a great surprise,” said an emotionally-overwhelmed Porter. “All I wanted to do was hit a million dollars, and because of you, we did it!”

“I just have to tell you that (the trust fund announcement) blew her speech,” said United Way Executive Director Kelly Malone as Porter composed herself to continue her remarks.

“Giving does make you feel so good,” Porter said. “What a wonderful feeling it is to be here today at our appreciation breakfast among such generous individuals who have given their time, talents, hearts and money to this campaign. Thank you to everyone from the bottom of my heart.”

Porter continued, “Through all of your efforts, we’re going to be able to continue to provide funds to the 16 United Way agencies in our county. The American Red Cross will be able to help people during a disaster. The Salvation Army (of Pottsville and Tamaqua) will continue to provide food and services to residents in need. Big Brothers/Big Sisters will continue to provide mentoring to our youth. The Boys and Girl Scouts will be able to go to camp again next summer. Senior citizens will continue to receive hot meals and see a friendly face from the Tamaqua Meals on Wheels. Avenues will continue to provide Eldergarden and daycare for our adults and children. Schuylkill Women in Crisis will continue to help mothers and children with a safe place to stay during tough times. Rape and Victim Assistance can provide much-needed counseling. Schuylkill Wellness Services will be able to continue to provide testing and medicine to those in need. Schuylkill County Child Development will continue to utilize their Headstart program for their pre-K age children. Children will continue to receive orthopedic care through our Schuylkill County Crippled Children Society. And the YWCA and YMCA will continue to provide many activities for residents of our county.”

Porter noted that 67,000 county residents were served in some capacity through the United Way agencies last year.

Concluding her remarks, Porter said, “It has been a great honor and wonderful experience for me as chairperson of the 2009 campaign. I appreciate each and every one of you here today. I’m humbled in the trust that you placed in me and your commitment and dedication is remarkable and makes me feel so good. I have met many new friends and will cherish their friendship for many years to come. The challenge was there, we ran with it and we succeeded. Thank you again for caring and making others feel so good, because you make me feel so good. Thank you.”

The Pacesetters Club, which includes donors of at least $500 in a given year, made its goal with $288,250 from 333 Pacesetters, a record amount. A matching grant from the John E. Morgan Foundation helped boost the total. The foundation offered up to $25,000 to match donations from new Pacesetters by 100 percent, while past Pacesetters had the the increase of their donation matched. The Pacesetters co-chairmen were Joseph H. “Jay” Jones Jr. and Bob Weaver.

Weaver said a wonderful aspect of working in a United Way campaign is how it helps focus people on helping others and reaching out beyond oneself.

“Christ said that you should store your treasures where moths or thieves or rust can’t attack them, and now that the work of United Way campaign is over, I challenge you to focus some of the energies you used during the last two months in a different direction,” said Weaver.

As an example, Weaver said to go to the Salvation Army the week before Christmas and volunteer to help with the holiday distribution.

“I would challenge you that you would have one of the best days of your life,” said Weaver. “Thank you for your treasures, not only in terms of money but also of time.”

Porter said, “Thank you, Bob, and thanks to you and Jay for your leadership. You did an awesome job this year.”

Reporting for the Tamaqua campaign, which is part of the general campaign total, was chairman Charles Dodson, who noted it was very close with pledges totaling $136,689, or 99 percent of the $138,000 goal. At press time, total pledges have reached $136,739.

“We also made it. We were pretty close,” said Dodson with excitement. “I’d like to thank all the folks on the Tamaqua area committee. They did a lot of hard work to get that point.”

The next speaker was Dick Fehr, chairman of the Special Gifts committee, who referenced a comment made by Jack Bertolet in his remarks at the beginning of the breakfast program.

“Jack is a very profound individual, and you all know that, but this morning a very, very strong and profound statement,” said Fehr. “He said that 2008 was the second most successful campaign in the history of the United Way. Why is that profound? Because we are in the most difficult economic times of my life, and that’s 68 years. That’s profound.”

Fehr said the Special Gifts team is made up of 45 people who have worked very hard for years on behalf of the United Way. He announced the Special Gifts pledge total was $162,745, or 100 percent of the goal.

“Schuylkill County made a profound statement this year. When it’s tough, Schuylkill County gets tougher,” said Fehr.

Porter called to the microphone campaign assistant chairperson Mike Tobash, who will chair the 2010 general campaign.

“I congratulate Jeanne, Kelly and Tarah (Dove) and everyone in this room, everyone who gave a dollar,” said Tobash. “This is a great undertaking, a great effort and obviously a great success.”

Tobash noted that a recent economic indicator showed that consumer confidence was down 38 percent, and during the campaign the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 27 percent of its value. He said it’s amazing that the campaign is only down a few percentage points.

“I am gratified, as everyone else is, to know that we live in communities that are so giving. Now it’s up to the budget committee to make sure those dollars go where they’re needed most, and the good news is there’s a lot of money to go around. Congratulations to everyone, good work, and I hope you saved a little bit for next year.”

Malone presented new award created this year to Saint Catherine Medical Center Fountain Springs for its employee campaign. Accepting the award was Elizabeth Pitts Perrong, the medical center’s vice president of human resources and organizer of the employee campaign.

“This is the Award of Excellence, which is being presented to the medical center for their outstanding employee campaign in support of the Schuylkill United Way and the entire community,” said Malone. “Saint Catherine Medica Center went above and beyond. They have done campaigns in the past, but this year they brought in $6,189. That’s 143 percent over their goal.”

The winner of the Clare Houser Award, named after the retired long-time executive director, was Air Products and Chemicals Inc. of Hometown for having the top internal company campaign. Dodson accepted the plaque on behalf of the campaign, noting proudly that Air Products beat Lowe’s Distribution Center, which has been the sole winner of the award since its inception. Air Products campaign chairperson Brenda Gustas thanked everyone at the plant for their support of the campaign, along with the assistance of the United Way staff.

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