The kickoff reception for the 40th year of the United Way of Delaware & Otsego Counties was held Thursday at the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
About 75 people attended the opening of the fundraising campaign that runs through Dec. 31, Executive Director Terry Capuano said.
In the current economy, this will be a tough year to meet the goal of surpassing the 2008 total of $343,000, she said. But she is "cautiously optimistic."
The goal should be attainable when the public realizes that 99 percent of their donations "stays local," she said. The donations help fund programs in qualifying agencies in Delaware and Otsego counties that meet the needs of people.
Nonprofit agencies that receive support for specific programs include Planned Parenthood of South Central New York, Opportunities for Otsego, Salvation Army and Hancock Community Education Foundation.
When last year's campaign fell $23,000 short, a number of programs were not funded. Capuano said she was hopeful that if the fundraising goal can be achieved, that can be avoided, though some "hard decisions" will still have to be met in the competitive process.
The co-chairmen for the campaign _ Gordon B. Roberts Agency partner Tim McGraw and Wilber National Bank assistant vice president Rick Follett _ were also introduced at the event.
The biggest challenge will be increasing the number of participants and encouraging those who have donated in the past to give a little more, McGraw said. If he is successful, people will realize the money is going to a good cause that stays in the two counties, he said.
There are about 70 employee campaigns scheduled and McGraw and Follett will be seeking to increase that number.
Follett said his year-and-a-half of experience on the United Way board of directors has been an "eye-opening experience" because he has seen the needs that are out there. He said he will help get out the message of how easy it is to donate and support community organizations.
The lead sponsor for the Thursday event was NYCM _ formerly New York Central Mutual Fire Insurance Company. Senior vice president Michele Couperthwait said "we believe in supporting the community," and that the United Way is there for people not only on a daily basis but during a crisis.
To contribute or find out more about fundraising activities, call 432-8006, visit www.helpuwaydo.org or send mail to P.O. Box 631, Oneonta 13820.
