Community benefits from a United effort
More donations and pledges are yet to be counted, but as it stands, the Sedalia-Pettis County United Way campaign for 2011 already has blasted through the stratosphere.
As reported by the Democrat’s Dennis Rich, the campaign has zipped past the goal of $576,170 by more than $60,000, with the likelihood of reaching $750,000 being very real. United Way supports 26 local agencies, which will receive upwardly adjusted allocations thanks to the generosity of our community.
The past couple of years, ProEnergy Services has pushed the campaign total over the goal with its employee pledges and company matching donation. But this year, while ProEnergy again stepped up with a big contribution, many local companies and enterprises ramped up their giving to push the total to record heights. From local banks and health care providers to insurance companies and auto dealers, the whole community deserves praise for its giving heart. While all deserve recognition, we offer special kudos to Tyson Foods employees, who ponied up $95,421 for the cause.
United Way campaign chair Chris Stewart told Rich: “I am shocked and amazed, though I don’t think I should be shocked and amazed by what this community does anymore. Even in some tough economic times, people, businesses, individuals and organizations have really rallied to the United Way because they recognize the needs of some of the most vulnerable people in our community.”
The Greek poet Homer said, “The charity that is a trifle to us can be precious to others.” For the professionals and volunteers who operate United Way agencies, and for the people who they serve, that statement is pure truth. A donation of 50 cents per week — less than the cost of a soda or a cup of coffee — ads up to $26 per year. Ask the folks at the Association for Persons with Disabilities, Show-Me Christian Youth Home or any of the other United Way agencies how far they can stretch $26 — you would be amazed.
And while the campaign has surpassed its goal, that total does not eliminate needs in our community. If you have not done so, you still can make a pledge to this year’s United Way campaign at spcuw.org.
It is said that it is better to give than to receive. When it comes to Sedalia-Pettis County United Way, that is yet another truth.
Democrat Publisher Dave Phillips and Editor Bob Satnan are members of the Sedalia-Pettis County United Way Board of Directors.
