OBSERVER Photo by M.J. Stafford
United Way of Chautauqua County kicked off its “Stronger Together” campaign Monday in Dunkirk. From left are campaign co-chairs Bill Soffel, Kelly Borrello and Amy Rohler.
United Way of Chautauqua County kicked off its latest campaign with events Monday and Tuesday that also celebrated the organization’s recent creation from a merger.
Speakers at Monday’s event, in the Boardwalk near the Dunkirk Pier, emphasized how combining north county and south county United Ways will improve services for everyone. A campaign kickoff event for the south county was Tuesday in Bemus Point.
The name of the campaign, “Stronger Together,” drives home the collaborative spirit.
“We’ve been working really hard on the merger…we really believe we’ll be stronger together,” said Amy Rohler, executive director. She said combining Chautauqua County’s United Ways will Increase impact of, and innovation in, programs for the whole county.
“I believe in their mission. I believe in collaboration, I believe in consolidation,” said Kelly Borrello, co-chair of “Stronger Together” with Bill Soffel.
Borrello touted United Way’s acceptance of small donations. “You want to pay $5 a month, that’s great.” She also talked up its model of using local agencies, allowing donations to trusted people and cutting down on scams.
“We’re trying to get the word out on how easy it is to give,” Borrello said.
Soffel noted United Way supports 34 different agencies across Chautauqua County. Out of those, 20 provide countywide services, he said.
The donation goal for “Stronger Together” is $1.8 million. “That’s a bit of a stretch, but we’re confident,” Soffel said.
Jeannie Gallaway, executive director of the local Boys and Girls Club, said a few words about how United Way’s support is crucial for their own programs.
Attendees were shown a video touting the campaign. The video is available on United Way of Southern Chautauqua County’s YouTube channel.