United Way kicks off fundraising campaign

From left, Monsanto representatives Amy Russell, Lisa Streck, Susan Pointer and Jeff Tremel present a check for $750 to United Way campaign officials Marjorie Sanders, president, and Mary Ann Gilpin, chief professional officer. [Click to enlarge]

The United Way fall fundraising campaign got off to a quick start Thursday, Sept. 21, with a $750 donation from Monsanto.

Company representatives Susan Pointer, Amy Russell, Lisa Streck and Jeff Tremel presented the check to campaign officials Marjorie Sanders, president of the local United Way board, and Mary Ann Gilpin, United Way chief professional officer, at the kick-off luncheon Thursday, Sept. 21, at the Knights of Columbus hall.

Volunteers and representatives from a number of recipient agencies were present as well to sign up for fundraising tasks.

Gilpin told the group that their task might be especially challenging this year. Not only is the campaign goal $1,000 higher than last year -- $86,000 -- but there are currently two major capital campaigns underway, the Fitzgibbon Hospital Community Cancer Center project and the Nicholas-Beazley Aviation Museum/Shirley Nightwine Martin Civic Center project.

"For many (agencies) we are the major course of their financial resources," Gilpin said. "We realize there are a lot of things going on in Saline County this year, but we still have to support these programs."

Gilpin reminded volunteers that the purpose of the United Way is to take the fundraising burden off participating agencies as much as possible, allowing the agencies to concentrate on helping people who need their services.

"These agencies are working every day to better the lives of people in Saline County," she said.

There are 17 agencies participating in the United Way this year, including Aware, the Boone County Chapter of the American Red Cross, Butterfield Village Cellar, the Court Appointed Special Advocate program (CASA), Community Food Pantry, Children's Mercy Hospital, Child Safe of Central Missouri, Foster Grandparents Program, John Fitzgibbon Memorial Hospital Inc. Transportation, Lighthouse Shelter, Marshall Senior Center, Mental Health Association of Saline County, Saline County 4-H Youth Development programs, Saline County Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, Saline County Learning Center, Slater Senior Center and the Sweet Springs Food Pantry.

Serving on the United Way board are Sanders, Matt Van Vactor, Sandy Dillon, Ann Green, Virginia Huston, Scott Hartwig, Cathy Hobbs, Rich DePaoli and Marlene VanHorn.

Gilpin said more volunteers to help with fundraising are welcome. For more information, contact her at (660) 886-4959.

Contact Eric Crump at

marshallfaith@socket.net