United Way campaign doing fine despite economy

Posted on 16. Dec, 2009 by nevonnemcdaniels in Companies

In the face of a challenging economy, local residents continue to support one another through generous contributions to United Way of Chelan and Douglas Counties.

Early employee giving campaigns are showing signs that the campaign could do as well and perhaps better than last year, said United Way of Chelan and Douglas Counties Executive Director Alan Walker.

East Wenatchee Bi-Mart employees increased their giving by more than 20 percent, with every employee contributing.

Cashmere Valley Bank employees had a significant increase of 9 percent over last year.  Other business campaigns that have concluded with increased giving include the Wenatchee School District and Wenatchee Valley Medical Center.

Walker said some business campaigns are lower than last year, but so far the giving spirit continues. Final numbers will not be known for at least two months and businesses that have not conducted an employee giving campaign still can. This year the goal is to raise $775,000.

“It is never too late to give, our campaign is shifting to a year-round effort as businesses and individuals are telling us that January is a better time to run employee giving campaigns than September, or maybe they prefer May,” he said. “It really is the individual’s decision.”

Another positive note is the number of businesses that are conducting an employee giving campaign for the first time.

“It is very easy to set up and provide employees with the opportunity to give”, said Ken Martin, United Way campaign chair.

The money raised by United Way of Chelan and Douglas Counties comes from individual, business and corporate donations and stays here to help support the programs and services of 23 local nonprofit agencies. These agencies provide many needed human and health care services for people in the communities throughout Chelan and Douglas counties.