United Way Reaches 60% of Goal

The United Way of the Bradford Area has reached 60% of its 2008 campaign goal of $375,000. “This wonderful achievement illustrates the commitment of the Bradford community to care for others,” states Kristen Tate Luther, Executive Director. “The capacity to care for one another is the key concept the founding fathers of the Community Chest were aiming to accomplish back in 1925 and the same level of caring exists within our community today.”

Monies raised from the annual appeal are allocated locally to health and human service agencies in Bradford. The 2008 funding cycle benefited 28 programs and 17 local agencies. “We work diligently to ensure donors their contributions DO stay locally, but many misconceptions regarding who is funded and where the monies go oftentimes prevent residents from contributing. The United Way of the Bradford Area operates on the ‘abundance philosophy’ where resources are utilized to their full potential so we can achieve the common good. Other United Way organizations may choose different paths, but the Bradford United Way has been and will always be committed to keeping everything local”, states Luther.

Several divisions within the campaign are working hard to finalize numbers – but the pace of the 2008 appeal has had its pace set by a third party….the economy. “The completion rate of the pledge process has definitely fluctuated this year, but we are and remain extremely grateful for sacrifices made to ensure pledges are completed. It’s a community success, not just organizational, so understanding financial limitations goes with the territory”, says Luther.

The United Way Board of Directors serve as the leadership team for the appeal and will take the necessary time to do all follow-up calls and contacts. The board hopes to finalize everything by January 31st. Pledges can be made by calling the United Way office.

‘We ALL Win’, the 2008 Campaign Theme, holds an impactful message, especially in these difficult economic times. Remember, ‘it’s not what you give, but that you give’ – which will help the United Way make the most of its resources this year in helping local agencies and programs.