United Way of Chatham-Kent executive director Karen Kirkwood-Whyte, centre, is flanked by 2014 co-chairs Margery and Dean Muharrem, as they celebrate topping the 2014 campaign’s $1.9-million goal Friday.
After the 2013 United Way of Chatham-Kent campaign fell short of lofty goals, the 2014 version hit its mark.
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With a campaign target of $1.9 million this time around, the goal was in doubt right up until 24 hours before Friday’s announcement. Just two weeks prior, the campaign was $200,000 short. In the days leading up, it was shy $43,000, then $27,000 with hours to go.
But by the end of the day Thursday, they’d hit their mark. Co-chairs Dean and Margery Muharrem announced the total at $1,914,175 Friday. Dean described hearing they’d made goal was “like Utopia” to him.
The 2013 campaign raised $1.85 million, $350,000 short of its $2.2-million target.
The 2014 version wasn’t an easy campaign. Margery said it was a thrill ride, complete with highs and lows.
“Several times throughout this campaign, Dean and I said it was like a rollercoaster,” she said. “There were times when we had our arms up and were cheering, and there were times we were gripping our seats in fear of what was around the next corner.”
Dean credited a strong campaign committee, which was put together at an early date, for helping to get this years’ effort rolling and for meeting the final mark.
“We hit $1 million really early, and then before Christmas we were worried we were going to miss and miss big,” he said.
Dean said talking with the United Way’s Dave Drouillard kept everyone grounded.
“David wasn’t ready to give up. He said there was money out there.”
So in January, the campaign went into overdrive, as Dean and Margery gave 30 presentations all over the municipality.
“The last two weeks, we were scratching and scratching to get there,” Dean said of the $1.9-million goal. “It was really important to hit that target. We know what the United Way represents.”
Dean credited Chatham Coun. Darrin Canniff, a former United Way chair, with providing he and Margery valuable insight.
As for the 2015 campaign, Margery believes $2 million isn’t out of the question, and offered some advice for whoever takes over.
“Never give up. The people out there are ready to give,” she said.
