United Way of Clatsop County Kicks Off 2012 “Our” Community Campaign!

For Immediate Release: Contact: Darlene Felkins

UW Office: 503-325-1961 uwccdirector@pacifier.com

Home Office: 503-861-1246 dfelkins@pacifier.com

United Way of Clatsop County Kicks Off 2012 “Our” Community Campaign!

 On Sept 20th, the United Way of Clatsop County (UWCC) launched their 2012 fundraising efforts with a kick-off celebration at the CCA Regional Food Bank which operates as an Oregon Food Bank distribution center located at 2010 SE Chokeberry Avenue in Warrenton, OR. In the CCA Regional Food Bank network there are 9 pantries, 3 shelters, 9 hot meal sites, and several other sites and affiliated agencies. In attendance were representatives of the 12 agencies who receive funds from UWCC, showcasing their services to the campaigner’s. Campaigners are from local companies committed to running an In-House fundraising effort which goes towards UWCC’s annual goal. Jim Zile, Treasurer for United Way reported so far the campaign is at 20% of the $300,000 goal!

 The very food savvy staff of CCA Regional Food Bank arranged a beautiful fall harvest feast with recipes for the guests to take home with them. Guests were entertained by several agency staff members performing a Scandinavian favorite; Ole & Lena type skit which was adjusted to include Ole and Lena locating and using services from each agency. It was a moving evening with success stories shared bringing tears to eyes as we heard happy endings to individual’s struggles after using UW agencies services. Unlike National campaigns United Way’s fundraising efforts are all used locally.

 UWCC is run by an active volunteer board and the Cornerstone Program (corporate sponsors) donations are solely used to pay administrative and Campaign overhead expenses.  This ensures the maximum amount of all other contributions benefit the *12 local agencies directly.  United Way has scheduled a variety of fundraising events, including the annual “Iron Chef Goes Coastal” competition Nov. 13th at the Seaside Convention Center, and the spring “Lite Bite” in Astoria, date to be announced at a later date.  

Would you like to support one or all of our *12 agencies?  Buy a ticket to one of our events, (watch for Iron Chef Tickets sales) provide in-kind services or sponsor a United Way of Clatsop County event. Individuals can sign up for payroll deduction through their employers, submit a Visa or MasterCard donation via the website at clatsopunitedway.org, through PayPal, or send a check to P.O. Box 775, Astoria OR 97103. All donations to the United Way are tax deductible. *American Red Cross, Camp Kiwanilong, Boy Scouts of America, Fort Clatsop District, Clatsop CASA Program, Clatsop Community Action, Hope House, Livers in Transition, Restoration House, The Healing Circle VOCA, The Lighthouse for Kids, The Lunch Buddy Mentoring, Women’s Resource Center & Hutchins House.