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Rappahannock Area Community Services Board employees work on a project during the Day of Caring in October.
United Way President Steven Batsche (second from left) stands with YMCA officials raising money by having it pinned to their shirts. |
Layoffs. Pay cuts. Shrinking pensions.
Today's workers face a litany of struggles.
And the middle-class employees who usually fill the Rappahannock United Way's coffers each campaign season have more reason than ever to close their wallets tightly.
But they're not.
In fact, this year's campaign is already ahead of schedule with $2 million raised.
And employers are discovering that the annual fundraising campaign can bring the office atmosphere back to pre-recession days.
"People have used this as a real morale-booster in their workplaces," said Janel Donohue, vice president of marketing and development for the Rappahannock United Way.
The agency's partners have used creative fundraisers to meet this year's $3.2 million goal. Recently. YMCA employees pinned cash to their boss, YMCA CEO Barney Reiley.
When the bills were unpinned, the money went to the campaign.
"What a perfect idea," Donohue said. "Who wouldn't like to stick something to their boss now and then?"
Other businesses have already reported increased giving. They include: Rappahannock Area Community Services Board, MediCorp Health System, Fredericksburg Smile Center, Virginia Partners Bank, Permatreat Pest Control and Printpack.
The local campaign launched in late August, about a month earlier than usual.
Organizers knew that this would be a tough year to raise money.
But the 34 member agencies have more people seeking help, fewer donations and decreased government funding.
More people than ever need food, a place to stay or help with bills. And the member agencies are struggling to provide those necessities.
The Rappahannock United Way had to balance the growing needs of its agencies and the shrinking wallets of its donors. They had to choose a goal carefully.
Donohue announced the goal in late August, appealing to companies' creativity in raising the money. She also tugged at heartstrings, telling stories of children living with abuse, cancer patients facing homelessness and disabled children without families.
The Rappahannock United Way helps these people in the community, she told companies.
She thinks they were listening.
"People are really reaching in and finding that extra dollar and helping their fellow man. It's really exciting to see," Donohue said.
"The people who can give are stepping up. People are giving, and they are giving more. We just need people to continue to give."
Amy Flowers Umble: 540/735-1973
Email: aumble@freelancestar.com
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The Rappahannock United Way's campaign ends in January and is more than halfway to its $3.2 million goal. But the group still needs to raise $1.2 million. Federal employees can donate by writing in the Combined Federal Campaign code 46964. Other donations can be made online at rappahannockunited way.org or by calling 540/373-0041, ext. 307. |
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The Rappahannock United Way distributes money to 34 member agencies, providing health care, shelter, mental health services, food and after-school programs. The agency also offers free tax help for the needy, an early education program and volunteer matching. For details, visit rappahannock unitedway.org or call 540/373-0041. |
