The United Way of Greater Niagara recently announced its 2018 campaign goal is $1,077,300. This year's theme is "Give Your Way with United Way," and funds will go toward supporting the agency and the programs it assists.
Campaign Co-Chairman William Tiger, plant manager at GMCH Lockport Operations, said, "Whether it is friends, neighbors or co-workers who need a hand; families who may be struggling; a mother and family who need shelter or assistance - the United Way helps fund. The United Way serves the needs where they raise the money. Your money stays local and is used by people who understand how hard you work for your money and are determined to put every dollar to good use."
The United Way stated, "Each year, we see United Way volunteers and staff members put on their campaign hats and venture out to raise money for the organization. Most of us attend meetings at our places of business, and many of us generously open our hearts and wallets. We do this with confidence, knowing that our money will go toward a 'good cause.' We know United Way does 'good things' for the community. But how much do we really know about the organization and about how our donations are being spent?
"United Way of Greater Niagara is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people in Niagara County by addressing critical human needs. The organization is unique in that we collaborate with 25 partner agencies to affect positive changes in Niagara County as efficiently as possible. When nonprofit organizations work together, not only can more good be accomplished, but also the cost of fundraising is dramatically reduced, leaving more money for what is important: helping people.
"In fact, 82 cents out of every dollar donated to United Way goes to programs or services that help people. Volunteers and interns from around the county visit United Way's partner agencies to evaluate their effectiveness and make funding recommendations to the United Way staff and board of directors."
Special recognition benefits are available for donors who give $1,000 or more annually.
This year's campaign team includes Michael Sigurdson, Wegmans; Holly Curcione, Niagara Military Affairs Council; Amber Hill-Donhauser, Hill Financial Group; Jeremy Mixon, Occidental Chemical; Marcus Latham, Niagara Falls Teachers Local 801; and Russell Quarentello, IBEW Local 237.
