VIENNA - Although the United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley fell short of its goal last year, hopes are high a slightly lower goal will be reached at a time when some economists say the economy may be looking up.
Jason Lewis, 2009-2010 campaign chairman, announced a goal of $700,00 during Tuesday's campaign kickoff breakfast at Grand Pointe Conference Center in Vienna. Lewis is vice president of HVAC at Tri-State Roofing and Sheet Metal in Parkersburg.
"Last year we came very close to our goal of $750,000; we fell short by about $9,000," he said. "We think this goal is attainable and we will have to be aggressive; we'd like to exceed it if possible."
Joyce Mather, executive director of the United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley, said the organization is confident it can reach the goal this year for the 39-member agencies in nine counties.
"We think we can reach this as the economy seems to be heading in a positive direction," she said.
Last year's campaign collected $740,136.81, the first time the goal was missed since the current organization was formed in 2005 by the merger of four smaller United Way organizations.
Mather said two new agencies will be part of the United Way this year: the Parkersburg Area Coalition for the Homeless, where funds will be used for basic needs and survival solutions for the homeless, and Peer Support, where funds will be used for roof repairs to homes of those with chronic mental illness.
The United Way plans on being more visible in the community by participating in various events, Lewis said.
The largest project was the Mission of Mercy Dental Clinic where 1,300 people obtained free dental care between July 31 and Aug. 1, Mather said. The United Way also was part of the back-to-school backpack school supply project. The organization helped to obtain school supplies for children whose families were in need in Wood, Calhoun, Roane, Jackson, Tyler, Pleasants, Wirt and Ritchie counties, she said.
United Way will be a sponsor of a cornhole tournament on Oct. 10. Mather said the tournament will have a "Magaritaville" theme but the location has not been confirmed.
"We are also the financial agent for 16 food pantries in Wood County in the FEMA emergency shelter and food program," she said.
Tuesday's kickoff breakfast was sponsored by Coldwell Banker Landmark Realtors; Alice M. Harris, CPA; Grand Pointe Conference Center and Curtis Miller Insurance.
