Written by: John DeRousie, Custom Marketing Solutions
OSWEGO, NY – When United Way board member, Jonathan Daniels, executive director of the Port of Oswego Authority, was asked to return for an unprecedented third term as a chair for the United Way’s Campaign Cabinet he was honored to realize that his contributions as campaign cabinet chair benefited such a worthy endeavor as the United Way’s Annual Campaign.
Joining Daniels in guiding this year’s United Way campaign and serving as co-chairperson, is Robert Rolfe of Pathfinder Bank. Longtime supporters of United Way, the two are well aware of the importance of their roles and gladly accepted the challenge to help make the United Way’s 2011 / 2012 campaign a success.
Daniels, who has been involved with past campaigns for the United Way of Eastern Maine has served as a member of the Campaign Cabinet for several years and chaired the past two United Way campaigns. “United Way provides much needed support to so many entities that provide vital services to those in need in Oswego County. It is an honor to be able to work once again with the Campaign Cabinet and the United Way staff in this capacity. We are excited about making this year’s campaign the best ever and I am looking forward to getting the campaign underway,” said Daniels.
Rolfe, who is true champion of the United Way’s efforts in Oswego County, has served as an in-house United Way company campaign coordinator for 11 years, a member of the United Way asset allocations committee for 7 years, and has been a vital part of the United Way campaign cabinet for the past 3 years. When asked why he is so passionate about the success of the United Way’s Annual Campaign, Rolfe said the answer is obvious. “United Way builds stronger communities in Oswego County. United Way’s Annual Campaign raises much needed funds that help 23 United Way member agencies fund 37 human services programs that benefit families and individuals right here in the neighborhoods we live and work in,” said Rolfe.
The United Way’s Annual Campaign officially gets under way with a Kickoff Breakfast to be held Sept. 14 from 8 – 9 a.m. at the American Foundry, Route 104 East (behind The Fajita Grill).
Executive Director of the United Way of Greater Oswego County, Melanie Trexler, said Daniels, Rolfe, and the other members of the Campaign Cabinet have been working diligently to ensure that the United Way’s Campaign Kickoff Breakfast is an enlightening and inspiring event that will provide community members with a better understanding of the existing needs in Oswego County and the role United Way plays in helping to meet those needs. “Our Campaign Cabinet is excited about this year’s campaign. They are dedicated to establishing a precise plan of action that will allow us to achieve our campaign goals and, through our member agencies, serve as many families and individuals in Oswego County as possible,” she said.
Daniels sees this year’s campaign as one of the most challenging in the agency’s history. “The Kickoff Breakfast is the starting point for what may very well be the most important campaign the United Way has ever had. These trying economic times have put many of our neighbors in dire need. We need to step up and set the stage for an exciting campaign. This is the time for a call to service. We will use our Kickoff Breakfast to announce our goal and inspire the community to help us reach that goal,” said Daniels.
As for the focus of this year’s United Way Annual Campaign, Rolfe said that it is clearly set on the meeting some of the many basic needs of families and individuals in Oswego County. “It continues to be a challenging economy, which creates a greater need for many families and individuals throughout Oswego County. Throughout this campaign we are looking to bring these life needs to the forefront and help our community members understand how their generous donations truly benefit those in need,” said Rolfe.
United Way’s Annual Campaign serves as the organization’s primary fundraiser as the campaign looks to raise money in support of the many human services programs that the United Way and its member agencies provide for those who live in Oswego County.
“The Kickoff Breakfast will be the first step in a campaign that will reach out to more community members than ever before,” said Daniels. “Our Campaign Cabinet is 100% committed to making this campaign a success. Throughout this campaign we will be addressing as many business and individuals as possible to tell the story of the United Way and the positive impact that it has on the quality of life in Oswego County. While past campaigns have seen success, we are looking to bring this year’s campaign to new heights.”
Rolfe echoed those thoughts, praising those who have donated in the past and encouraging other to join them in supporting this year’s campaign. “As the need in our county has increased, I am proud to say that the generosity and compassion of our community has also increased. The support United Way has received from those who unselfishly contribute their time and money to help others makes our county a better place to live for everyone. The increasing support of United Way is a positive trend that I hope will continue with this year’s campaign and future campaigns,” said Rolfe.
“We invite community members to join us for the United Way Campaign Kickoff Breakfast and learn more about the United Way and how their donations to the campaign make a difference in the quality of life in Oswego County,” added Trexler. The cost to attend the event is $15. For more information, or to make reservations to attend the United Way Campaign Kickoff Breakfast, contact Lois Luber at your United Way office, 593-1900 or via e-mail at [email protected]
