United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley kicked off the 2011 fundraising campaign today at the Columbus Georgia Convention and Trade Center. More than 1,000 community and business leaders attended this year’s luncheon. David Passman, 2011 Campaign Chair, rode in on a stick horse to announce United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley has set the community’s goal at $6.6 million. This represents an increase of $100,000 over last year’s goal of $6.5 million, but United Way feels confident with the volunteer leadership in place and community support the goal is attainable.
“This summer staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to meet with business and governmental leaders throughout the Chattahoochee Valley to set the goal. We continue to be very realistic and set an attainable goal for our community. I am confident in this community and the generous people that live and work here- I know that we will meet and possibly even exceed this goal. Together we can make a difference in this community- every dollar, every donation counts.” Scott Ferguson, president and ceo of the United Way added, “I look forward to an outstanding campaign. David Passman is an excellent chair and with the help of his co-chair Rodney Mahone this campaign is sure to the best yet.”
This year, United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley is providing funding to 28 local agencies that provide 53 programs to individuals, families and children. United Way provides funding to programs that focus on four core areas of service: Basic Need, Income, Health and Education – the building blocks for a good quality of life. The Campaign is chaired by David Passman, president and CEO of Carmike Cinemas and Co-Chaired by Rodney Mahone, president and publisher of the Ledger-Enquirer.
Alan Quin, former radio host, emceed the program that carried a western theme. The luncheon was opened with a remake of the Bonanza video featuring campaign staff and volunteers. As part of the luncheon, the annual campaign video was premiered which showcased the work of the organization as clients for three programs shared their story. The guest speaker was Mr. Phillip Mitchell who was a previous client and volunteer of Open Door Community House, a United Way community partner agency who helps homeless people in our area. “I never thought that I would be homeless- I had a good job, but when I was laid off everything changed,” Mr. Mitchell shared.
Today’s luncheon officially launches the start of the eight-county campaign, which will conclude around the end of December. Programs applying for United Way support must fit under the organization’s priority funding areas and go through a rigorous and accountable evaluation process, which takes place in early spring. The organization’s ability to fund the qualifying programs depends upon the support received during the campaign.
The United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley advances the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. United Way recruits people and organizations that bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley serves residents of Chattahoochee, Harris, Marion, Muscogee, Stewart, Talbot and Taylor counties in Georgia and Russell County in Alabama.