Local business, public sector and community leaders are joining together for the 2015-16 United Way of Deschutes County fundraising campaign to improve lives and create a healthier, more prosperous community. This year’s campaign chair, United Way board member Eli Ashley, will lead the efforts in raising $1.5 million.
“Our campaign goal of $1.5 million will make a greater impact on a growing population in our area than in prior years. We have focused our goals towards three building blocks of opportunity for family and individual success: education, income and health,” said Ashley. “Local issues such as cost of living, underemployment, food insecurity, housing affordability, homelessness, transportation access and early learning achievements are continuing challenges in Deschutes County and require a leadership organization like United Way to help identify and implement solutions.”
Ashley has served on the United Way board for two years and has led fundraising campaigns as executive director of the Broadway Center for the Performing Arts in Tacoma and most recently as executive director for Bend’s Tower Theatre Foundation. He brings more than 30 years of experience working with capital campaigns, public-nonprofit partnerships and volunteers.
Supporting Ashley this year are campaign team members: Bob and Clella Thomas, Joe Gardepy, Dave Markham, Carolyn Jarschke, Jacob Fain, Chip Reeves, Brian Stallcop and John Salzer.
The United Way annual campaign provides opportunities for personal success and builds a brighter future for all people in Deschutes County by focusing on education, income and health. Nearly 60,000 people used resources funded through United Way last year. The United Way of Deschutes County will kick off its annual campaign on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at Bend Golf and Country Club.
To start a workplace campaign or to get involved, contact Aimee White, development director, at 541-389-6507 or go to www.liveunitedco.org.
United Way of Deschutes County is addressing the issues and challenges that affect all people in Deschutes County to achieve lasting impact in our community by focusing on the three building blocks of opportunity – education, income and health. We bring people and organizations together to make long lasting, visible and measureable changes in our community, not just addressing immediate needs. Together we will create a healthier and more prosperous community with opportunities for everyone.
