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United Way Kicks Off 2003 Campaign

SHERBURNE – In their most ambitious campaign to date, the Chenango United Way hopes to not only meet its 2003 goal of $550,000, but exceed it as it has every year in the past.

At the “People Like You” campaign kick-off Wednesday at the Mountainview Reception Center in Sherburne, Chenango United Way Executive Director Elizabeth Monaco said the goal is well on its way toward being achieved.

During the second annual pace-setter drive, held to jump-start the campaign, OSG Norwich Pharmaceuticals, Quest International, Mid-York Press and Golden Artist Colors, Inc. raised $108,614. With some additional dollars from outside those local companies, the total before the campaign officially began was $133,544, representing 24.28 percent of the overall goal.

Monaco said the thermometers marking progress of the drive around the county would be changed accordingly today. “This is the most we have ever had going into a campaign. We are very confident that we have set the pace for the community…and we have every intention to meet and exceed (the goal).”

The campaign will run to Dec. 1, though gifts will be accepted through Dec. 31. “It is wonderful to (be able) to support all the kinds of organizations in the community. We are the safety net for Chenango County. With the 23 member agencies of the United Way, we make sure (no one falls through the cracks),” Monaco noted.

Chenango United Way Board President Joyce Zummo welcomed the representative agencies of the Chenango United Way that were in attendance, which included the Norwich Family YMCA, The Gathering Place, the Boy Scouts, Catholic Charities of Chenango County, the Girl Scouts – Indian Hills Council Inc., the Chenango Health Network Inc., Big Brothers/Big Sister, The Place, Hospice of Chenango County, Literacy Volunteers, Planned Parenthood of Broome Counties Inc., Opportunities for Chenango, Head Start, the Senior Council, The Children’s Center, the Red Cross and the Oxford Youth Program.

“The United Way is only as good as the community where it resides,” Zummo noted. “All of the things we do depend on you, your neighbors and co-workers. In January (2003, we would like to) say we’re better than we were in October when I told you this.

“A lot of things have happened in the country in the last year and a half,” and Zummo said she was thrilled that so many people and businesses from Chenango County sent their resource to those in need. “But there are lots of people in Chenango County that need the help of these agencies.”

Monaco also extended appreciation to NBT Bank and the Mountainview Reception Center for underwriting the kick-off event. She acknowledged support from Quest International, Sidney Federal Credit Union, Snyder Communications, Frontier Communications, Adelphia Media Services and Time Warner Media for the campaign television commercials currently being aired.

Donations can be made to the Chenango United Way in several ways, including payroll deduction, direct billing from the United Way office by cash or check, with the gift of stocks and securities or by Mastercard/Visa. For more information call 1-800-227-5353.

Over $9 million has been raised over the last 49 years with thousands of volunteers having contributed time and money to improve the quality of life in Chenango County, United Way leaders said. The Chenango United Way is a member of the United Way of New York State and the United Way of America.