The United Way of Racine County held its victory dinner Thursday night, and announced the results of this year's fund-raising campaign: $4.9 million.
That was a hair less than the $5 million raised in 2008 -- but a far cry from the declines seen in other communities (just last week, Milwaukee's United Way was $4 million short, down almost 10% from its $45 million goal as its campaign neared completion -- before announcing Thursday night that it had actually exceeded the goal by $500,000).
Racine County Campaign Chair Chris Antonneau, president of David Insurance, said he was pleased with the result. “We knew we were going to be facing significant challenges this year due to the current state of the economy, but instead of focusing on the negative we worked hard to put into action new and creative ways to reach out to as many people as we could. Racine County stepped up to the challenge, giving generously and providing opportunities for a better life for all.”
Antonneau had not set a specific goal for this year's campaign, stating when the drive began, "We all know there are economic challenges." He led a campaign with 30 community leaders in his cabinet and nine loaned employees, plus hundreds of volunteers who ran campaigns in their own workplaces.
According to GivingUSA Foundation, donations to the human services sector were down 13 percent in 2008 and giving was expected to decrease even more in 2009. But Racine County's decline this year was only about 2%.
“The community has shown that the United Way message, LIVE UNITED, is truly being embraced by the people of Racine,” said Rod French, emcee of the victory celebration and a long-time volunteer. “Tonight we heard stories of local people who give of their time, talent and treasure and from people who benefit from United Way programs. They exemplify the thousands of people who share a common goal with United Way to provide the building blocks of a good life to all people of Racine County. United Way is the organization that leads the community in advancing the common good.”
Thanks to all the Racine area contributors along with the hundreds of UWRC volunteers for this year’s successful campaign!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to those who Care.
ReplyDeleteI'm willing to bet that the Mr Angry's contribtion was double thqt of last yea - but than of course 2 times 0 is still zero. He'd rather bitch than do something constructive.
I am always happy to see the generosity of folks giving to the poor and needed. Except to United Way. Did you know that UW spends most (90%) of what it takes in on administrating the program and 10% actually makes it to those who need it. Would it not be more constructive to use those donations that we are able to generate in Racine to target some of our own short falls. I'm not saying don't donate to UW, do what you want, all I'm saying is 4.9 million is a lot of money to let go to Planned Parenthood to use to genocide blacks in our inner cities. I myself gave $1000.00 to Wisconsin Right To Life.
ReplyDeleteAnon 6:57 You are totally wrong.
ReplyDeleteThe United Way here distributes more than 90% of what is raised to local, partner agencies that directly help those in need. It is the most transparent of fund-raisers ever.
Check out their annual report, volunteer, see for yourself.
6:57 - you are an idiot - sure UW kept $4.5M - 90% of the funds received. I did not know that Dave M. and their staff were making so much.
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ReplyDeleteGraham-
ReplyDeleteYour comment was deleted because it was wildly inaccurate. 89 percent of United Way donations go to charitable causes, with 11 percent covering overhead.
Anon 6:57,
ReplyDeleteMaybe you should check your facts before posting them. United Way has an incredibly low overhead (see the annual report that Pete posted) and does NOT fund planned parenthood. Also, 99% of funds raised stay right here in Racine County to help families and individuals here who need it. It sounds to me like this is a good way to invest in our community!
Mr. Angry - why don't you comment about the $4.9M contributed. Those damn rich people that give are ruining our country, state and city. Ha!
ReplyDeleteDustin, if you want to believe whatever United Way wants to put out in their OWN report, you go right ahead. Be gullible. What I put in my post was told to me directly by United Way itself.
ReplyDeleteHere are the most accurate figures for the United Way and Red Cross CEOs:
Marsha J. Evans, President and CEO of the American Red Cross, was paid $468,599 in salary and benefits in fiscal 2003.
Brian Gallagher, President and CEO of United Way, was paid $432,709 in salary and benefits in fiscal 2003.
These can be verified at:
http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_charities_salaries.htm
Organizations that can pay that kind of money, plus benefits, to a CEO will not receive any donations from me. You'll probably delete this as well, showing just how fair and balanced you are.
So Grahamy - what are your numbers for for Racine County. I think that is what counts. How much of our money goes towards administration locally? I love how people come up with excuses for not giving - you cheap bastard.
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