United Way kicks off local fund raising campaign

The United Way of Northwest Florida kicked off its local fund raising campaign Wednesday in a gathering at the Russ House in Marianna.
At the meeting, Chipola College President Gene Prough took over his new role as the 2008-09 chairman of the local United Way effort and presented a challenge for the community: To raise $50,000 in addition to the $50,000 that is expected to be gathered for United Way through efforts at federal and state agencies operating here.
The United Way distributes the money it collects to 21 organizations who help the needy in Jackson and four other counties in this region.
All the money that is raised in each county stays in the county where it was collected, and those who donate can earmark the funds to go to a specific organization or let the United Way decide how to use the money.
The United Way’s theme this year is ‘Live United,’ a concept Prough said Jackson County residents already put into practice every day. Prough said he fully believes local residents will dig down deep to give what’s needed and that the goal will be met.
Tommy McDonald Jr., regional development director for the United Way, spoke briefly at the meeting, giving his “elevator speech,” brief enough to be said while riding from floor to floor with strangers on an elevator. He said the organization “helps people with health, education and family.”
Bryan Taylor, president of the United Way of Northwest Florida, said he, like Prough, is convinced that Jackson County residents will not disappoint , even though almost everyone can feel the effects of a struggling economy.
“Something remarkable happens in these tough times,” he said, “giving increases. We reach into our pockets and feel the hurt, but then we think, ‘what about that person’ (who has less), and then we dig a little deeper and we give.”
Rep. Marti Coley (D7) said she felt the same, pointing out two recent record-breaking fund raisers here. More money was raised this year at events for the March of Dimes and for Covenant Hospice than in any previous year, she said.
At the meeting, outgoing United Way chairman Art Kimbrough helped put the need in human terms by inviting people from several organizations to tell stories about how United Way funding helps them help others.
Jackson County Senior Center Director Abbie Burdeshaw told about a recent case. In that instance, the person had just gotten out of the hospital and had no way to buy food. Thanks in part to the United Way, Burdeshaw was able to overcome a lean budget and commit to a month of feeding the individual.
Polly Yates, with the Office of the Public Guardian, talked about how her agency was able to help a group home resident when she complained of stomach problems. At first, staff at the group home believed her complaints were simply her way of seeking attention. But because of the agency’s intervention and ability to pay for medical attention, it was discovered that she did in fact have an ulcer and a hiatal hernia. The United Way’s contributions are one reason that agency was able to help.
Girl Scouts representative Chris Owens said the United Way’s contributions help the organization pay for outings, uniforms, club fees and other costs for girls who need the leadership skills that the Girl Scouts can provide, but whose families are financially unable to take on the extra expense.
Covenant Hospice is also assisted by the United Way and, while the organization just had its own very successful fund raiser, the group still needs and appreciates the extra support as volunteers assist the dying and their families.
BASIC of Northwest Florida is also a recipient of United Way funding, and a representative said that the money helps the organization assist HIV and AIDS victims with their medical, food, housing and transportation expenses.
Others at the meeting talked about their unique fund raising efforts on behalf of the United Way.
Jackson County Road and Bridge Superintendent Al Green said his department raised more than $2,500 one year in a ‘kiss the pig’ contest, and $900 by selling homemade chili that Green cooked up using his special recipe. More money was raised when they added a ‘kiss the goat’ contest, and more still when some donated items were auctioned off.
Sneads High School Principal Lawrence Pender said his school sometimes donates concession stand proceeds to the United Way cause, along with ticket sales to talent shows and other events. Last school year, a team of SHS students won a nationwide on-line contest that tested their ability to put on a fund raiser. They chose to set up a mock United Way event, and because the SHS team won, the United Way got a donation from the contest organizers.
Jackson Hospital employees donated generously at various fund raisers there, said hospital administrator Dave Hample.
Payroll deductions and one-time workplace contributions are another opportunity for giving that many businesses and agencies offer their employees.
This is an important aspect if the United Way’s fund raising effort, and local businesses are expected to put the option to their workers soon.