Kick Off Breakfast

Schuylkill United Way Holds 2010 Campaign Kick-Off

(September 11, 2009)

Friday (September 11, 2009) morning, the Schuylkill United Way held the 2010 Campaign Kick-Off Breakfast at Penn State Schuylkill with 125 guests in attendance.  This year’s campaign goal is to raise $1 Million.  Over 80% of what is raised is then allocated to the 15 partner agencies that offer a wide variety of programs and services and solely serve residents of Schuylkill County. 

At the start of campaign, $248,594 is already raised to date.  That is approximately 25% of the total goal.  Robert E. Weaver, Co-Chairman of the Pacesetters Club reported that of the money raised to date, $162,807 was pledged through the Pacesetters Club by 160 members.  Once again this year, the Pacesetters Club was offered a $25,000 matching grant by the John E. Morgan Foundation.  The foundation will match all new dollars up to $25,000 donated to the Pacesetters Club during the 2010 Campaign.  New Pacesetters will have their donation matched 100% while current Pacesetters must increase their donation over last year for that increase to be matched.     

This year’s Campaign Chairman, Michael Tobash spoke to the crowd and offered words of wisdom and encouragement as he captivated the audience and got them geared up for the 2010 H.O.P.E. Campaign that will show Schuylkill County residents that, ‘Helping Other People Everyday is the Schuylkill United Way!’ 

“Last year was a wonderful year for the Schuylkill United Way as we hit the second million dollar milestone in any one single campaign, and that was under the leadership of Jeanne Boyer Porter.”  Tobash said.  “Now I am asking you to start all over again and help me achieve yet another million dollar goal!  I know that together, with hard work, commitment, and dedication we can continue to support all of our friends in Schuylkill County who need our agencies and the help and support they provide thought the programs and services they offer throughout the year.”

Tobash is accompanied by Assistant Chairman Eric Hollen.  This year Hollen will work alongside of Tobash and is being groomed to be next year’s 2011 Campaign Chairman.  Both serve on the Schuylkill United Way Board of Directors. 

The Tamaqua Area portion of the 2010 Campaign is set to Kick Off on Monday at 8:00 AM at DiMaggio’s La Dolce Casa in Tamaqua.  Tamaqua Area Campaign Chairman, Allen Keich is joined by Assistant Tamaqua Area Campaign Chairman, Joseph Pilla.  The goal in Tamaqua Area is $120,000 which is included in the entire goal of $1 Million.  To date, $57,324 has been pledged or 48% of the Tamaqua Area goal.    

During the breakfast, the 2010 Campaign video presentation was given.  Ed Redding of R & D Communications was very instrumental in putting together this year’s video for the Schuylkill United Way.  Going along with the, “Helping Other People Everyday” theme and throughout the entire video, images of community volunteers helping others during the Day of Caring that was held in mid May for the first time in many years, is set to a very upbeat tune.   

Now that the campaign is officially kicked off, local area businesses are beginning to sign up for employee presentations given by the Schuylkill United Way staff and volunteers.  The presentations last no longer than 15 minutes and include valuable information about both the Schuylkill United Way and partner agencies along with a showing of the campaign video.  Companies can also request to have the grand prize giveaway at their facility for all employees to see.  If you would like to sign up for an employee presentation, please call the Schuylkill United Way office at 570.622.6421 to schedule.

Local companies and individuals are encouraged to donate to the Schuylkill United Way 2010 Campaign.  By contributing, you are eligible for the prizes based on the amount of the donation.  For a minimum of $1 per week or $52 per year, you will receive one ticket stub for the $500 Weber Gas Grill from Hadesty's or the $500 Gravely Lawn Mower from M & S True Value Hardware.  For a minimum of $3 per week or $156 per year, you are eligible to fill out two ticket stubs.  The first stub goes for either the Gas Grill or Gravely Lawn Mower drawing and the second stub goes into the drawing for the remaining seven prizes listed below.  For a minimum of $5 per week or $260 per year, you are eligible to fill out three ticket stubs.  The first stub goes into the Gas Grill or Gravely Lawn Mower drawing, the second stub goes into the drawing for the remaining seven prizes and the third stub gives you a second chance for the seven remaining prizes.  Prizes are drawn at the close of campaign at the Appreciation Breakfast to be held Friday, November 20, 2009 at 8:00 AM at Penn State Schuylkill.

This year’s grand prize giveaway is a brand-new 2010 Volkswagen Jetta valued at $17,000 courtesy of J. Bertolet Volkswagen.  Other participating dealers include, Bob Weaver Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac & GMC, Rinaldi Family Dealership, Sands Ford/Suzuki of Pottsville, Freedom Toyota & Hyundai, and Williamson, Friedberg, and Jones, LLC.

The complete prize list includes a $2,500 and $1,500 gift certificate from Boyer's Food Market, Inc.; a $2,000 gift certificate from Wal-Mart DC 7030; a $1,600 Home Improvement Package from Lowe's RDC; a $1,600 Vacation Package from AAA Travel; a $1,000 Gift Certificate from Big Lots! Inc.; a $500 Weber Gas Grill from Hadesty's; and a $500 Gravely Lawn Mower from M & S True Value Hardware.

For more information about the 2010 H.O.P.E. Campaign, please visit our website at www.schuylkillunitedway.org. 

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