By Theresa Carter
Our United Way is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, providing outstanding programs and services that continue to improve people's lives right here in Summit County.
Over nearly a century of existence, the mission of our United Way has transformed into an ever more focused effort to target and meet the critical needs of our community.
Our success over the many years has been realized because of those in our community who continue to give so generously and passionately of their resources and time. And for that, we are most grateful.
As we embark upon this 90th year of service, we have become even more focused, joining others like us around the country in a new social movement called Live United, which takes a comprehensive view of ''giving'' that advances the common good and creates opportunities for a better tomorrow for us all. Under the Live United banner, we are encouraged to give, advocate and volunteer, understanding that these are all essential components to ensuring a vibrant, sustainable community.
Funding these efforts is still a critical component and, after a thorough assessment of our community needs, we have established a goal for this year's United Way/Red Cross of Summit County campaign of $11,600,900.
This will allow us to continue our support of the many agencies and organizations that are providing the programs and services to those who need them the most. Our funding will support initiatives that have been identified as critical needs in the community: education — helping children and youth achieve their full potential; income — promoting financial stability and independence; and health — improving overall mental and physical wellness. These are the building blocks for long-lasting positive changes in our community.
There is no doubt that these are very challenging times in our economy, but that makes the need all the more urgent. Many of our agencies are overwhelmed with the increased volume of need from working families and individuals who require extra support to help make ends meet.
We want our United Way and its agencies to be able to continue to answer the call and to provide the services when needed. This is why it is so important for those of us who can give, to give generously.
We want our United Way and its agencies to be able to continue to answer the call and to provide the services when needed. This is why it is so important for those of us who can give, to give generously.
As the cost of nearly everything we buy continues to rise, even the most generous among us may find ourselves with less discretionary income. But a contribution to United Way makes the greatest impact helping the most people across the community.
It is indeed an incredible honor for me to serve as this year's chair of the United Way/Red Cross campaign of Summit County. I am also very proud of, and grateful to, the 90-plus volunteers who have joined the campaign and are advocating every day on behalf of our United Way. However, we can't do it alone. We need the generous, continued support of our entire community to meet our goal.
Our appeal is that you will join us in keeping this vibrant United Way legacy alive, to inspire hope and to provide a better tomorrow for us all.
Carter is the president of the OMNOVA Solutions Foundation and chair of the 2008 United Way of Summit County Campaign.
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