United Way tops campaign goal
Turning a corner after several challenging years of fundraising, the local United Way has surpassed its goal for its 2013 campaign.
The campaign raised $683,572 or 14 percent more than the goal of $600,000.
It marked the first time since 2008 that United Way has reached its annual fundraising target.
The campaign that ended Dec. 31 was a month shorter than earlier fund drives. The United Way has completed a return to a calendar-year schedule that corresponds with the United Way fiscal year.
“Work United, Give United, Live United” was the theme of the 2013 fund drive, which benefits a variety of nonprofit agencies that help our neighbors throughout Northwest Montana.
“We’re very thankful for each community member who helped us reach our monetary goal,” said Sherry Stevens, executive director of the local United Way. “Every dollar donates goes toward helping people in Northwest Montana and improving the lives of those in need in our communities”
She said agencies that provide basic human services are continuing to experience record increases in needs, so agencies and volunteers are forming partnerships to stretch dollars and serve more people.
The fundraising success, along with a host of honors, was announced Thursday during a thank-you celebration in Kalispell.
Carol Nelson, owner of Carol Nelson Design, was honored as United Way Volunteer of the Year.
Nelson was recognized for her many years of work with United Way and for her leadership on the Gateway Community Center project that is transforming the former Gateway West Mall into a central location for nonprofit agencies.
Flathead Valley Community College won the Community Hero Award for a 67.1 percent increase in the college’s United Way campaign.
The Community Hero Award for a nonprofit went to Big Brothers Big Sisters for the agency’s Graduation Matters initiative.
Alison Schmaltz was honored with the Spirit of United Way Award.
Lori Alsbury of Kalispell Regional Healthcare was named Campaigner of the Year and Alison Metzler of Community Action Partnership was named Rookie of the Year.
The Community Builders Award was presented to Plum Creek’s Ranae Smith and Eric Moy and their campaign team. Plum Creek had the highest percentage of increase over a three-year period with a 36 percent overall increase of $34,000. Plum Creek’s giving amounted to 21 percent of the total raised in the 2013 campaign.
Other United Way awards were:
v Highest percentage of increase in finance and banking: First place, Glacier Bank, 14.6 percent; Second place, tie between Three Rivers Bank and Valley Bank, 6.5 percent.
v Community Spirit Award: Herberger’s 59.1 percent increase in giving
v Local Spirit Awards: Jordahl and Sliter, 16 percent increase; and Fun Beverage Inc., 7.8 percent increase.
v Global Corporate Leadership Awards: First place, UPS, 48.5 percent and Costco, 48 percent. Second place, PPL Montana, 27 percent.