NORWICH – Though the actual campaign is still months away, the Chenango United Way Campaign Cabinet recently met to discuss plans for 2008 in hopes of recruiting more public participation right off the bat.
The CUW is looking for volunteers interested in joining the cabinet. The group, whose primary function is to make plans for the campaign and discuss ways to get more people involved, gathers for a short meeting once a month.
“Our focus is on recruiting new businesses and companies, people who have not run an internal campaign before. We’re working on setting goals and creating marketing materials,” Executive Director Elizabeth Monaco said.
Cabinet member Stephanie Barbaro, branch manager at Visions Federal Credit Union, explained that she wanted to join to show her support, as well as her company’s support, for the community. “I wanted to join in because Visions is heavily involved in any community we serve. Being new in the area, it was important to us to be part of the community and involved in the successes of a community organization.”
Another new cabinet member, Lisa Colabelli of Frontier, had a more personal reason for wanting to join the organization. “I have had different family members who have had struggles, and they were able to utilize the services of the United Way,” she said. “That was one of my main drivers. The United Way is known for going in many different ways, and I feel good about that.”
Campaign Director Victoria Mitchell agreed, reiterating the motto often used by the campaign when it was known as the Community Chest: “‘It’s many campaigns in one.’ Some people still don’t realize the importance of what we really do.”
This year, the CUW raised $450,009 in Chenango County and $38,867 from other United Ways, for a campaign total of $488,876. The money is being used to help organizations fund 18 programs in Chenango County.
CUW Board President James Currie, of Frontier, explained he sees Chenango County as an area where people of all socio-economic backgrounds take the time to help one another. “This is the perfect opportunity to do that in a way that affects so many others,” he said.
Several cabinet members, such as Jamey Mullen of the YMCA, Bruce Beadle of Kerry Bio-Science and Charlie McMullen of the Taste and See Soup Kitchen have been United Way volunteers for years. “Residents of the community need to know what we do. A lot of people don’t understand. This isn’t just another fund-raising event,” he said.
“The needs of the community are only going to increase,” Mullen said, explaining that the CUW provides a way for the community to look out for one another.
Charlie McMullen explained his reasons for continuing to participate. “I volunteer with the United Way because the Chenango United Way helps the people who need it most,” he said.
Those interested in joining the cabinet may call the CUW at 334-8815. “We’re looking forward to seeing what we can do for the people who need help,” said this year’s Campaign Co-Chair Amber Harrison of Norwich Pharmaceuticals. “Join the Campaign Cabinet and help us help the community.”