march 2010
News Release
Date: March 4, 2010
From: Twin County United Way
Subject: 2010 Campaign Results
Release: For Immediate Release
Twin County United Way nearly set a record as the organization raised more than $690,000 for its 2010 Campaign, Executive Director Angie Titus has announced.
Despite the economy, TCUW raised almost $30,000 more than last year. The money from this campaign designated to the "Community Impact Fund" will be invested into local programs making progress in the areas of Education, Income, and Health.
"Our campaign total speaks volumes about the people in our area," Titus says. "This is truly neighbor helping neighbor. It makes me so proud to be a part of this community."
The campaign started in September and concluded on March 1.
In 2008, TCUW eliminated administration responsibilities of the "Combined Federal Campaign" which included donations from federal employees through the region. This accounted for anywhere from $30,000-$50,000 of the campaign each year. TCUW was able to turn those responsibilities over to Spokane County United Way, so any money designated in our community will still come to Lewiston or Clarkston. The move saved significant staff time and resources. The change makes TCUW's campaign amount look smaller, however, the impact on the community is larger than ever.
"We can't thank people enough who have opened their doors and hearts to what TCUW is doing," Titus says. "It's because of the passionate individuals who rally their co-workers or the single retiree at home that sends in a donation each year that our community has a bright future. Thank you."
Titus says Clearwater Paper was among the businesses that had a jump in employee giving as it reported a $15,000 increase from 2009. Others reporting large increases in overall giving were St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center at $9,900 and ATK/CCI Speer at $6,300. Those are the three largest accounts for TCUW, according to Titus.
Titus also reports several businesses joined in TCUW's efforts for the first time inviting their employees to participate. Cable One ($6,500) and DeAtley Crushing ($3,000) were among that group.
"I want to thank all of those who supported our efforts this year. We look forward to showing the results of your giving and the positive impact it is having on our community." Titus says.
Titus says she feels one of the keys to the increased giving has been the impact that the community sees from TCUW related projects. TCUW helped with the collaboration of the CHAS clinic in Lewiston, which provides quality healthcare to families and individuals of all ages, regardless of their ability to pay. TCUW is currently leading a collaboration with local organizations, including Community Action Partnership, school districts, libraries, Head Start, and others to help children in Lewiston & Clarkston be prepared for kindergarten.
Later this month, volunteer members in the community and some TCUW Board of Director members will take part in TCUW's Community Investment process, which determines how the money raised during the 2009 campaign will be distributed. During this week, local programs will have representatives present their plan to meet local needs and request funding to support the program. The Community Investment volunteers will then make funding recommendations for each organization.
"It's a wonderful process, but it's also a tough process," Titus says of the investment panels. "The volunteers hear the strategies from each representative to meet the greatest needs and then must provide a recommendation for the amount that can be invested into each program."
As many people may only hear or think about about TCUW in the fall, TCUW works throughout the year to determine the biggest needs in the Valley and implement solutions to those issues. This involves a lot of teamwork from businesses, nonprofit organizations, government entities, and individuals.
To learn more about TCUW, make a contribution, or to volunteer time, contact Titus at the TCUW office at (208) 743-6594 or visit www.tcuw.org
