Sometimes an effort doesn’t quite achieve what you’d envisioned.  Of course, what did result was very gratifying, but you’d hoped for a little more.  The shortfall had nothing to do with the cause; the cause was noble.  It had nothing to do with the need; the need was great.  It had nothing to do with the volunteers; the volunteers were deeply committed.  And it had nothing to do with the contributors; the contributors understood the cause, recognized the need, responded to the volunteers, and gave as they could.  It was just that forces beyond anyone’s control were at work.

This scenario describes where we are with the 2009 United Way of Marion County campaign.  Despite the hard work of selfless volunteers, despite the true generosity of donors during difficult times, it appears the 2009 campaign will come up short of the goal.  As President, the Board of the United Way of Marion County and I hoped the 2009 campaign goal could have been reached as the goals have been for the last four years.  The $1.1 million goal established by the Community Investment Committees last spring was what we knew would be required to support the many citizens in need this coming year through focused programs conducted by Marion County United Way’s partner agencies.

At the United Way Annual Meeting and Luncheon in February, there will be much to celebrate.  Despite a tough economic year for many individuals, families, and local companies, the community has stretched to support United Way.  And I am proud to announce that the Marion community has raised more than $852,000.  However, that’s still a long way from the 2009 goal.  

Your Marion County United Way Board is sincerely grateful for all contributions received.  As a direct result of the generosity and caring spirit of each individual and the companies and organizations comprising our United Way family, we will be able to help fund 33 programs conducted by 21 partnering agencies.  And for the benefit of our communities, support will continue for programs in the four Impact Areas (education, financial stability, health, and safety net) that United Way has identified.  

Unfortunately, however, not reaching the $1.1 million goal means that the amount of funding each program will receive must be decreased.

Because the needs in our communities are great, United Way is still accepting donations. You can contact the United Wayof Marion County by visiting www.unitedwaymarion.org and clicking on “GIVE”, calling 740-383-3108, or e-mailing kelly@unitedwaymarion.org

Sincerely,

Dean Greg Rose