It should come as no surprise that after a couple of years of missed goals, the United Way of Lewis County has again accomplished its lofty fundraising objectives.
The organization announced last week that it had raised $615,000 for it latest campaign, besting its goal of $600,000.
The United Way is the charitable foundation of Lewis County in many ways, dispersing money to the dozens of other groups and organizations that provide food, shelter and hope to those in desperate need of all three.
Not immune to the economic realities of the Great Recession, the organization fell just shy of its goals in recent years, but never wavered in its mission to deliver aid to those who require it.
This is the same organization — led by Executive Director Debbie Campbell — that rose up and led the recovery effort when the community hit a collective low point following the 2007 flood.
It has remained relevant and effective in good times and bad, always adjusting to meet the needs of a diverse and complicated community.
Its ability to adjust is a big reason why the group found success in its latest campaign, according to Campbell.
“We recorded an increase in new donors, which resulted in over $30,000 in new money to the campaign,” she said. “Along with that, we had new corporate sponsors for our special events such as Power of the Purse, golf tournament, campaign kickoff luncheon, Chefs’ Night Out and the campaign celebration.”
Special events were up 27 percent. By diversifying how the group raises money, more people have become involved.
The innovation goes beyond fundraising. United Way of Lewis County recently launched www.volunteerlewis.org, a website that matches volunteers with appropriate opportunities in the community.
Now, a group comprised of stakeholders from throughout the area will determine how that $615,000 will be spent. The United Way prides itself on the ability make each dollar count right here in Lewis County.
For 54 years, the organization’s goal has always been to “help meet people’s immediate needs and create lasting change by addressing problems at their root.
There are basic things we all need for a good life: a quality education that leads to a stable job, income that can support a family through retirement, good health and the ability to meet basic needs for food, shelter and safety,” Campbell said.
We thank the United Way of Lewis County for its steadfast and efficient support of the community, and congratulate its team of staff, volunteers and donors for a successful fundraising campaign that will result in tangible, positive effects for months and years to come.