Who We Are: George W. Bush - 1981/82 Campaign Chair
Text of Message to United Way of Midland’s Annual Report to Contributors, 1981
“When the United Way Campaign for 1982 began taking shape early last spring, many of those involved in its planning saw a growing need for human services in Midland – a need that in many cases seemed as if it would soon outdistance the growth our community was experiencing in other areas.
“We saw, too, a way for Midlanders to put into action what we have been saying for years – that we can put our money to better use than the federal government can.
“We hoped Midlanders would recognize these problem areas and growing opportunities to help, and so we set an ambitious but attainable goal -- $1,350,000.
“From every part of the city, people responded to the needs that goal represented, affirming our theory that Midland could and should be a place any of us would like to call home – not just a constantly expanding façade of steel and glass.
“Contributors from all areas of employment supported the campaign in record numbers. Charitable foundations increased their giving by more than 58 percent. And corporate giving jumped to an unprecedented level.
“But the ingredient that, as always, made this campaign a real success was the personal commitment and hard work of hundreds of volunteers who continue to make the United Way of Midland our city’s largest volunteer organization.
“Those volunteers – and every person in our city who contributed to the United Way – helped prove that Midland hasn't grown too big to see those who may need extra help. And by contributing $1,407,895 – 20 percent more than last year – Midlanders have assured our city’s human needs will be met for another year.
“Thanks to the volunteers and to the generous support of the whole community, it does work in Midland … the United Way.”
