United Way campaign gets off to great start
<p>Carol Johnston, executive director of the United Way of Kootenai County, speaks to the hundreds in attendance of the organization's 2010-2001campaign Thursday at the Idaho National Guard armory in Post Falls.</p>
<p>Esterline Advanced Input Systems employees Chris Weber, left, and Dan Dunne share a laugh Thursday while volunteering their time to split wood for ElderHelp at Grace Trees and Forestry in Hayden. Dozens of volunteers partnered with the United Way to participate in Day of Caring events around the area. Grace Tree Service has donated well over 100 cord of fire wood to ElderHelp over the last two years.</p>
POST FALLS - Thursday was the official kickoff to the United Way of Kootenai County's 2010-11 campaign, but there has already been a lot of pre-game pep talks.
Campaign "pacesetters" have already raised about $125,000 to support local nonprofits and individuals in need, said Caryl Johnston, executive director of the local United Way, at the kickoff at the Idaho National Guard armory.
The campaign's goal is $470,000. Last year about $425,000 was raised, which was down from the usual $500,000 in recent years.
"We know the need is greater this year with the economy being down," Johnston said. "We're asking people to be generous and give, and I think a lot of people are motivated."
Community spirit at the kickoff was evident as many of the 200 or so attending the breakfast and program sported shirts in different colors that read, "I don't just wear the shirt; I live it. Live United."
They were spurred on by the Post Falls High band, a video of testimonies from local recipients and donors and emcee Mark Peterson of KXLY.
Pacesetting companies, led by U.S. Bank and its call center employees having raised nearly $45,000 already, were recognized. With a corporate match, about $80,000 has already been raised from the company.
"We hope that this will inspire others to give," said Scott Tostengard, vice president of the call center. "We're interested in doing better every year."
Rick Murray, U.S. Bank's regional president, said several of the company's employees are part of the United Way's citizen review panel that ensures assistance is funneled to those in need.
"A lot of requests last year were not met and that, along with seeing the need first hand, is a big motivator," Murray said.
Other campaign trailblazers recognized were Architects West, Avista, Macys, Target and UPS.
Adding to the kickoff's excitement, more than 300 volunteers participated on Thursday in the third annual Day of Caring performing 23 projects ranging from splitting wood and delivering it to seniors to constructing playground equipment at a learning center on the Coeur d'Alene Indian Reservation.
"Instead of just holding a lunch to kick off the campaign, we decided to roll up our sleeves and be of service to the community," Johnston said.
The volunteer count grew from 90 in the event's first year and 200 last year.
Businesses also brought nearly 5,000 pounds of food to the kickoff for local food banks. About half of the amount was from U.S. Bank employees, who received a trophy made of food items for a year until the next contest.
"There's a tremendous need in the community that's hitting home more and more," Johnston said told the attendees. "I hope you take that message back to your businesses."