Community comes together during United Way campaign
Enid News and Eagle (11-13-09)
Enid and Garfield residents have done it again.
Despite the downturn in the economy, and despite the concern over jobs numbers, the people have stepped up again and completed another successful United Way fundraising campaign.
Final reports show the 2009 United Way campaign is slightly above 100 percent of its goal of $730,000. And, even better, many pledge cards still are out, so it’s conceivable the pledges will go even higher.
Every United Way campaign is important to the agencies supported by the drive. Yet, this year, many agencies will be facing federal and state cuts. So, it’s important for the community to step up and try to fill the void as much as possible.
Successful United Way campaigns don’t just happen. It takes a lot of planning, a lot of work and even some prayers. Staff and board members and community advisory members take a lot of care in trying to interpret what the needs of the agencies are and to fashion a campaign around the best way to fill those needs.
The community deserves a lot of thanks for coming through again with their pledges. Our businesses and corporations who provide the largest bulk of the fundraising deserve our thanks as well.
Organizers didn’t know at the beginning of this campaign if economic fears might hamper their efforts. They were determined to do all they could to make this year’s campaign a success and the people of our community have responded with dedication and generosity.
It’s a great example of our community coming together for the common good, and it’s something we should all be proud of.
