October 13, 2015

UWSSC is kicking off their Annual Campaign!!

United Way luncheon kicks off annual campaign

Organization seeks to raise $290K for programs

October 9, 2015

By Olivia Richman (News Staff Writer for the Charlton Villager)

SOUTHBRIDGE — It was the biggest and most successful Campaign Kick-Off Luncheon yet, said Karri Freeland, the executive director of United Way of Charlton, Southbridge and Sturbridge. The Oct. 1 luncheon at LaSalle Reception Center was a celebration kick-off of their campaign, where United Way is hoping to raise $290,000 throughout the year to support 19 programs offered by 13 member agencies, including American Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Catholic Charities, Girl Scouts and the Tri-Community YMCA.

“We find it to be really important to have organizations like United Way to support our efforts. We couldn’t do it without financial and community support from local businesses and donors,” said Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/Metrowest CEO Jeffrey Chin.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters CEO had been invited to the luncheon to say a few words because United Way is funding them for the first time ever. United Way is supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters effort to open a satellite office at Nichols College and a partnership with the YMCA, where they will be providing mentors to children in the community.

“The luncheon is a great way to get the word out about our new program and connect with people who care about our community,” said Chin. “What’s really important for us is that we are now a local agency because of the satellite office. We want to have a nice presence here.”

Not only were nonprofit agencies at the luncheon. Companies that support United Way and their efforts were a big presence at the kick-off celebration as well. These companies, organizations and individuals helped raise 92 percent of United Way’s 2014 goal of $325,000.

“I was blown away by the amount of support the local companies and businesses in our area have given,” said Freeland. “It’s a small community but the towns give so much back, it’s tremendous. We have had member agencies give talks and the pattern is that they’re amazed that even though we only cover three towns we’re able to raise this much between volunteers, support and pledging. It’s just amazing.”

Tri-Community YMCA Director Glenn Juchno is no stranger to United Way of Charlton, Southbridge and Sturbridge. United Way has been supporting a variety of YMCA programs for years, including Live Strong, scholarships for childcare and membership, active older adult programming and community events.

“United Way fundraises to support agencies that wouldn’t be able to provide the services without their support,” said Juchno. “Without United Way the level of impact we have would be reduced. In some cases, the program may not even be able to exist.”

To learn more about United Way or to make an easy online donation visit unitedwayssc. org. Also visit YouTube and search “United Way of Southbridge, Sturbridge & Charlton 2015 Campaign Video” to see United Way’s brand new video, which premiered at the luncheon. Olivia Richman can be reached at 508-909-4132 or by e-mail at olivia@stonebridgepress.com. 

Click here to read full article in the Charlton Villager.