Swiftwater, PA — Thanks to the generosity of the community, the United Way of Monroe County raised $1,042,802 for health and human services during its 2010 campaign, achieving 87 percent of its $1.2 million goal.
The results were announced at an evening thank you reception on Jan. 19 at Desaki Japanese Restaurant in Swiftwater. Campaign volunteers and managers, United Way board members, partner agencies, community leaders and staff were among those in attendance.
The final figure is 1.9 percent higher than the 2009 total of $1,022,753. More funds were also raised in less time, since the campaign ended on Dec. 31, two months earlier than the previous campaign.
Leading divisions included education, major firms and government. More employee/ workplace campaigns took place than in recent years, and some businesses participated for the first time.
Pat Ross, 2010 campaign chair, expressed his appreciation to everyone at the reception for their accomplishments and hard work during the past few months. He also thanked the Trapasso family, owners of Desaki, for sponsoring the event. In turn, everyone attending congratulated Ross on all the time and energy he dedicated to make the campaign a success.
“It has been a wonderful experience and I have been honored to serve as chair,” Ross said. “The dollars raised will help make a positive difference in so many lives in our community.”
Ross gave special thanks to all donors who contributed to the campaign, which officially kicked off during Labor Day weekend at Stroudfest in Stroudsburg. Large corporations, small businesses, nonprofit groups, school districts, employee campaigns, individual donors and special events all played a part in the results.
During the evening, Executive Director Mathilda Sheptak was applauded for her role in bringing improvements to United Way operations and processes during the last year. Sheptak joined the United Way of Monroe County last March. The United Way staff was also recognized for their dedication.
A campaign awards banquet is being planned for March 16 at Mount Airy Casino Resort. Various awards and honors will be presented to those businesses/individuals that reached certain levels of achievement or had extraordinary accomplishments.
Funds raised in the 2010 campaign will be distributed later this year to eligible nonprofit health and human service organizations. The United Way of Monroe County’s annual fund distribution cycle will officially kick-off in early March, when an orientation for volunteers is held. All grant recommendations are made by members of the community through the United Way’s unique citizens review allocation process. Grants are directed to programs that impact education, income and health.
For more information about the United Way of Monroe County, visit www.unitedwaymonroe.org or call 570-629-5657.
The United Way of Monroe County provides health and human services through community initiatives and funding to 35 local programs. Its targeted need areas include Engaging Youth, Meeting Basic Needs, Helping Children Succeed and Promoting Self-Sufficiency. “Live United” is part of the United Way’s mission of giving, advocating and volunteering to produce lasting changes in the community and advance the common good.
