United Way Kicks Off 2013 Campaign,'Life Is Good When You’re United'

Campaign Already at 10 Percent of Goal

A sure sign of the summer winding down is the kick-off of the United Way of the Bradford Area’s annual fundraising campaign, which officially begins today.

“We are so pleased to announce the official start of this year’s appeal, ‘Life Is Good When You’re United’,” said Executive Director Mandi Wilton Davis. “We, as an organization, are so fortunate to be as successful as we are, which is attributed to the generosity of our local community.”

This year’s goal is again $330,000, of which $33,000 (or 10%) has already been raised.

“To be able to say today, the public start of the campaign that we’re at 10% of goal is exciting,” said Davis. “I’m so optimistic about what the next four months will bring!”

The United Way campaign runs from August through December and has a goal of securing pledges from the community through workplace campaigns and individual contributions that benefit the local United Way’s 18 affiliated agencies and 32 programs.

This year’s promotional theme was decided on through a contest held in May for local 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th grade students. Participating classes submitted their choice for a theme, along with their reasoning for choosing it. “The students did a great job with their campaign theme submissions for this year and, as a board, they made it a very difficult decision for us.” said Steve Williams, UWBA Board President. “We were presented with several fantastic options, but ultimately chose Mrs. Johnson’s (3rd grade at School Street Elementary) entry.

“What was so great about this ‘competition’ was that we got to hear what some of the area’s students think of or know about the United Way. One of our goals was to have a presence amongst our local youth, and we succeeded with this opportunity – but there’ll be many more,” said Williams.

The students said, “We believe that when everyone in the community works hard together, it makes everyone’s lives in Bradford good. It also strengthens our community!”

The community is encouraged to help celebrate this year’s campaign at the 15th annual pig roast/clam bake, presented by Northwest Savings Bank, which is scheduled for September 5th at the West Branch Community Center. Tickets are $30 per person, and include a buffet dinner, desserts and beverages. A cash bar, 50/50 tickets and raffles are also available. Additional sponsorship has been provided by Tops Supermarket, Penn Laurel Realty and Glenwood Beer Distributors. 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 office.

“I hope our community is as excited as I am about this year’s campaign,” said Davis. “I know that everyone will agree that when the United Way succeeds, we all benefit – whether it’s as a recipient of a funded service, as a donor who knows they’ve made an impact, or as a local resident who can boast about how strong our community really is.”

Logo courtesy of Allison Ambrose

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947