$250,000 goal for United Way in '06 campaign

With footballs tossing through the air, quizzing and lots of congratulations, the United Way of Putnam County kicked off its 2006 campaign Wednesday morning with its annual kickoff breakfast at the Walden Inn.

"We want to thank you for coming," United Way Treasurer Mark Nogelmeier told the packed house. "We couldn't do what we do without you."

United Way President Amy Doan then quizzed the audience on this year's campaign. Those who answered questions correctly received a football, thrown to them by Doan.

The goal for the 2006 campaign, titled "Fortune," is $250,000. Doan explained to the crowd Wednesday there are several ways donations can be made to the United Way, including cash, payroll deduction, check, and by credit card, something new this year for the organization.

"We're very excited about that," Doan said.

Doan said the United Way funded 15 agencies last year and hopes to fund that many again this year. She added less than 1 percent of all money donated to the local organization leaves Putnam County.

Doan thanked table sponsors and recognized pacesetters and current and former board members Wednesday as well.

The 2006 Board of Directors includes Doan (president), Vice President Josh Richardson, Secretary Craig Chrispell, Nogelmeier (treasurer), and board members Therese Cunningham, Jackie Eitel, Salvatore "Salvi" Greco, Robert Green, Kevin Hutcheson, Diana LaViolette, Doug Nally, Bill Robbins, Blake Schowe, Clay Spencer, and David Zeiner.

During Wednesday's kickoff, local resident Myrna Collins also spoke, telling the audience how she had benefited from the United Way through Putnam County Comprehensive Ser-vices.

"I'm as happy as I could be," Collins told the audience.

Doan also recognized Dave and Lynn Bohmer, who helped create the Millennium Club. The local family once again this year agreed to donate $500 to the United Way for each pledge of $1,000 by Dec. 31.

Doan also told the audience Wednesday that she and her husband, Roger, created the President's Club for this year's campaign. Doan and her husband will donate $100 for every $500 donation to the organization.

Those at Wednesday's breakfast also had the opportunity to meet new Executive Director Cathryn Ensley. She was recently named to her post and is a former board member and volunteer. She graduated from Greencastle High School in 1994.

The United Way strives to create awareness of human service needs in the county. The 2006 campaign concludes on Dec. 31.