Campaign Chair and Orrville native Annette Fejes welcomed United Way volunteers and agency representatives, saying, “We thank you for the work you do to help so many in our communities,” and thanked Wayne College for use of the Student Life Building, venue for the Orrville Area United Way’s 53rd campaign kickoff. She reminded everyone, “No United Way dollars were used for the annual event. Sponsors include Orrville Dairy Queen, Dunlap Community Hospital, the J. M. Smucker Company, Trinity United Methodist Church, The Bouquet Shop and Shearer’s Chips.”
Pacesetters for the campaign and their employee campaign managers:
Dunlap Community Hospital, Kim Ady
First National Bank, Amberly Wolf
Orrville Area Boys & Girls Club, Kevin Platz
Orrville Public Library, Brienne Fetty
Orrville/Dalton YMCA, Mistie Ankenman
Quality Castings Company, Steve Seifried
Scotts, Mike Henkle
The J. M. Smucker Company, Paul Vukovic and Jaimie Gandie
Wayne College, Dr. Heather Howley and Dr. john Roncone
The Will-Burt Company, Rick Werntz
United Way Board President Rev. David Kowaleski expressed his appreciation to the agency professionals “on the front lines and in the trenches” to help those who need help. He thanked the many volunteers who work on the campaign and who make the funding decisions supporting the programs United Way supports, and “the many businesses and individuals who enable great things to happen in the lives of people throughout our communities of Orrville, Dalton and Marshallville.”
“Last year, our United Way goal was $550,000. Because of the generosity of so many, we were able to raise $571,000,” he said, and announced that this year’s goal is $600,000.
He shared the need for this historic goal to assist in alleviating the barriers that are common for many of our partner agencies, especially when other streams of income have been reduced or eliminated, leading to decreased personnel and programming.
“In today’s economy, we all are aware of the challenges, and $600,000 is a call to another level.” Inviting those present to visit the agency tables gathered around the perimeter of the room, Rev Kowaleski added, “Look beyond the programs and look at the faces of the individuals whose lives we touch. The United Way has a big job to do because of so many people in crisis. But I know we can do it.”
Executive Director Helen Meyers added, “Our United Way is helping people in crisis – those who need help the most. At the same time, we continue to work to create long-lasting changes that prevent problems from happening in the first place.”