United Way of Saline County kicks off fundraising season

Members of United Way of Saline County and associated organizations meet for lunch at Bloomfield's Family Restaurant Tuesday, Aug. 25. Diners' tables were centered around a Lance Charming 50cc motor scooter, for which raffle tickets are being sold by UWSC board members. (Geoff Rands/Democrat-News) [Order this photo]

Representatives of United Way of Saline County and of organizations associated with UWSC met at Bloomfield's Family Restaurant to kick off fundraising for the 2009-2010 year.

UWSC's goal for the year is $100,000, said President Sandy Dillon. She said she recognized that the amount sounds like a lot of money to raise, but gave an example to show how a little bit can go a long way.

Assuming the cost for a bottle of soda or water is $1.50, if someone who regularly purchased one bottle each weekday would "give up one bottle a week, ... they could have $78" in a year's time, Dillon said. To reach the goal set by UWSC, 1,282 people countywide, or one-twentieth of Saline County's residents, would need to make a similar donation, she said.

Those present saw a black-and-white Lance Charming 50cc motor scooter, for which raffle tickets will be sold until the drawing Wednesday, Oct. 21. Tickets are $5 each or $20 for five.

"We have eight weeks to meet our goal," said Dillon.

Although one-time gifts are welcome, UWSC volunteers will seek commitments to regular donations.

A "fair share giver" is one who pledges one hour's pay per month for 12 months or 0.6 percent of monthly salary for 12 months, according to United Way.

ConAgra Employee Relations Manager Sue Zacarias told of upcoming efforts by ConAgra to raise funds for UWSC, which include a bake sale and barbecue.

UWSC Board Member and Cargill Technology Service Manager Wes Craig spoke to those present about Cargill's upcoming fundraising work.

Employee donations will be matched by Cargill twice, said Craig, once by the Marshall facility and once by Cargill's corporate headquarters.

A Texas Hold 'Em tournament will be played between 3 and 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at Hustler's Sports Bar & Grill, said Craig. Only 50 players will be allowed to participate, and tickets are available through Craig.

Susan Pointer, representing Monsanto, announced a donation of $800 by Monsanto to UWSC.

No solicitors of donations are paid for their work, according to information given to attendees. All money donated to UWSC in this effort will stay in Saline County to help county residents through associated organizations.

Donations can be designated to go to only one organization, or to be withheld from one or more organizations, if the donor so desires.

UWSC Board members include Dillon, Vice President Doug Vogelsmeier, Secretary/Treasurer Joby Raines, Wes Craig, Cindi Sims, Frank Pooser, Larry Erickson, Richard Pemberton, Judi White, Aimee Vance and Heather Allred.

UWSC can be reached by phone at 660-886-4959.

Contact Geoff Rands at marshallreporter@socket.net