Opinion

United Way extends thanks

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

The United Way of Putnam County would like to take this opportunity to thank the Putnam County community for its support throughout the last year. The year culminated in our annual dinner and meting held at Area 30 on March 14, 2009.

The dinner was well attended and a celebratory attitude prevailed. This was a direct result of the fact that due to community support, the United Way of Putnam County was able to exceed our established goal of 319.38 pounds of dollar bills, which equaled $145,000. The community raised approximately $165,000, which will be allocated to our member agencies, allowing them to provide quality services to the residents of Putnam County.

The goal for the 2009-10 campaign is $175,000, which is a modest increase from what was raised, but a substantial increase in relationship to last year's goal. This is a compliment to our community in these unstable economic times. We are blessed with many individuals and businesses in our community that recognize the importance of giving to organizations that provide direct services to our community. Approximately 98 percent of the money raised by the United Way of Putnam County stays in the community. The opportunity to be good stewards of the money raised in Putnam County is our task, as well as our privilege and honor.

On behalf of the board of directors of the United Way of Putnam County, we would like to thank the following people and organizations for their contributions to a successful and joyous annual dinner and meeting: DePauw University for sponsoring the event; The Fret Set for donating their time and talents to provide music and entertainment; Ambler Hill Florist for donating the table decorations; the Banner Graphic's Shannen Hayes for news coverage; the American Red Cross, Wabash Valley Chapter, Putnam County Unit, A-Way Home Shelter, Hope Haven Horse Farm, Johnson Nichols Health Clinic, Mental Health America of Putnam County, Putnam County Comprehensive Services, Putnam County Council on the Aging and Aged Inc. (Senior Center), Putnam County Family Support Services, Putnam County Youth Development Commission, Reading Improvement Center Inc. and the Summer Enrichment Program for agency presentations; Area 30 staff for their support and for allowing us to use their facilities; the Area 30 Culinary Arts class for catering the event (special thanks to students Jessica Jordan, Kalyey Mathers, Emailie McClain, Ashley Meeks and Samantha Tincher) and their teacher, Mary Anne Birt and her husband Ron; Wesley Kendall, minister at the Greencastle Christian Church, for giving the invocation; and last, but certainly not least, Ms. Olivia Humphreys for a beautiful musical benediction.

Sincere and heartfelt thanks to all who were involved with this effort, as well as to those who came to celebrate with us.

The annual dinner and meeting closed out our 2008-09 campaign year, but ushered in the 2009-10 campaign year. Remember, it is your United Way of Putnam County, and we can only be as strong as you will let us be!

David L. English is the executive director of the United Way of Putnam County.