Opinion - Whatcom View

POSTED: Thursday, Sep. 03, 2009

United Way leader sees good reason for optimism

United Way of Whatcom County is preparing for its 54th annual campaign this fall, a campaign which last year set a record for giving - more than $2.09 million dollars. That record amount came from 385 companies and organizations and over 5,000 individuals all over Whatcom County.

Nationwide, charitable giving was down by 2 percent in 2008, which is why it is such a pleasant surprise to see that our community rose to the challenge, pulled together, and created a record breaking campaign during a very difficult year.

We have reason to believe that this year once again our community will step up to the plate. United Way staff and volunteers have cultivated nearly 20 new company accounts for this fall's campaign. Companies and organizations that have conducted successful campaigns for many years are re-energizing their campaigns with teams of enthusiastic employees. That's happening at the BP Cherry Point Refinery, Samson Rope Technologies, Horizon Bank and others. A training workshop for individuals coordinating their company campaigns was filled to capacity. Company managers and employees were already calling in reservations for the annual campaign kick-off on September 10 before official invitations have even been mailed.

I think you will agree that these developments are impressive, positive, and say a tremendous amount about our community. More impressive, however, are the results realized because of the charitable dollars given to the United Way campaign and allocated to its 32 partner agencies. For example, in 2008:

- The Mt. Baker Chapter of the American Red Cross responded to 34 family fires;

- 16,000 pounds of produce was grown at the Bellingham Food Bank's farm, a value of $54,000;

- 149 families received case management support through Brigid Collins Child Abuse Prevention Program;

- 3,125 families received much needed daily supplies from Catholic Community Service's Hope House;

- 887 patients were provided dental care by 75 mobile clinic visits through Interfaith Community Health Center;

- 1,095 people received meals at Opportunity Council's Maple Alley Inn.

These are just a small fraction of the results made possible because of the generosity of contributions to the 2008 campaign.

If history and this year's energy, enthusiasm and commitment are indications of what can be expected this year, we are all in for a very productive, rewarding campaign. It is certainly reason for optimism Whatcom County-style.

Peter Theisen is president United Way of Whatcom County.