Campaign Kick-Off

09/18/2009
US/Eastern

September 18, 2009, 7:30 – 9:00, The Grandview, Poughkeepsie

 

 

United Way of Dutchess County Sets 2009 Campaign Goal at $1.7 Million
 
POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – United Way of Dutchess County kicked off its 2009 Campaign and announced a fundraising goal of $1.7 million at a breakfast meeting Sept. 18 at The Grandview in Poughkeepsie.
 
The annual campaign raises Community Fund dollars that are used to support partnerships with more than 30 community organizations that help United Way meet its mission to make measurable improvements in the lives of Dutchess County residents. The partnership programs funded provide families and individuals with their basic needs, attain financial stability and prepare their young children for success – three priorities determined through an extensive community-wide assessment.
 
“Last year, more than 48,000 county residents – that is one in six of our friends, colleagues and neighbors – used a service funded by United Way,” said Dr. Daniel Z. Aronzon, United Way of Dutchess County’s Chair of the Board of Governors, who is also President and CEO of Vassar Brothers Medical Center. “Without your commitment that would not have been possible,” Aronzon said to the more than 250 people in attendance at the event.
 
“We all Live United not only throughout this campaign, but throughout our every day lives in our community,” said 2009 Campaign Chair and Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union Chief Financial Officer Tyrone Muse as he introduced the volunteers who are the driving force in making the campaign a success by its end on Dec. 10.
 
This year volunteers include more than 250 employee campaign managers who encourage pledges and donations in Dutchess County workplaces and 18 loaned executives from companies and nonprofits who work for 12 weeks to promote the campaign while improving their leadership skills and increasing their knowledge of community issues. In addition, a 20-member campaign leadership team, a 10-member Young Leaders group and the United Way’s board of governors work to meet the campaign goal.
 
“A startling statistic that makes us stop and think about the importance of United Way donations is the fact that every 11 minutes someone in our community is helped by your donation to the Community Fund,” said United Way of Dutchess County CEO And President Anne M. Beaulieu as she spoke about how very important the work is of the volunteers and of the caring companies and individuals that support the campaign.
 
Keynote speaker for the event was Douglas Luffborough, nationally-known inspirational speaker and trainer who serves as chief managing consultant with the nonprofit Turning the Hearts Center in Chula Vista, Calif., which is committed to assisting youth and families through education, leadership development and family enhancement services. He has made special appearances at the White House and the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum.
 
A special feature of the breakfast was the presentation of the Alexis de Tocqueville Community Service Award to longtime community activist and volunteer Cora Mallory-Davis, a Poughkeepsie native.