United Way 2008 Campaign Kickoff
Sponsored by:
United Way of Pueblo County held their 2008 Campaign kickoff Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at CSU-Pueblo in the Occhiato Ballroom. Over 300 people walked the red carpet and were the stars of the event. Andrea Aragon, President/CEO of United Way welcomed all the attendees and was pleased to announce the 2008 campaign chairman, County Commissioner, Jeff Chostner.
County Commissioner Jeff Chostner announced to the crowd that this year's 2008 campaign goal is $940,000. He went on to say that last year's record total of $920,000 is beatable, even in today's uncertain economy. He stated that Puebloans always have been generous toward each other, and toward United Way. Last year 91,000 of the county's roughly 150,000 residents received some sort of help from a United Way agency which demonstrates the scope of local need. The needs are going to be greater than they have been before and that means United Way agencies will need additional funding.
Jeff also had the pleasure of announcing several of the pacesetter campaign totals that have already started the 2008 pledge drive. Some of these contributions include: ENT Federal Credit Union--$5,000, US Bank--$5,000, Mahlon Thatcher White Foundation-$40,000, Bechtel Corp.-$10,000 and NECA--$8,000. He also shared with the attendees that the United Way agencies also participate in the pacesetter campaign and so far all of the agencies who have turned in their campaigns have showed an increase in giving and are showing 100 percent participation from all of their employees.
Gary Stone, Chairman of the Board of Directors and a top executive at Black Hills Energy (formerly Aquila) agreed that tough economic times aren't a reason to scale back giving. He stated that the people who benefit from United Way aren't strangers in our community, they are our neighbors, friends, family and co-workers. He encouraged the crowd to give and give big! Gary also had the pleasure to announce that his pacesetter campaign came in this year showing a $9,000 increase for a total company campaign of $55,000. He stated that his campaign coordinator has incorporated fun events into the campaign while teaching the employees of the needs of the community.
Priscilla Lucero, president of Wells Fargo Bank
and sponsor of the luncheon stated that current economic trends
likely will push more Puebloans to their limits in the next year and
they will need help from one or more of the United Way agencies
agencies. She challenged each and every person at the luncheon
to dig a little deeper into our pockets to help provide services
that are much-needed and appreciated by the less fortunate.
The luncheon concluded with a live an silent auction which raised
$5,500 toward the 2008 United Way campaign.
United Way would like to thank Wells Fargo for sponsoring the kickoff luncheon, CSU-Pueblo President's Office, Lin Marmon for facilitating the live auction and all of the donors who contributed to the silent and live auction.