United Way surpasses 2007 fundraising goal

By BETH HENRY / Journal Staff Writer

Ken Tyler, campaign chairman and president-elect for the United Way of the Eastern Panhandle, receives an A-plus report card for fundraising from Board President Tracey Eberling during a gathering Monday afternoon at Shepherd University. The agency broke a record and passed its 2007 campaign goal. (Journal photo by Beth Henry)

SHEPHERDSTOWN — Leaders with the United Way of the Eastern Panhandle said they were thrilled to announce this week that they had a record-breaking 2007 fundraising campaign, thanks to generosity from the community.

The nonprofit organization’s goal had been set at $1.4 million, and the total amount surpassed that level, according to Ken Tyler, campaign chairman and president-elect for the United Way. Tyler announced Monday that the agency raised more than $1.6 million — $1,646,830.25 to be exact.

“It really was an example of the entire Eastern Panhandle pulling together,” he said during a brief gathering Monday afternoon at Shepherd University, in the Robert C. Byrd Center for Legislative Studies. Donors, United Way board members, Shepherd leaders and volunteers attended the campaign announcement event, and Tyler said he was glad everyone could be there.

“Thank you so much for supporting the United Way,” he said, pointing out that every single person who helps out makes a difference in the lives of children, families and senior citizens in the area.

About 2,700 donors contributed to the record-setting fundraising campaign, and that money will be distributed to more than 40 agencies and collaborations that benefit the Eastern Panhandle community.

Large contributions came in from businesses such as Charles Town Races & Slots, the Bank of Charles Town, Steptoe & Johnson law firm and many others, where employees took part in workplace fundraising drives. Tyler said he was impressed by the number of people willing to help out, even if they could only give $1 from every paycheck.

“You might not think you’re giving much, but simply by caring, you give a great deal,” he said, adding that all donors help the United Way by inspiring hope and creating opportunities for a better future.

“The heart of the campaign includes those individual donors giving what they can,” he said.

Tracey Eberling, president of the United Way’s Board of Directors, said Monday that the agency gave Tyler an A+ for surpassing the campaign fundraising goals, and presented him with a bright yellow report card.

She also said that the United Way is taking a new approach in the way its leaders decide how to distribute funds. The group set up Community Solution Councils that examined areas of need in Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan counties, and the main goals are to create thriving children, strong families and independent seniors.

“This year’s an exciting year for the United Way,” Eberling said.

Another speaker during Monday’s gathering was Shepherd University President Suzanne Shipley, who said she was thankful that the university and the United Way have been able to develop a strong relationship.

Shipley said that by being involved with United Way, Shepherd will be able to have well-rounded students who learn about the importance of service.

“I’m here ... to thank all of you and learn how to enhance this relationship, because it’s very important to our faculty and students,” she said.

The United Way of the Eastern Panhandle will have a meeting later this month to decide how to distribute the funding, and Eberling said the agency will try to support collaborative efforts, such as programs that include a number of groups that work together to make a big impact in the community.

One example of that is the Eastern Panhandle Mission of Mercy event, which is a free dental health clinic set for June 27 and 28. The event is part of the Healthy Smiles Partnership and will be sponsored by the United Way of the Eastern Panhandle.

More information about donating or becoming involved in the United Way’s activities is available by visiting www.uwayep.org or calling (304) 263-0603.

— Staff writer Beth Henry can be reached at (304) 725-6581 or bhenry@journal-news.net