| United Way sets fund-raising goal, looks toward active community betterment |
|
|
|
|
|
Published: 8/5/2012 | Updated: 6/17/2013
UNITED Way of Adams County has once again shown the vision and strength of an organization that leads the community, and a long list of member agencies, to work on shared problems and priorities. Campaign Chairman John Letts announced Thursday that this year's fund-raising goal is $1,138,000. That eclipses last year's $1.11 million goal and the $1.127 million that was actually raised. "We set this unique goal by talking with people at workplaces who know the needs and available resources of our community," Letts said. That two-part process has been the open secret to the United Way's success. First the agency and the campaign leaders identify community needs. They take an inventory of problems and needs; some would call them deficiencies. This is done not to criticize the community, but to bring about its betterment. The second step in the process is to address those needs either through existing programs and agencies or by creating some new support network. In the old parable, pessimists see the glass half empty and optimists seeing the glass half full. The United Way goes beyond those roles and seeks ways to fill glasses -- meet needs -- to a higher level. It is that positive, proactive mindset that has the United Way making a transition that goes beyond fund raising and into active betterment of the community. "When you make the decision to support the United Way, you actually become part of the solution," Letts said. Starting in 1936 as the Community Chest, the United Way has raised more than $35 million for agencies and charities in the Quincy community. It has touched and enriched lives for generations. As much as the United Way deserves the thanks and support of the greater Adams County community, the United Way owes its success to members of the community who have taken an ownership in funding solutions and meeting needs. Everyone wins when we work together on those shared priorities. And the community benefit exceeds the dollars raised.
|
|
|
|
Most Viewed Stories
|
|
|
|
Most Emailed Stories
|
|
|
Click here to view or buy more photos from local events by Herald-Whig staff Photographers.
|
|
Click here for more news and views from Herald-Whig staff writers.
|
|
|
|
