On behalf of the United Way of Miami Co. and its board of directors, we want to thank Miami County citizens for their generous support of the United Way's 2011 campaign.
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United Way of
Miami County
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UNITED WAY ENDS WITH 80 PERCENT
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By: Matt Hutton, mhutton@perutribune.com
The Miami County United Way's 2011 campaign total jumped from about 50 percent of its in January to a final tally of 80 percent.
Executive Director Debi Wallick released the final figures for the campaign Tuesday - a total of $224,400 was raised. Even though the United Way did not meet its $280,000 goal, those involved with the campaign are happy with the final figures - especially considering where the campaign was at in January.
"It is a big, big charge. We just really got out there, I applied for a couple grants," Wallick said, adding "I was thinking about 65 percent was about where we were going to be. . We were just really hoping things would come through. We're really excited."
While the late surge means the 11 United Way funded agencies won't see as drastic a cut in funding as they were facing with just six weeks left in the campaign, there will be reductions across the board. The budget and allocations committee will meet and make funding recommendations to the United Way Board. All agencies will receive funding - rarely, if ever, are all funds to an agency eliminated.
"However, we also need to be cognitive of the fact that our agencies will
have the less to work with at a time of greater need," campaign chair Mike
Kuepper said in a release from the United Way.
United Way funded agencies are: the American Red Cross, Boy Scouts Sagamore Council, Dental Clinic Beta Sigma Phi, Family Service Association Domestic Violence Shelter, Girl Scouts Northern Indiana-Michiana, Miami County Child Abuse Prevention, Project SOAR, the Salvation Army, Wabash-Miami County Home Health Care and Hospice, the YMCA and YMCA Transportation.
"We know that money doesn't always solve everything," Wallick said. "We've been working very hard to bring agencies and their resources together so they can help one another when times are tough. We have ongoing development strategies that help agencies network, learn and realize the importance of their community contacts in servicing their clients."
Kuepper applauded the community for providing support to the United Way, but said the depressed economy reduced contributions at the same time more people need services.
"Some of the needs within the agencies are increased," he said. "It is double-edged. We want to do everything we can to make sure immediate needs are taken care of, as well as long-term community challenges."
Wallick attributed the shortfall to economic fears of some companies and a declining base of volunteers to solicit contributions. "I think it's the uncertainty in some of the companies that are
restructuring," she said. "I think people are just a little bit leery about what's going to happen to them in the future." The 2011 campaign had only a third of the volunteers it had three years ago. Wallick said volunteers are critical because she is the only full-time staff member. The 26 person United Way Board and the Campaign Cabinet actually run the campaign, and many volunteers have taken a step back. "We're looking for people to step up. Those are the people who make pledges
to businesses, solicit door-to-door that’s why it's so important that we have volunteers," she said, adding that this is another area where the economy has hurt the United Way because cutbacks have prevented many employers from allowing working employees to leave during the work day to solicit donations.
Because the 2011 campaign was extended into mid-February, Wallick said the 2012 one has not
begun yet. But this year's challenges with the economy and unemployment in Miami County will factor into the planning, and the target will likely be lower. "I think we're going to be more realistic about how much of a struggle it was to meet the goal this year," she said.
The United Way will have a Live United Campaign Celebration luncheon April 19 at Firehouse Ministries. About 100 volunteers, corporate representatives and individuals from various United Way agencies are expected to attend.
"This is truly a celebration," Wallick said. "It is a celebration of the giving spirit and overwhelming generosity of this community that we were able to raise over $224,000 in the difficult economic times we are facing."
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