“It’s disappointing, but we’re not disappointed.”
So said Chatham Kent United Way co-chair Kelly Bayda during the announcement that the charity had finished $162,000 short of its $2,015,000 campaign goal.
More than 50 supporters packed a room at Rossini’s Restaurant for the event, a crowd which Executive Director Karen Kirkwood-Whyte said bodes well for the organization’s future.
Co chair Aimee June said “there are so many individuals to thank for agreeing to support us in this campaign, it would be impossible to list everyone by name. We would like to thank the members of our campaign cabinet who devoted their time to calling on past donors and generating new leads. A special thank you to Steve Baker and Wes Thompson for each hosting a ‘Seeing is Believing’ luncheon to share the stories of those whose lives have been improved by United Way. ‘Seeing’ is absolutely critical for those individuals who are considering a gift to United Way and these luncheons resulted in new employee campaigns and gifts from new donors.”
Bayda said, “we would also like to thank corporate and community leaders who established in-house employee campaign committees, invited United Way speakers in to tell their stories and – in several cases – matched employee dollars. To all the individual donors across Chatham-Kent – thank you. Please know that your contribution, large or small, is making a difference in someone’s life.”
Bayda said the shortfall hasn’t deterred the group from the belief that it will reach its five-year target of $2.5 million.
Tom Slager, director of resource development for United Way Chatham Kent, said the work of the organizations funded by United Way is “vital to the community” since it “provides freedom” to those who are facing barriers in their lives.
He said although the charity “isn’t entitled to a single dollar – it’s worth it.”
Chatham lawyer Brad Langford, who was active in the United Way campaign aimed at professionals, said although the goal wasn’t met, there is reason for optimism.
“There was a lot of turnover in staff and volunteers and we have some very strong people who are committed and are just coming into their own,” he said. “Considering all of the circumstances, including the economy, I think those involved in the campaign did a tremendous job.”
