United Way kicks off campaign drive
The Rev. Howard Dantzler put it bluntly: “Without the United Way, I’m sure the East End United Community Center would have closed its doors some time ago.” Dantzler spoke at a lunchtime rally in front of the Fayette County Courthouse on Wednesday as the United Way of South Fayette Inc. launched its 2004 campaign drive.
Fayette County Commissioner Angela Zimmerlink, Brownsville Mayor Norma Ryan and Dan Visnauskas, president of United Way of South Fayette, on behalf of Masontown Borough, read proclamations declaring Sept. 1 as United Way Day.
Peggy Gursky, a board member of the United Way and the Myasthenia Gravis Association, talked about being diagnosed with the disease 25 years ago and how supporting the United Way helps the association help many people throughout Fayette County.
“You just don’t know the good you are providing,’ she said.
United Way campaign chairwoman Lucinda Robbins announced this year’s fund-raising goal is $250,000 in a campaign that began Wednesday and will continue through November.
“It’s very essential the United Way exists in our community, and it’s easy to support. When you give to the United Way, you help someone who is a victim of crime get services; you help an elderly person get a phone call every day and taken to doctor appointments, and a woman and her children get shelter when they are in a situation of domestic abuse,” Robbins said, noting that money donated locally helps local people.
The United Way supports 16 local agencies: American Red Cross, the Arthritis Foundation (Western Pennsylvania Chapter), Boy Scouts of America (Westmoreland and Fayette), Catholic Charities, Communities in Schools, Crime Victims Center of Fayette County, Domestic Violence Services of Fayette County, East End United Community Center, Fayette County Community Action Agency, Girl Scouts-Trillium Council, Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers of Fayette County, Jubilee Soup Kitchen, Multiple Sclerosis Service Society, Myasthenia Gravis Association, The Salvation Army and the Uniontown YMCA.
Brandi Nicola, events chairwoman for the 2004 campaign, said the United Way’s annual telethon will take place Sept. 19 on HSTV.
“Our goal is to have as many people as possible call in,’ she said. “This is our third annual telethon, and we’d like to make it our best.’
Nicola said the United Way also will have a recognition celebration at the end of this year’s campaign.
United Way officials urged people to support the campaign. “That one dollar goes to so many agencies providing so many services,” Visnauskas said.
Stephanie King, a past president of the United Way, commented, “The United Way is a grassroots effort in the community. It’s the first effort that existed in the country where people who live in a community give out of their own pockets to help each other.’
After the rally at the courthouse, the festivities moved to Storey Square, where the public could buy a $5 brown-bag lunch to support the United Way and member agencies were available to talk about the services they offer.
For more information, phone 724-438-2917 or check the Web site at www.unitedwayofsouthfayette.org.