United Way’s 2009 campaign kicks off

Fundraising goal is $645,000

By Sarah Stultz | Albert Lea Tribune

Published Friday, September 11, 2009

The United Way of Freeborn County kicked off its 2009 campaign Thursday morning with about 60 community leaders at Bonnerup Funeral Home in Albert Lea.

The theme, like last year, remains “Live United.”

The kickoff, which included a breakfast with speakers, marked the official start of the drive for the 2009 goal of $645,000, which is about $50,000 more than in 2008.

Ann Austin, executive director of the United Way of Freeborn County, said the increase comes as more and more people are using the services provided by the United Way partner agencies.

“With the way things have been the last year — and they continue to be a struggle for people this year — there are a lot of people asking for help that haven’t asked before,” Austin said.

She noted the campaign has already raised $55,000, as several businesses, including UPS, Walmart and the Albert Lea Seedhouse have already closed their campaigns. Presentations have also already been given to Albert Lea School District employees and Alden-Conger Schools employees.

Mailers to retired residents will be going out next week.

Austin said during the kickoff breakfast on Thursday radio personality Aaron Worm shared his story of how he and his family have been impacted by a United Way partner agency.

“It was a very moving story,” she said. “The thing I think that really touched people is to know that the services are for everyone to use, and people shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help.”

The Live United campaign focuses on three areas: Education, income and health.

For education, it strives to help children, youth and adults achieve their potential.

For income, it aims to promote financial stability and independence, and for the health category, the campaign focuses on improving people’s health.

Campaign Chairman Steve Merfeld encouraged people to take a minute and reflect on what they can do to help the less fortunate.

“Dig deep,” Merfeld said. “The need in Freeborn County — with the way the recession has been — the need is so great out there right now.”

Over the next two and a half months, volunteers will be busy visiting companies and organizing fundraisers to raise money for the cause.

Coming up are the Live United Disc Golf Outing on Sept. 21, the Hanson Tire Lube-A-Thon on Sept. 26 and the Keep the Fires Burning on Oct. 2.

United Way partner agencies include Adult Basic Education, Albert Lea Family Y, American Red Cross, Arc of Freeborn County, Catholic Charities, Cedar Valley Services, Circle of Parents, Community Technologies & Services, Crime Victims Crisis Center, Domestic Abuse Project, Freeborn County Chemical Dependency Center, Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys, Lutheran Social Services, Parenting Resource Center, SEMCAC Community Action, Senior Resources of Freeborn County, The Children’s Center, The Albert Lea Salvation Army and Twin Valley Boy Scouts.

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