You can make a difference

Opinion

Discussion

August 24, 2009

The United Way’s 2009 campaign

Anonymous The Kokomo Tribune Mon Aug 24, 2009, 09:08 PM EDT

THE ISSUE:The United Way’s 2009 campaign.

OUR VIEW:Make a pledge and join those who contribute

On the day of the 2007 Campaign Celebration for the United Way of Howard County, agency president Lori Tate went to work knowing pledges were short $40,000 of a $2 million goal.

She and the others in her office worked the phones, asking for additional pledges. Tate still was $4,000 short of $2 million when she showed up for the party.

That evening, Matt Boor, Brant Parry, Curt Trainer and Paul Wyman each pledged an additional $500. Campaign chairman Stephen Daily announced to those gathered at the celebration the community had fallen short of its goal.

Then Sister Catherine Kelly stood before the crowd and pledged an additional $1,500 from St. Joseph Hospital. Daily pledged another $500. The $2 million mark was reached.

The United Way is gearing up for the 2009 campaign. Soon “loaned associates” – volunteers from local businesses – will visit workplaces across the county, encouraging people to make payroll contributions. Please consider participating this year.

Beginning in 2003, the United Way missed its fundraising goal three straight years. Financial support to local service agencies were reduced, even as the needs of community residents increased.

In 2003, the agency cut 12 programs to make up for its funding gap. The following year, three programs were stopped. And though the organization missed its 2005 goal of $2.2 million by just $150,000, some non-profits had their allocations cut.

We believe county residents have a civic responsibility to financially support local health and human services through the United Way. We know better than the federal government which local programs have a track record of providing scholarships, delivering meals to senior citizens, and offering counseling programs for families or emergency shelter for victims of fire.

Countless people make a difference in this community through the annual United Way campaign. We encourage you to join them.

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Opinion

White shouldn’t return to office
The issue: The conviction of Indiana’s secretary of state.

Our view: Charlie White’s ouster from office should be permanent.

February 9, 2012
Editorial - Feb. 8, 2012: Grand success for Indianapolis
The issue: The Super Bowl.

Our view: Indianapolis left a great impression on thousands of visitors.

February 8, 2012
Letters to the Editor: Feb. 8, 2012
As Hoosiers celebrate the conclusion of a truly remarkable Super Bowl experience, there is even more good news that should fill us with pride. More Indiana students are graduating from high school than ever before.

February 8, 2012
Which religions will we include?
The Indiana Senate last week approved a bill that would allow public schools to teach creationism, as long as they include theories from multiple religions.

February 6, 2012 1 Photo
If you say so
In an opinion piece we published Thursday, state Rep. Mike Karickhoff announced why he voted against “right-to-work” legislation. His reason: The community told him to.

February 5, 2012
Cheers and jeers - Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012
Karickhoff acted ‘cowardly’

The Rev. Robin Wentworth Mayer and Horst G. Mayer of Kokomo send the Jeer for state Rep. Mike Karickhoff’s silence during the “right-to-work” debate:

“Mr. Karickhoff, for someone who’s new to office, you’ve certainly learned the art of talking out of both sides of your mouth.

February 3, 2012
Let’s drug test our lawmakers
Perhaps it’s appropriate that a measure passed by the Indiana House this week would ask not only welfare recipients but Indiana lawmakers to consent to a drug test.

February 3, 2012
Editorial - Feb. 2, 2012: Peru delivers a message
The issue: Peru’s collection of $20,000 last year from property owners who failed to keep their yards mowed.

Our view: Aggressive enforcement can help a city’s finances, but the benefits go beyond dollars and cents.

February 2, 2012
Karickhoff: Reason behind my ‘right-to-work’ vote
There is no doubt the “right-to-work” debate has brought mixed emotions, not only to our state but District 30 as well. There were only a handful of House Republicans who did not vote in support of this legislation. Let me explain why I felt it was necessary for me to vote in opposition to right to work.

February 2, 2012
Heinig: ‘Right-to-work’ law to arouse continued resistance
I wouldn’t call Gov. Mitch Daniels a charismatic leader, but he does possess some leadership skills. If he didn’t, he couldn’t have brought us this far along the happy trail to his economic Valhalla.

February 2, 2012
More Opinion Headlines

Opinion

Search Results

Discussion

You can make a difference

The United Way’s 2009 campaign

Site Map

Contact Us