Published: February 08, 2008 08:12 pm            

TRIBUNE-STAR EDITORAL: An impressive campaign for Valley’s United Way

Despite challenges, agency nearly reached funds goal

TERRE HAUTE — The dust has begun to settle around the recently completed 2007 fund-raising campaign for United Way of the Wabash Valley. But it’s hardly a time for those involved with the organization to rest.

With $2.1 million pledged, the local United Way now undertakes the important work of distributing it raised to its 40-plus member agencies around the Wabash Valley. This is where the bread-and-butter decisions are made that dictate United Way’s basic impact. Raising money in a tough economy is never easy, but distributing it is every bit a challenge.

While the fund-raising arm of the organization continues to perform remarkably despite obstacles, its distribution efforts — and the valuable services supported — are what provides a sturdy foundation year after year. If donors did not believe their hard-earned money was being put to effective use, do you think for a moment that fund raising would be as successful as it has been? Not a chance.

The numbers are staggering. United Way raised $2.1 million, just shy of its ambitious $2.3 million campaign goal, but more than it raised the previous year. With campaign chair Patrick Ralston leading an energetic and dedicated group of volunteers, the agency overcame a number of setbacks. Most notable was the decision by Pfizer to close down its Exubera line and to ultimately lay off more than 600 employees. Pfizer has long been a key supporter of United Way.

The local campaign’s performance is even more impressive when compared to others around the state. Of 62 United Way campaigns this past year, only seven reached their goal. Only nine achieved more than 90 percent of their goal. The local campaign reached 93 percent , which puts it among the top 26 percent of campaigns in Indiana for 2007.

The Wabash Valley is fortunate to have such a thriving organization. And there is plenty of credit to go around — to Ralston and the legions of volunteers who assisted him; to Executive Director Jim Bertoli and his top-notch staff; and to all the donors who pledged their support for the coming year.

United Way officials tell us that more than 100 volunteers are now at work on eight funding panels to determine how much each agency program will receive. Their work will not be done until all the money raised is earmarked for its final destination.

The Wabash Valley United Way has never been a more vital organization than it is now. Its collective effort creates a better quality of life for all.

Congratulations to those who helped make it happen. Well done.

        

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