United Way Campaign Kicks Off 2011 Fundraising

The United Way of Marion County's annual campaign officially kicked off on Thursday, September 15th. The event, in conjunction with Marion Area Chamber’s Business After Hours, was hosted by TRECA.

Earlier in the day Marion County Commissioners issued a proclamation, encouraging United Way to “continue its fine work.”  United Way 2011 Campaign Chair, Scott Yancey, announced that the organization had set a goal of $1,020,000, almost all of which will be funneled back into the Marion economy.

“Although Marion is a good place to raise a family, there are some things that could be better and others that must change in order for us to remain a prosperous community,” explained Stone.  “As a means to make those changes through long-term improvements in education, income and health, we must have funding to invest.”

John Sanders, President of Marion General Hospital, announced the hospital was well on its way to meeting their goal of $150,000 and acknowledged the generosity of the Marion General Hospital staff.

Whirlpool representative, Mary Beth Greendonner, stated that Whirlpool’s figures were currently being tallied and that their goal was to raise $100,000 in employee pledges – to reflect Whirlpool’s 100th anniversary.  Additionally, she advised that the Whirlpool Foundation would generously match employee contributions dollar for dollar, bringing the grand total of their campaign goal to $200,000.

Bob Jordan, President of Marion Goodwill Industries, shared that fundraising had already started at the East location, with the proceeds of the sales during a recent on-site radio broadcast being donated to United Way of Marion County. 

Assisting Campaign Chair, Scott Yancey, is Dr. Robert Crowell, his vice chairman. Others acting as division leaders are Matt Primmer, Troy Ruehrmund, Chris Hord, Charlie Long, Amy Marshall, Del Duffy, Robbi Troll, Katie Chivington and Steve Daily.

Yancey noted the effort is already off to a good start with the early results of the Pacesetter campaigns, which involves local companies raising money early to get the overall effort jump-started.  With numbers already rolling in from companies like Whirlpool Corporation, pledges to date represent 19.5% of the total goal.

“I am confident the campaign volunteers and community are up to the challenge – we will meet the goal,” said Yancey.

United Way’s campaign continues with events at Shamrock Vineyard (sponsored by Primrose Retirement), the Buffalo Wild Wings Wing-Eating Contest at Grant Middle School, and the Halloween Boo-Tacular at bluefusion entertainment.