PLATTSBURGH — The United Way of the Adirondack Region has surpassed its 2012 campaign goal of $775,000.
Executive Director John Bernardi made the announcement at a press conference Friday afternoon.
"We're delighted to announce, this afternoon, that we raised $775,112," he said.
Bernardi said the result is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the 2012 Campaign Team chaired by Chesterfield Town Supervisor Gerald Morrow. He said Morrow's efforts this year were heroic, and the way he poured his heart into the campaign was infectious for the other members of the team.
Morrow said the campaign team and community deserve the credit, as they are the ones who secure and provide the funds. He said it is a remarkable outcome given the difficulties of the past year, which included a down economy, spring flooding and more destruction caused by Tropical Storm Irene.
"If anybody had asked me after Hurricane Irene came would we reach our goal, I would have said, 'No way,'" he said.
But the people of the North Country always pull together to help their neighbors out, Morrow said.
NEW IDEAS
Bernardi said the United Way has been blessed to have a long run of great campaign chairs. That includes incoming Chairwoman Gayle Alexander of Denton Publications.
She said she couldn't be more honored to serve as the leader of the 2013 campaign, as she and her husband, Dan, have been involved with the United Way for many years. Mr. Alexander served as chair of the 2009 campaign.
"It's such a dynamic organization," Mrs. Alexander said.
She said it has been great to meet so many impressive people as they make appearances to ask companies and businesses to conduct fund drives. She said they ask the companies to give their employees a chance to be generous, and those employees always come through.
"It's people helping people throughout our entire region," Mrs. Alexander said.
She said they will be looking for even more people to help out throughout the three-county region, so they can help even more people in the future.
"We've got a lot of new ideas coming up with the new campaign," Mrs. Alexander said.
'VERY EFFICIENT'
She said the staff at the United Way is another huge reason for the success of the campaigns.
"These people are here all the time, and they are what makes it work," Mrs. Alexander said.
The funds will enable the local United Way to provide funds to 39 health and human-service organizations in Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties. Those groups provide service to about 80,000 people each year.
Bernardi said some of those groups might not be able to continue operation without United Way funds. The money raised also provides scholarships so more local youths can participate in various programs, such as those at the YMCAs in Plattsburgh and Malone and Adirondack Experience in Lake Placid.
Mr. Alexander said if the United Way didn't exist, many of the organizations it supports would need to use money that otherwise would go to services to conduct their own fundraising campaigns. He said the United Way does that very efficiently because of its experience in that field.
GOOD NEWS
In addition to the funds for service organizations, the local United Way coordinates programs such as Earned Income Tax Credit, 2-1-1 Information and Referral, disaster-recovery programs and other community-based initiatives.
Bernardi said the community should be proud they have enabled the United Way to once again meet its goal. He said it shows the campaign is a sense of great pride to North Country residents.
"We're just happy we could deliver the good news to our community."
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