United Way 2009 Campaign Kickoff
Sponsored by: Wells Fargo

UWPC Board of Trustees Chair, Ken Goodnight & 2009 Campaign Chairman, Keith Swerdfeger

United Way of Pueblo County held the 2009 Campaign kickoff Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at Pueblo Convention Center.  Over 300 people came to light United Way's fire.  Andrea Aragon, President/CEO of United Way welcomed all the attendees and  was pleased to announce the 2009 campaign chairman, Keith Swerdfeger of K.R. Swerdfeger Construction Co. 

Swerdfeger announced to the crowd that the 2009 campaign goal is $950,000.  He went on to say that this year's goal be a tough one to meet because of a local economy that continues to receive bad news, coupled with rising unemployment. He stated that now is the time to pull together to ensure that when someone needs helps that have somewhere to go that is ready and able to help them. 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.  With the state of the current economy, the needs are going to be greater than they have been before which means United Way agencies and people in our community will need additional funding and solutions.

Keith also announced several of the pacesetter campaign totals that have started the 2009 pledge drive.  Some of these contributions include: ENT Federal Credit Union--$5,000, US Bank--$5,000, Bechtel Corp.-$10,000, IBEW Local 12--$8,000 and Black Hills Energy--$57,690. The Board of Water Works also saw a record 18th year of increase in their pledge campaign.

The El Pomar Foundation was pleased to announce a challenge grant awarded to United Way of Pueblo County in the amount of $15,000 to benefit the newly unemployed in Pueblo County. This grant will provide matching funds to any new or increased contributions to the 2009 campaign. The United Way of Pueblo County Board of Trustees also approved an additional $15,000 from United Way of Pueblo County making the total of matching funds available $30,000. An additional grant application is pending to the Packard Foundation to increase the number of dollars matched.

Ken Goodnight, Chairman of the UWPC Board of Trustees, agreed that this year will be a hard fundraising year, but stated that with dedication and the opportunity presented with the matching funds, the goal is achievable. He recalled the impact nonprofits had on his life as a child. Explaining fond memories of being active with the Boy Scouts of America. Ken said the Pueblo community desperately needs the many programs United Way of Pueblo County funds, especially under the current conditions.

Priscilla Lucero, president of Wells Fargo Bank and sponsor of the luncheon stressed the importance of giving back to the community and doing all that we can for those who are less fortunate than others. 

The luncheon concluded with a live and silent auction that raised over $4,500 toward the 2009 United Way campaign. 

United Way of Pueblo County would like to thank Wells Fargo for sponsoring the kickoff luncheon, Pueblo Convention Center, Linn Marmon for facilitating the live auction, all of the donors who contributed to the silent and live auction and all of the volunteers who helped keep the fire burning!