United Way raises 2009 goal

Craig Chrispell (left) has taken the reins from Josh Richardson as president of the United Way of Putnam County.

Last year, the United Way set a $145,000 campaign goal. Through community dedication, the goal was met and surpassed.

Executive Director David English announced at the United Way annual meeting Saturday that a total of $165,000 was raised. English also said a new goal of $175,000 has been set.

"It's modest, but appropriate," he said of the number.

United Way strives to help several Putnam County agencies, which in turn help people in the community. English noted 95 to 98 percent of the money raised by United Way stays in Putnam County.

There were 12 out of 15 agencies helped by United Way present at the meeting. Each agency took the opportunity to give thanks for how the United Way helps keep their programs going.

Aside from raising money and helping those in need, the United Way has welcomed a new president.

Craig Chrispell decided to make the one-year commitment of being president of United Way. He has worked closely with the agency for three years.

He said it was the vote of confidence from the board to become president.

Chrispell has been employed with Buzzi Unicem for 11 years, where he is the alternate fuel manager. He and his wife Janet reside in Plainfield with their three children.

Josh Richardson, who served the last two years as United Way's president, gave a bit of advice to Chrispell.

"Don't get overwhelmed," Richardson said.

He said everything would come together just as it should.

Also new this year are six members to the board of directors. They are David Bohmer, Ben Dulaski, Tom Graffis, Marcia McKelligan, Amanda Meyer and Kelly Ness-Perkins.

The mission of United Way of Putnam County is to create awareness of the human service needs of Putnam County residents and to provide a trusted local mechanism for receiving and distributing funds to support those recognized needs.