Peninsula Daily News
The United Way of Clallam County will kick off its 2011 fundraising campaign Sept. 10 with a goal that ends in the year it will be raised: $1,002,011.
“We think this year’s goal is realistic and yet enough of a stretch to motivate the community,” said Tom Baermann, owner of Pacific Office Equipment of Port Angeles, who is co-chairing the campaign with his wife, Jackie Baermann.
“Clallam County has always been generous, and we’re sure this year will be the same,” he said.
The goal for 2010 was $1 million. United Way raised $900,715.
Money is distributed to the 24 partner nonprofits that United Way serves. Donations also can be earmarked by donors for other agencies.
Early Learning Initiative
This year, the campaign also will highlight the recently announced Early Learning Initiative, which will focus on helping parents participate and facilitate their child’s learning from the first day of life, said Karen Meyer, United Way board member.
This initiative is a joint project of the United Way and several other education, early learning and social service entities, she said.
It is expected to be launched in the next year.
The Annual Day of Caring on Sept. 10 will be led by Patrick Downie, Port Angeles City Council member.
Projects are planned all over Clallam County, said Jody Moss, United Way executive director.
The Port Angeles division of the campaign will be led by Kurt Anderson of D.A. Davidson and includes Buck Gieseke with Integrity One Home Mortgage, as well as Stacie Neff and Bobby Beeman from Olympic Medical Center.
Patty Rosand, Clallam County auditor, and Iva Burks, Clallam County Health and Human Services director, will lead the Clallam County employee effort.
Stephen Rosales — Sequim School Board candidate, interim Sequim Food Bank chief and volunteer with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula — will chair the Sequim division.
Sequim resident Brown Maloney, owner of the weekly Sequim Gazette and Forks Forum, will provide leadership to the Olympic Club portion of the campaign.
Crescent School District Superintendent Tom Anderson will lead the Joyce campaign, and Patricia Hutson-English, Clallam Bay fire chief, will guide the Clallam Bay/Sekiu project.
Patti Morris, a Realtor and small-business owner, will assist with Corporate Gifts this year, and Traci Pederson with First Federal Savings and Loan is chairing the Forks campaign.
Karen Delano with the Attorney General’s Office will chair the federal employee division.
Needs great
This year, the needs continue to be great because of high unemployment, cuts to education and many public human service programs, said the Baermanns.
Said Tom Baermann: “Jackie and I look forward to working with local folks to provide an opportunity to give.
“Together, we can make a difference.”
For information about this year’s campaign or to volunteer, phone Karen Meyer or Moss at 360-457-3011.
