By AMBER RIGGIN
Like many other non-profits across the country, United Way of Howard County officials say it’s been a bumpy year.
At less than 70 percent of their $2.2 million goal by the official Nov. 16 deadline, they crossed their fingers and hoped an extended deadline would prompt enough last-minute donations to push them to the top.
Robert Massey, United Way 2005 Campaign chairman, announced Wednesday efforts fell just short of goal.
United Way President Steve Owens said last-minute efforts “energized” everyone in the organization. Despite the extra effort, he said the $150,000 shortfall will be cut from the budget. He just doesn’t know in what way.
“That’s ultimately the decision of the board members,” Owens said.
Most involved in this year’s campaign said they may be behind in numbers, but everyone went above and beyond the call of duty trying to raise the money.
Kerry Barrett, a “loaned associate” from DaimlerChrysler who has worked with United Way for five years, said this year was the most economically challenging she has seen. There were, she said, some positive new changes though.
“It was more successful in the way we set up new accounts,” Barrett said. “I think it was just a great challenge for some of us veterans.”
Also, she said, hard work was easy to come by.
“We may not have made our goal, but Lord knows we made it to 100 percent with team efforts,” she said.
As a loaned associate, Barrett received full pay during several weeks of the campaign to work full time cultivating funds for the United Way.
Mark McAlpin, a loaned associate from Delphi who cultivated donations from the manufacturing industry, said Hurricanes Katrina and Rita absorbed much of the community’s charitable contributions. Delphi’s financial situation exacerbated an already problematic situation, he said.
“Those were our big three that took our money and scared everyone,” McAlpin said. “With all the adversity, I think we came out really well.”
Barrett added that even though the official campaign is over, the community should continue to give.
“I just want to leave a challenge to the community,” Barrett said. “It’s not over yet.”
Amber Riggin may be reached at (765) 854-6740 or via e-mail at amber.riggin@kokomotribune.com
