The 2007 United Way Community Care Campaign is Running Behind!

On Valentine's Day, Peg Overdorf and the kids at Valley Community Center welcomed United Way Board Chair Trudy Mollenberg, Campaign Chair Gary Quenneville and President Arlene Kaukus as they announced that the 2007 Campaign is running $ 900,000 behind last year's pace.  Click here to watch video of the announcement; scroll down to read more; and if you haven't yet made your pledge, call 887-2626 or click here to donate online. 

NEWS RELEASE

BUFFALO, NY - February 14, 2008 --- With the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County (UWBEC) only seven weeks from the conclusion of its 2007 Community Care Campaign, officials today announced that while $ 13.3 million has been raised to date, the Campaign is still running $ 900,000 behind the amount raised at this time last year. The organization is concerned that their effort will fall short of reaching their goal to raise more than the 2007 Campaign, which brought in more than $ 15,400,000 in pledges.

"Frankly, we are concerned that without everyone's support, we won't reach our goal by March 31, which would definitely have a negative impact on thousands of people in our community" said Arlene F. Kaukus, president, United Way of Buffalo & Erie County. "More than 125 valuable programs and services are funded at least in part by the United Way. These programs depend on us, and thousands of Western New York residents depend on what they provide. We are urging everyone to please give what they can to make sure the campaign does not fall short."

The announcement was made at the Valley Community Association, where programs that touch everyone from young children to the elderly receive Community Care support. The VCA empowers its community through the use of 100 volunteers, encourages involvement, coordinates and collaborates with existing providers and develops working relationships with business and the block clubs in the community.  Children served by the Association's child care and after school programs were on hand, making thank-you cards to be mailed to United Way donors.

"By supporting the United Way Campaign, you're supporting the Valley Community Association, which helps so many Buffalo residents," said Peg Overdorf, the Association's executive director. "The support provided by the United Way is invaluable to our mission. To those who haven't given yet, we need your help!"

More than 125 programs at 60 local human service agencies receive funding through United Way Community Care.  These programs rely on a successful Community Care Campaign for the support they need.  "As one of WNY's largest human service organizations serving vulnerable children & families, we provide a safety net for people who often fall through the cracks," said Eugene Meeks, President & CEO of Child & Family Services, where $ 950,000 in Community Care dollars are invested in 12 programs.  "Without Community Care program funding, we would not be able to provide this support for families experiencing the pain of domestic violence, children who are abused or neglected, and others who are in need."

Linda Ray, Executive Director of the Family Justice Center of Erie County, which received $ 150,000 in Community Care funding last year, said, "Not only does the United Way provide us with significant funding, they also provide us with all kinds of support and expertise on a daily basis.  The money alone would not sustain us.  It's the United Way's support that sustains us."

The Campaign began in August with the Day of Caring and lasts through March 2008. Although many workplaces and organizations have already conducted their campaigns and turned in their contributions, many more are still ongoing or haven't started yet.

"We're determined to reach our goal, because of the importance of what United Way dollars support," said Gary Quenneville, chair, 2007 Community Care campaign. "The VCA is a great example. It's a true lifeline for the city of Buffalo. From quality early child care, to youth and senior citizen programs, the VCA always has the city's best interest in mind. Right now, we need everyone in the community to be as generous as possible in giving to the Campaign."

Through the generosity of donors to Community Care, United Way invests in results-oriented solutions that address our community's highest priority needs. Community Care investments make a lasting difference for children, youth, adults, families and seniors across Erie County. The 2007 Community Care Campaign is taking place now, and runs through March 31. For more information on how to donate, please visit http://www.uwbec.org/, or call 887-2626.