Published: October 18, 2007 10:19 pm         

Wabash Valley United Way could lose major donor

Pfizer contributed $440,000 to organization in 2006

TERRE HAUTE — Pfizer’s announcement Thursday that it would halt production of its inhaled insulin product, Exubera, was met with shock throughout the Wabash Valley, and one charitable organization in particular is very concerned.

The United Way of the Wabash Valley has relied on the generosity of Pfizer employees and corporate matching for years as part of its annual fundraising campaign.

In 2006, Pfizer contributions represented 21 percent of UWWV’s total campaign, or $440,000, according to Jim Bertoli, executive director for the organization.

United Way of the Wabash Valley uses funds to support dozens of not-for-profit organizations in its five-county coverage area, including the Terre Haute Family Y and Catholic Charities of Terre Haute.

Pfizer has long been the UWWV’s largest supporter.

Low sales of Pfizer’s Exubera resulted in the company ceasing production of the inhaled insulin at its Vigo County plant.

After learning of Pfizer’s woes Thursday and the fact that 600 employees were sent home on paid leave, Bertoli says he contacted Pfizer’s office of human resources.

“Our initial concern was the 600 people,” he said. “We sincerely hope those … employees will be back and I know Pfizer is taking some time to try to decide what to do — our hearts go out to those people, being in that uncertain place.”

Bertoli added that the United Way has offered its services to any of the employees who may find themselves in need. For more information, call the United Way of the Wabash Valley at (812) 235-6287.

In addition to his concern for the employees at Pfizer, Bertoli says he is concerned that the trouble for Pfizer “is going to really hurt our agencies and other charitable organizations.”

“Pfizer has always been tremendous as far as their support of the community, and of the United Way and all charitable organizations,” Bertoli said. “The combination of what they’ve done for our United Way and other organizations financially and also as volunteers has been tremendous.

“I’m sure the atmosphere there is one of shock,” he added.

Bertoli said Pfizer is in the middle of their fall fundraising campaign, during which employees typically pledge amounts toward the United Way’s goal, to be deducted from employee paychecks. However, funds are not deducted until Jan. 1.

By the end of the year, Pfizer typically presents the United Way with a figure representing total employee pledges as well as the corporate match amount. The Pfizer Foundation makes a dollar-for-dollar corporate match.

“We’re very appreciative of the corporate match, obviously,” Bertoli said, “but it all starts with those employees.”

The United Way of the Wabash Valley has set a goal to raise $2.3 million for its 2007 campaign. As of Oct. 15, the organization had raised more than 40 percent of that amount.

More information on the United Way of the Wabash Valley is available at www.uwwv.org.

Deb Kelly can be reached at (812) 231-4254 or deb.mckee@tribstar.com.

     

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