United Way at 83 Percent of Goal

You’d think it was the middle of summer on the west coast with as quickly as the United Way of the Bradford Area is heating things up in the local community!

“How is this for an update?” asked Executive Director Kelly Case, announcing that the organization has currently raised 83% of its $325,000 monetary goal. “We’ve raised that thermometer almost thirty percent in a little over a week’s time!”

The annual fundraising drive ended on Tuesday, but officials say that there is still time to submit your pledge.

“We are planning to make an announcement regarding goal status on January 5,” says Executive Director Mandi Wilton Davis. “Obviously any pledges that are sent our way prior to March 31, 2010 will be counted towards this appeal, but we want to be able to say in a few short weeks where we will stand.”

The office is encouraging the local community members and businesses to commit to giving to the 2009 appeal, adding that payments can be received throughout the entire 2010 calendar year.

“All you have to do right now is commit to something,” says Davis, “and we will work with you to make payment arrangements.”

“We are extremely excited and so appreciative of the support we’ve received so far,” added Case, “but we’re not there yet. We still have to raise about $52,000 by January 5th, so we’ll be working diligently in that time to meet that goal.”

The United Way Board of Directors was given the news at the regular monthly meeting Tuesday morning.

“What an impressive feat,” says member Marcia Avey. “This is truly a testament to the hard work and dedication of not only Kelly and Mandi, but the entire board of directors and all of the agency representatives who have been so supportive this year.”

“We are looking forward to the response we get from the Bradford community in the next few weeks,” says board President Dan Manion. “We all walked away from the meeting with an assignment sheet, so we will be working closely with the staff to finalize this appeal.”

In other United Way news, the organization has decided to continue its gift-wrapping effort until December 23rd.

“With permission from the Board of Directors, we have agreed to help out the community and offer this service throughout the remaining days until Christmas,” says Case.

“As was offered last week, you may drop off your purchases to our office at 161 Main Street and we will take care of the wrapping,” added Davis. “The cost will remain $1 - $5, based on the size of the gift, and all materials will be provided for you.”
For more information on the United Way, feel free to contact the office or visit the website.