United Way of Erie County Kicks Off 2011-2012 Campaign

Last week, United Way of Erie County held a special event to kick off their 2011-2012 campaign and salute the Stars of United Way.

"Be a Star for United Way" is the campaign theme for this year, because it truly expresses what goes on behind the scenes of the organization. So many businesses and individuals come together to enable the United Way of Erie County to do its work in the community. It takes every group working together, not just the efforts of one group or individual, to advance the common good.

On this night, a video was played that had been worked on all summer in coordination between United Way and Buckeye Cablesystem as well as the students of the Sandusky High School Orcestra and class teachers Brian Nitschke and Wendy Hayberger for taking a summer day to help in the making of the video. The TV ad for United Way of Erie County was also premiered on this night.

The campaign goal for 2011-2012 was set at $750,000, and another goal was set to increase the number of United Way donors by 500. There were also five groups selected to be pacesetters for this year's campaign. Pacesetters are companies and groups that set the pace for the campaign through their hard work and generous donations. Here are the 2011-2012 pacesetters: 

1. United Way of Erie County Keel Club - For those of you unfamiliar with our Keel Club, it is those individuals who, by giving at a level of $500 or more, are the foundation of United Way. As of this date, 41 of our keel Club members have stepped up to be pacesetters and have made their pledges - this includes over 60% of our board members. Thus far the Keel Club gifts total $48,910. Of those, we have 3 new Keel members. Collectively, the pace setting keel Club members increased their support by $6700.
2. Janotta and Herner – Janotta and Herner annually conducts a Christmas in July event and provides all the UW agencies with an early gift.
3. Goodwill Industries – Goodwill Industries has prided themselves in asking all of their employees to give to United Way. This year, Goodwill employees have donated over $2000 to United Way. Thank you!
   
4. Sandusky Register – The Sandusky Register increased their employee workplace campaign by 13%. The total employee donations to United Way is $4882 and the corporate gift is $4700. Thank you!
5. Citizens Bank – Citizens Bank agreed to be a Pacesetter not only in Erie County but in all the communities in which they serve – I know that is much apprecaiated! This year, in Erie County, Citizens Bank had 52% of their employees participate in the campaign – this is an increase of 3%. Additionally, the Bank exceeded its goal by increasing its donations by 24% – the bank employees have donated $22,402 to United Way and the company matches dollar per dollar.

It is important to remember that our premier companies are setting the pace for the rest of the campaign. On average, they have increased their support by 9%...wouldn't it be great if everyone increased their gift by 9%? You can eb a star and make your pledge and keep the momentum going!

The current status of the United Way Campaign, thanks to the hard work of our pacesetters, has already brought the United Way of Erie County 14% of the way to its goal!

United Way of Erie County is greatly looking forward to the upcoming campaign season and also continuing to support the community through the continued efforts of our donors and volunteers.