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| 9/9/2009 1:45:00 PM | Email this article • Print this article |
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| Discussing strategy for the United Way campaign are, from left, Kendall Wildey, who chaired the previous two drives; Cheri Massey, United Way director; and Kathryn Johnson, this year’s campaign chair. |
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United Way's campaign chair eyes challenge
Bryce Mayer
When asked to take over as the Jennings County United Way's campaign leader, Kathryn Johnson didn't flinch.
"I've been in the community almost all of my life and I know how important the United Way is here," she said. "It is vital that the United Way-funded agencies get the support they need."
Johnson, human resources and community relations manager at St. Vincent Jennings Hospital, took the United Way position after job requirements forced Joe Roche to step down. Roche is the hospital's chief executive officer and also an administrator with the St. Vincent Health network.
"Shortly after Joe agreed to chair the United Way campaign, he found out that he would have to be out of town more than he anticipated," Johnson said. "It would have been impossible for him to give the time necessary for the campaign."
Cheri Massey, United Way director, believes Johnson will fill the bill admirably.
"Kathryn will make a huge difference for our campaign," Massey said. "She's already generating a lot of enthusiasm and has a lot of determined volunteers helping her."
Johnson has set a goal of $275,000 for the campaign that started this month. That is slightly more than the $240,000 collected last year when the goal was $300,000.
"I know we are in economically troubling times," she said, "but I truly believe this is a realistic goal. So many wonderful organizations and individuals have given generously to the United Way in the past and I hope they can do it again without being over stressed. So many of the United Way's funded agencies provide help that is needed more now during a down economy than ever."
The campaign cabinet includes Rita Hurley, school employees; James Webster, city government employees; Kathy Huffman, county government employees; Shana Bolden, professionals; Gail McCoy, small businesses; Jill Richey, major firms; Karen Snyder and Don Pelkey, students; Wanda Ferguson and Tim Grady, industry; and Kendall Wildey, past campaign chair.
"We have a great group of people in the cabinet," Johnson said. "They understand the needs of the community and what it takes to make this a successful campaign."
The Pacesetter drive, in which firms and individuals conduct their pledge drives early to jump start the entire campaign, got underway Sept. 1.
The official campaign kickoff will be the Live United Chili CookOff on Oct. 6 at St. Mary's Parish Center.
Doors will open at 5 p.m. with sampling of chilis and "voting" at 6 p.m.
"This is a bit different than the United Way's previous celebrity wait staff dinners, but should be every bit as fun," Johnson said. "We have invited local 'celebrities' to bring their home-cooked chili and, of course, the entire community is invited to cook up a batch and sample what will be some very tasty food."
Mary Hougland is chair of the cookoff and has set a goal of raising $10,000 from the event. People will vote for their favorite chili dishes by donating money in a vote jar. Admission will be $10 for adults, $5 for students ages 5-18 and free for younger children. Contestants carrying a pot of chili will be admitted free.
For those who don't like chili, grilled cheese sandwiches will be available at $1.
"This will be a family night and we plan to spotlight many of the agencies so people can see what they're doing for the community," Johnson said. "At the end, all the chili will be mixed or 'united' together for a community or 'Live United' Chili. That is in keeping with the United Way's theme and it all should be great fun."
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