UNITED WAY THANKS COMMUNITY FOR ITS “OVERWHELMING GENEROSITY”
Strong Finish Helps Annual Campaign Achieve Its 14th Consecutive Increase

“I can’t emphasize enough the overwhelming generosity of our community,” said Bill Reuter, 2006 Campaign Chair. “The residents and businesses of Lancaster County helped us when we needed it the most.” Extra effort was needed when United Way announced that it was experiencing a shortfall of $160,000 due to unforeseen decreases at a few non-Lancaster County headquartered businesses. After sounding the alarm to the public, Reuter and United Way officials were concerned, but remained hopeful, that the shortage would be made-up. And during United Way’s Thank You celebration Wednesday evening, Reuter announced that $10,056,249 was raised to help build a stronger Lancaster County – $55,948 more than last year.

“We overcame adversity with the help of first time donors, increases from current donors and additional investments from several corporations,” Reuter said.

During the program, the 350 supporters in attendance were reminded of what their efforts truly mean to the community. “United Way is not just an easy way to give back to the community,” said Susan Eckert, president of United Way, “it calls us to come together to create lasting change and links us with those who most need our services.” As a demonstration of the impact being made through the organization’s efforts, a story was shared detailing the success of one young girl with the help of United Way partners. (Please note: Sally Landis, a United Way loaned representative, spoke on behalf the Gehman family.)

Shortly after her birth, doctors determined Melissa Gehman was developmentally delayed as a result of the atrophy of her brain’s frontal lobe. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Melissa’s parents were told not to have much hope for her future.

But Robert and Peggy Gehman did hope and made sure Melissa had the speech and occupational therapies she needed. With the assistance of United Way and several of its member agencies, Melissa’s progress has been tremendous. She has found an increased sense of her self esteem and improved her social skills. She has learned how to swim on her own – and once she mastered using the walker, she eventually graduated to crutches.

And last October, Melissa took her first unassisted steps to her mother.

Additionally during the Thank You celebration, United Way officials honored the many individuals and businesses that made the annual campaign a success.

Lancaster Newspapers, Inc. was presented with the Spirit of Lancaster Award, United Way’s highest tribute for a company’s community involvement. The organization’s giving through the Steinman Foundations increases each year, but its generosity does not stop there. It circulates United Way’s annual brochure and provides in-kind advertising space, delivering the organization’s message to nearly 200,000 readers. And this year, their giving included a $75,000 grant to United Way’s homelessness and affordable housing – bringing their total corporate giving to more than a quarter of a million dollars.

Additionally, Lancaster Newspapers, Inc.’s model campaign helped their employees increase giving for the fourth consecutive year. Following their company’s lead, the management and staff contributed $73,793, a 10% increase over last year.

Alcoa Mill Products was honored with the Campaign Chair’s Award for demonstrating the use of innovative ideas that influence the campaign county-wide. Alcoa’s volunteer committee prepares each year to educate their workers on their impact on United Way. Additionally, management provides employees with the necessary time away from production and supports the efforts by donating significant incentives that help make giving fun. This year’s total of $99,002 is a 12% increase over last year. Additionally, the Alcoa Foundation awarded United Way a $25,000 grant for its affordable housing and homelessness initiative.

Armstrong World Industries, with the county's number one workplace campaign, received Coordinator of the Year for the efforts of Brooks Cline. With an outstanding campaign committee and support from senior leaders, Cline has lead Armstrong World Industries to new records annually. The Armstrong campaign rose dramatically to $471,000 this year – an average annual growth of more than 11%. Additionally, Armstrong’s campaign had 121 leadership givers (households of $1,000 or more) – including 10 current or retired employees who are members of the Tocqueville Society (households of $10,000 or more).

United Way also presented the Agency Commitment Award to Jennifer Powell, Executive Director of Clare House. The award is presented to a United Way member or affiliate agency in recognition of their combined support of the campaign. As co-chair of the Nonprofit Division on the Resource Development Cabinet, Powell’s drive to personally visit over twenty nonprofit agencies prior to the campaign’s kick-off led the division to an increase in total dollars raised to $174,960 and an increase in participation to 958 donors – record-breaking achievements. For additional information about the Thank You event, the 2006 Campaign, or to learn how you can get involved in 2007, please call 394-0731 or visit www.uwlanc.org.