United Way Honors Community, Reaches $2 Million Goal

United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley hits 2008 campaign goal and celebrates outstanding volunteerism and community support at its annual community celebration event.

Salem, OR (March 12, 2009):  United Way of the Mid-Willamette today announced it reached its $2.0 million campaign year; hitting its fundraising goal set last fall. The 2008 annual campaign successfully garnered community support for vital human care programs and top community issues in Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties.

“The success of this year’s campaign illustrates the tremendous commitment from regional businesses and individuals to create positive changes,” said Gayle Caldarazzo, United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley executive director. 

“Their generous support will address pressing issues from early childhood and youth development, crisis services, health programs, and providing vital basic needs for all individuals, among others.”

More than 400 community members attended United Way’s annual campaign recognition dinner, including United Way Board members and staff, elected officials, volunteers, community and business leaders.

The event was sponsored by a group of outstanding businesses, committed to creating better opportunities for everyone. They are:

Presenting Sponsor: A-dec; Gold Sponsor: U.S. Bank; Silver Sponsors: Portland General Electric and Unitrin Specialty; Bronze Sponsor: Capitol Auto Group

The highlight of the evening was the awards ceremony recognizing local business, school districts and United Way partner agencies for their contributions, support, and participation in the campaign and its community focused activities.

Gerry Frank Campaigner of the Year: Alan Steiger – Austin Industries

This award recognizes the most distinguished volunteer of the campaign for their exceptional leadership and commitment to the success of the community-wide effort. 

Loaned Executive of the Year: Jason Dudley- DreamCraft Homes
Additional nominees included: Janet Carlson – Marion County; Alan Steiger – Austin Industries; Cheryl Hastings- ReMax; Gayle Horton- Retired; Steve Harpham – Retired

This award recognizes the employee and the business that loaned personnel to this year’s campaign to open doors, bring positive energy, raise funding, recruit other LE’s and overall time donated.

Guido Caldarazzo Rookie of the Year: Kevin Watson- City of Keizer
Additional nominees included: Paula Radich - Newberg Schools; Sam Yakura- Ushio America; Mellissa Headstrom – Fitness Together

This award is limited to first-time campaigners, this award recognizes the best overall effort of organizations that held their first United Way campaign in 2008.

Campaigns of the Year
These awards recognizes the top Employee Campaign Coordinator and its business for overall excellence in United Way Campaign demonstrated through increasing employee education about community needs through speakers and other presentations and increases in employee involvement, campaign events planned, funds raised, and management participation within the campaign.

Non Profit Campaign Coordinator of the Year: Jennifer Snyder– Catholic Community Services
Additional Nominees Included: Jenn Columbus - Family Building Blocks; Kathy Shannon - Easter Seals Children’s Therapy Center; Kate Tarter- Resource Connections of Oregon

Public Sector Campaign Coordinator of the Year: Anne Britt – Yamhill County
Additional nominees included: Kevin Watson – City of Keizer; Jolene Kelly – Marion County; Kelly Kelly and Glenn Gross – City of Salem

Private Sector Campaign Coordinator of the Year:  Beth Haggard – A-Dec  
Additional nominees Included: Albert Almeida – Kaiser Permanente; Tony Orlandini – Do It Best; Becky Unger– Garmin AT; Charlie Engelfried– Capitol Auto Group; Carroll Kamlin– Salem Hospital

Days of Caring Volunteer Teams of the Year: Kelly Kelly - City of Salem and Mark Speckman - Willamette University Football Team
Additional Nominees Include: Kathy Saunders – Portland General Electric; Laura Clerc - Willamette University Class of 2012 Open Days; Jeanette Moore – AmeriTitle; Susan Gray – Unitrin Specialties

This award recognizes the not only the spirit volunteering, but also the team captain’s leadership, project outcomes, number of volunteer hours, and teams that went above and beyond.  The Volunteer & Mentor Center tripled participation in the 2008 Days of Caring. The annual project brought together 1,200 volunteers for a week of service projects that had an impact of over $100,000 to the tri-county area.