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United Way exceeds 2002 campaign goal

By GENE KEMMETER
of The Gazette
The United Way of Portage County has exceeded its 2002 campaign goal of $1,815,000 by $18,755.

The drive results were reported Wednesday, Dec. 4, when Santa Claus delivered a symbolic check from "United Way Contributors" for $1,833,755 to Dave Worth, the 2002 drive chair, at SentryWorld.

"I'm extremely proud of this community," Worth said. "In a year when we have many challenges, we've exceeded our goal and that says a lot about the people of Portage County. Our commitment to caring and sharing is what makes this an extraordinary place to live. Thank you to all of our donors."

Chuck Quartana, chairman of the United Way Board, said he wasn't sure the goal would be met. "When I walked in and heard violins playing (a string duo was playing at SentryWorld), I was concerned. Then, when they played 'Danny Boy,' I thought it was really bad because they only play that at funerals.

"I heard about other communities not making it and I was concerned, but I felt we should celebrate the campaign."

"Oh ye of little faith," responded Worth, who admitted he had his own concerns about reaching a goal that was 3 percent more than 2001 because of the state of the economy and other factors.

"This is an amazing community," he said, citing examples such as 19 new businesses emerging as first-year donors, Sentry Insurance increasing its giving by 9 percent as 91 percent of its employees contributed.

The 20 largest employers in the county collected nearly 65 percent of the goal, he said, with Delta Dental matching every $1 donated by employees with $2, raising $100,000.

Dennis Brown of Delta Dental said that donation shows how important Delta Dental feels the United Way program is to the community and reflects Delta Dental employees participation in agencies funded by the United Way such as Meals on Wheels.

Tina Peters, chair of the Stevens Society drive, said the society that represents donors of $500 or more to the campaign has 134 new members this year and returning members increased their giving by 4 percent.

She said she feels the members of the Stevens Society will donate about $500,000, which is approximately 27 percent of the goal for the campaign.

While the Stevens Society provides a significant amount to the campaign, Sue Wilcox, the United Way's executive director, said, "it takes all levels of giving, from $5 to $500, everyone makes a difference in reaching our goals.

"A good indicator of success is to get people who have given to give more and get new people to give," she said. "It was truly all the people stepping up."

"We made and exceeded our goal as of one o'clock this afternoon," Worth said, adding that the final figures probably won't be known until January because some businesses and individuals still have pledges or contributions to make. "Some don't give until the end of the calendar year," he said.

"The county really rose to the challenge this year," he said. In a very uncertain time, that's quite a feat for this community. Many other communities are really struggling to meet their goals this year."

Worth said he wasn't going to thank volunteers and donors for their efforts because people don't volunteer to receive thanks. "We all work together to make Portage County a place to be proud of," he said. "We volunteer because we care, it makes a difference in our community.

Recalling that his grandfather said "self-praise stinks," he said he agreed. "This evening, looking at this community, I couldn't be prouder."



	United Way exceeds 2002 campaign goal By GENE KEMMETER of The Gazette The United Way of Portage County has exceeded its 2002 campaign goal of $1,815,000 by $18,755. The drive results were reported Wednesday, Dec. 4, when Santa Claus delivered a symbolic check from "United Way Contributors" for $1,833,755 to Dave Worth, the 2002 drive chair, at SentryWorld. "I'm extremely proud of this community," Worth said. "In a year when we have many challenges, we've exceeded our goal and that says a lot about the people of Portage County. Our commitment to caring and sharing is what makes this an extraordinary place to live. Thank you to all of our donors." Chuck Quartana, chairman of the United Way Board, said he wasn't sure the goal would be met. "When I walked in and heard violins playing (a string duo was playing at SentryWorld), I was concerned. Then, when they played 'Danny Boy,' I thought it was really bad because they only play that at funerals. "I heard about other communities not making it and I was concerned, but I felt we should celebrate the campaign." "Oh ye of little faith," responded Worth, who admitted he had his own concerns about reaching a goal that was 3 percent more than 2001 because of the state of the economy and other factors. "This is an amazing community," he said, citing examples such as 19 new businesses emerging as first-year donors, Sentry Insurance increasing its giving by 9 percent as 91 percent of its employees contributed. The 20 largest employers in the county collected nearly 65 percent of the goal, he said, with Delta Dental matching every $1 donated by employees with $2, raising $100,000. Dennis Brown of Delta Dental said that donation shows how important Delta Dental feels the United Way program is to the community and reflects Delta Dental employees participation in agencies funded by the United Way such as Meals on Wheels. Tina Peters, chair of the Stevens Society drive, said the society that represents donors of $500 or more to the campaign has 134 new members this year and returning members increased their giving by 4 percent. She said she feels the members of the Stevens Society will donate about $500,000, which is approximately 27 percent of the goal for the campaign. While the Stevens Society provides a significant amount to the campaign, Sue Wilcox, the United Way's executive director, said, "it takes all levels of giving, from $5 to $500, everyone makes a difference in reaching our goals. "A good indicator of success is to get people who have given to give more and get new people to give," she said. "It was truly all the people stepping up." "We made and exceeded our goal as of one o'clock this afternoon," Worth said, adding that the final figures probably won't be known until January because some businesses and individuals still have pledges or contributions to make. "Some don't give until the end of the calendar year," he said. "The county really rose to the challenge this year," he said. In a very uncertain time, that's quite a feat for this community. Many other communities are really struggling to meet their goals this year." Worth said he wasn't going to thank volunteers and donors for their efforts because people don't volunteer to receive thanks. "We all work together to make Portage County a place to be proud of," he said. "We volunteer because we care, it makes a difference in our community. Recalling that his grandfather said "self-praise stinks," he said he agreed. "This evening, looking at this community, I couldn't be prouder."