United Way of Deschutes County supporters started their engines and kicked-off the 2015/16 fundraising campaign at the Bend Golf and Country Club. United Way campaign chair Eli Ashley announced this year’s campaign goal of $1.5 million.
He noted that the economy is improving locally, but issues such as cost of living, food insecurity, housing affordability, homelessness and early learning achievements are continuing challenges. “It is important for an organization to pay attention to the pulse of the community, and, to me, that organization is United Way.”
Ken Wilhelm, United Way executive director, added, “We have to keep doing better. United Way is poised to bring together people and organizations with the passion and expertise to make long-lasting, measurable change in our community.”
The campaign message this year, United by Mission. Driven by Impact., reminds the community that together we improve lives and create a healthier, more prosperous community where all people have the opportunity to succeed. United Way, with the support of the community, does this by focusing on education, income and health, the building blocks of opportunity.
“When we live united to ensure children in our community are successful in school, our neighbors are able to be financially stable and our families are healthy, we all win—our community gets stronger,” said United Way development director Aimee White. “It’s why we give; it’s why we advocate; and it’s why we volunteer.”
Building on tradition, United Way of Deschutes County collaborates with the community to address root causes of the biggest issues affecting our community and to work towards systemic change. United Way of Deschutes County remains focused on our community’s human and social service needs to improve lives and create measurable, sustained change in our community.
Last year, through United Way, individuals, local businesses, municipalities and schools raised more than $1.4 million to help nearly 60,000 people in our community.
Ashley added, “Let’s work together in the United Way tradition to make our community better!”
Give to the United Way campaign today through payroll deduction, online at www.liveunitedco.org, by mail to PO Box 5969, Bend, OR 97708, or by calling the United Way office at (541) 389-6507. The community is also encouraged to share “What Drives You to LIVE UNITED” on the United Way of Deschutes County Facebook page.
