United Way strives for higher goal in 2008 fundraising campaign

Mary Ann Gilpin, executive director of the local United Way organization, displays a scooter that will be raffled off as part of this year's fundraising campaign. The goal for the year is $14,000 more than it was last year, she said. (Kathy Fairchild/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

After meeting its ambitious goal last year, the United Way campaign is reaching higher this year.

Executive Director Mary Ann Gilpin said Tuesday, Sept. 9, the 2008 funding goal is $100,000.

"It will be a challenge this year," she acknowledged, "because of rising prices, especially gasoline."

"But the money is needed. We've seen costs and expenses increase for all the agencies we support. It's Economics 101, even in tight times."

"All these agencies do so much for people in Saline County. It's local people helping local people, that's the main thing," she said.

A variety of events are held each year to raise funds, including Cargill Meat Solutions' "big tent event," to be held this year on Oct. 4-5 and the ConAgra vs. Cargill "throw down" soccer game. And as an added incentive, this year the campaign is raffling off a SUNL Pony Scooter with a retail value of about $1,700.

The 49cc scooter was obtained for the campaign at cost, with the help of Larry Farris of Larry's Detail Service.

Farris said the scooter gets great mileage and is perfect for running around town. "It's a good alternative vehicle for fun in the sun," he said.

Tickets for the raffle are $5 each or $20 for five tickets, and can be obtained from any United Way board member or at the United Way office in the Municipal Court building. The drawing will be held Oct. 17; you need not be present to win.

United Way board members are Sandy Dillon, Matt VanVactor, Rachel Miles, Rhonda Sullivan, Cathy Hobbs, Wes Craig and Richard Pemberton, all of Marshall; Majorie Sanders of Slater; and Cindy Simms and Doug Vogelsmeier, both of Sweet Springs.

As in past years, donations can be made via payroll deduction where available; deductions begin January 1, 2009.

Contributors can choose from among the 19 agencies helped by United Way, or can specify a particular agency to receive all their funds. Commuters who have a United Way organization in their own community can arrange to have their donations sent to that office.

Gilpin emphasized that United Way does not help individuals itself and is not the only source of support for the agencies who receive funds.

Participating agencies for 2008-2009 are AWARE, American Red Cross Mid-Missouri Chapter, American Red Cross Boone County Chapter, Butterfield Village Cellar, CASA, Marshall Community Food Pantry, Children's Mercy Hospital, Child Safe of Central Missouri, Foster Grandparents, Fitzgibbon Memorial Hospital Transportation Service, Marshall Senior Center, Mental Health Association of Saline County, Saline County 4-H Youth Development programs, Saline County Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol, Saline County Learning Center, Saline County Extension, Slater Senior Center, Sue Long Family Literacy Program and Sweet Springs Food Pantry.

Contact Kathy Fairchild at marshallhealth@socket.net