United Way Annaul Appeal Kicks Off

United Way of the Bradford Area’s 2011 appeal has officially begun, with a theme of “LIVE UNITED and Lend a Helping Hand.” Chairing this year’s campaign are Steve Cottillion of Northwest Savings Bank, Chris Minich of Zippo Manufacturing Company, and Karen Costello-Pecht of Control Chief Corporation. “Going with the United Way Worldwide ‘LIVE UNITED’ theme is so timely this year as we work to show that we are all interconnected. What happens to our neighbors matters to us, and we have a stake in their success. That’s what it means to LIVE UNITED and lend a helping hand,” said Costello-Pecht.

United Way officials have again set the goal at $325,000, which was not raised from the 2009 and 2010 goals. “With the current economic climate, we did not feel that this was the time to raise our goal. However, with state budget cuts to several of our partner agencies, the need to pull together as a community and surpass this goal is greater than ever” said United Way Executive Director Megan Minich.

The annual campaign, which runs from August 15 through December 15, has a goal of securing pledges from the community through workplace campaigns and individual contributions that benefit the local United Way’s 17 affiliated agencies and 37 programs in the areas of education, income, health and rebuilding lives. The local staff and volunteers will spend the next four months soliciting the community, especially by the use of the workplace campaign presentations. Speakers from partner agencies have attended a training session and are eager to present and speak to the community.

New to this year’s campaign is the ability for online giving. “With our newly designed website, we are very excited to offer the community an easy way to contribute to the campaign, as well as the ability to register online for upcoming events. We’re encouraging people to learn about the United Way, and the programs and services which are financially supported through this campaign. Please feel free to visit our office, check out our website and visit us on Facebook” said Minich.

The community is encouraged to help celebrate this year’s campaign at the 13th annual pig roast/clam bake, which is scheduled for September 8 at the West Branch Community Center. Tickets are $25 per person, and include a buffet dinner, draft beer, cash bar, 50/50 raffles and live music. Proceeds from the event benefit the United Way. Those wishing to attend can reserve their tickets online at www.uwbanews.org or by calling the United Way office at 814.368.6181.

To go along with the “LIVE UNITED and Lend a Helping Hand” theme is a new event for Bradford, the “Day of Action” on September 17. The Day of Action is a community wide volunteer day where individuals from all walks of the community will join together to advance the common good on issues of education, income, and health. Approximately 200 volunteers are needed and encouraged to visit the United Way’s website to learn how they can lend a helping hand.

United Way advances the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. To learn more about the United Way, visit the website at www.uwbanews.org.