United Way sets campaign goals

Melissa DeLoach, Midland Reporter-Telegram

The United Way of Midland began its race Tuesday toward raising at least $3.1 million by next month.

In an unprecedented move by Campaign Chair Ron Mullins, two goals for the community were set: a minimal $3.1 million, slightly higher than last year's $3.024 raised, and a stretch goal of $3.25 million.

"I'm not one to settle for second place nor are the citizens of Midland," Mullins said likening his goals to a 5K race, which happens to be 3.1 miles.

"This is a race against ourselves, and the winners are all those Midlanders who have a need to be met through United Way."

The campaign is scheduled Sept. 7 to Oct. 29. A finale is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Nov. 3 at the Midland Center.

During his remarks Tuesday, Mullins said needs are still apparent in Midland, although the economy may speak otherwise.

"Not everyone is smiling," he said. "Their pain is real. Their needs are real. And we, you and I, can bring a smile to their face."

One of the programs funded is the Salvation Army. In 2003, the United Way of Midland budgeted $280,000 to assist with the Salvation Army's adult rehabilitation, emergency shelter and childcare programs.

More than 100 children attend the childcare program, and the shelter sees an average of 100 to 200 families a month not counting those who are fed the three meals a day the shelter provides.

"Times get tough for families," said Corps Assistant Anthony Callaway. "The more money we receive, the more people we can help. The more people we can help, we can encourage to get back on their feet."

Another organization funded is Center's for Children and Families. Executive Director Melissa Cohen said the United Way's $235,000 for counseling services helps keep costs down for the estimated 7,000 who used the center in 2003. United Way also gave $7,000 for the center's post adoption program.

While Salvation Army and Center's do not rely heavily on United Way funding, like many non-profits and other health and human service organizations, the raised funds help provide assistance that may not be provided otherwise.

"That volume helps keep the doors open and allows us to see those families who couldn't afford it otherwise," said Cohen.

Organizations will not know how much is expected until after the campaign ends. This year, unlike in the past, applications are being accepted in the spring. A panel of volunteers will review the applications and make recommendations to the United Way cabinet and executive board.

United Way Volunteers, Staff, Program Providers and local media gather before the start of the Kick Off Press Conference

Ron Mullins, 2004 Campaign Chair, announces $3.1 million goal

Keith Weiser (2002 Campaign Chair), Ron Mullins, and John Bergman (United Way Board Member) discuss the 2004 Campaign

Mullins said the campaign will focus attention on reminding those who have given before and seeking out new donors, making sure everyone gets the opportunity to give.

United Way board member John Bergman said the campaign goals are in reach and added the upper level goal is not too big of a stretch.

"It's time we step up and reach that stretch goal," he said.

Mullins said the United Way funds programs equipped and staffed to meet needs. The needs are broken into four categories: Helping Kids Succeed (25 percent), Strengthening and Supporting Families (36 percent), Assisting with Basic and Emergency Needs (17 percent) and Promoting Health, Wellness and Independence (22 percent). In all, there are 59 programs funded through 25 program providers.

Campaign Fast Facts

• Goal: $ 3.1 million
  
  
• Stretch goal: $3.25 million
  
  
• Timeline: Sept. 7 to Oct. 29. Finale 11:30 a.m. Nov. 3 at Midland Center.

Notables:

• In 2003, $3.024 million was raised and distributed to 59 programs funded through 25 program providers.
  
  
• United Way of Midland has raised at or slighly near $3 million for seven years.
  
  
• For the second year, the Abell-Hanger Foundation and Helen Greathouse Charitable Trust are underwriting 100 percent of campaign costs.

A full listing of the programs benefited from United Way of Midland can be found at www.uwmidland.org. To participate or volunteer, call 685-7700.

United Way Volunteer Team Chairs

• Medical Professionals -- Russell Meyers, Midland Memorial Hospital; Lorna Harris, Wells Fargo Bank
  
  
• Business Professionals -- Mary Lou Cassidy, Stubbeman, McRae, Sealy, Laughlin and Browler; Lou Ann Adams, Wells Fargo Bank
  
  
• Legal Services Professionals -- James Alsup, Lynch, Chappell and Alsup; Mike Wilson and Rick Strange of Cotton, Bledsoe, Tighe and Dawson
  
  
• Retail Sales -- Charlie Spence, Midland Reporter-Telegram; Linda Foster
  
  
• Non Exploration and Production Service and Manufacturing -- Derek Bohne, Oncor
  
  
• Exploration and Production -- Clayton and Modesta Williams, Clayton Williams Companies; David McKenna, BP; Barry Winstead, Burlington Resources
  
  
• Exploration Production Service Companies -- Matt Hyde, Oxy Permian Basin Ltd. and Matt Wiggins, Halliburton
  
  
• Restaurants -- Jose Cuevas, JumBurrito; Jerry Morales, Gerardo's
  
  
• Special Gifts -- Deane Stoltz, Deane Stoltz Oil and Gas; John Bergman, Bergman Resources
  
  
• Public Campaigns -- Percy Symonette, United Way
  
  
• Loaned Executive Program -- Jim Byerlotzer, Key Energy Group Inc.
  

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