United Way of Denton County reaches $1 million mark for 2009 campaign

by PegNews wire

DENTON — The United Way of Denton County board of directors is pleased to announce the 2009 campaign has reached the $1 million mark on its way towards the $2.45 million goal. United Way Board Chair Mary Ann McDuff, director of academic affairs for Texas Woman’s University, said she has faith the people of Denton County will come together once again in support of United Way’s 26 partner agencies.

“I think we’ve done a wonderful job so far. We’re almost halfway there, but we’ve got a ways to go and I’m hopeful that our community will step up and give in order to achieve the goal,” McDuff said. “It is the perfect time of year, with the changing of the seasons, for all of us to start thinking of ways we’re thankful for our own personal gifts and sharing our gifts with others. And so I ask all of us in Denton to turn our attention to the season of giving and provide for those in need. We are a giving community and we all take great pride in that.”

United Way Campaign Chair Caleb O’Rear, CEO of Denton Regional Hospital, said the campaign is on track to meet the goal and passing the million dollar mark was a symbolic milestone.

“The campaign is enjoying a great deal of success and I believe that the current economic climate has, in a sense, even highlighted the increasing needs around us,” O’Rear said. “I feel we are blessed to live and work in a city that has been somewhat insulated from much of the economic downturn and its residents have stepped up to help those who aren’t as fortunate.”

Local businesses, as well as the public sector, are now conducting employee campaigns in support of United Way of Denton County and its 26 partner agencies. Employees can contribute through payroll deduction or make a direct gift.

“I feel as though United Way is my best choice for giving because I know that I can impact many different agencies through one point of giving,” O’Rear said. “And since United Way has done its research, I know that the agencies who they endorse are solvent, well-managed organizations that directly impact our community.”

United Way of Denton County allocates funds on a yearly basis to its 26 partner agencies, which include Interfaith Ministries of Denton, Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas, Denton County Friends of the Family, Salvation Army, Communities In Schools of North Texas, and RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program).

“I have a long-held association with United Way since I was in elementary school in Fort Worth and was involved in Girl Scouts,” McDuff explains. “So that particular United Way agency enabled me to begin acquiring the skills I needed to finish my education and begin my professional career. It has made me what I am today. I believe strongly in the concept of living united. I believe strongly in the concept of giving, advocating and volunteering to make a difference in people’s lives.

“Our United Way partner agencies have a direct impact on the quality of life in Denton County and that impacts the quality of life for us all,” McDuff said. “These agencies affect the quality of life in our workplace, in our churches, and in our homes.”

Source: United Way of Denton County