August 06, 2010
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8/5/2010 3:06:00 PM this article was found on the internet - unable to upload the photos listed below
THE START: From CenturyLink, Jay DeShong gets the fundraising started by presenting a $1,000 check to United Way board member Scott Patrick. J.C. VENTIMIGLIA/Star-Journal photos
SERVING: Everyone associated with the United Way has an opportunity to serve the community. From left, University of Central Missouri President Charles Ambrose, whose institution supports the United Way financially, watches as Pearl Miller serves breakfast to this year’s Johnson County United Way chairwoman, Warrensburg School District Superintendent Deb Orr.
United Way under way
2010 campaign starts with ‘Live United’ theme; Superintendent Orr chairs effort
Jack Miles
Editor
Warrensburg - Pearl Miller serves breakfast to Warrensburg School District Superintendent Deb Orr, who in turn serves all of Johnson County as this year's United Way campaign chairwoman.
The article follows:
The campaign kickoff breakfast at the First United Methodist Church, 141 E. Gay St., draws community and social service organization leaders. They learn that this year's $215,000 goal will serve 25 agencies under the theme, "Live United."
"This is a very exciting way to kick off our campaign this year," Orr tells the audience.
Orr says she felt "deeply honored" to be chosen to chair the campaign, which fits the long-term commitment to United Way that she shares with her husband.
"We believe in the power of people uniting together," Orr says.
During the event, Jay DeShong kicks off the fundraising with a $1,000 check from CenuryLink. A "surprise check" for $747 comes from the University of Central Missouri, with the money coming from change tossed into a campus fountain.
"We are grateful to get this started," UCM President Chuck Ambrose says after signing the check.
From EnerSys, Phil Shumard says he hopes business and community leaders at the breakfast go back to their workplaces and give employees an opportunity to make a payroll deduction - even $1 per week - to the United Way. He says $1 weekly from each of Johnson County's employees would reach the campaign goal.
Shumard stresses that money raised in the county stays in the county, and agencies need the support.
"The money's not coming from anyplace else," he says.
Orr says the campaign theme is reminiscent of the film, "March of the Penguins," which shows the birds working together to support their community. The United Way does the same, she says, through organizations including the Food Center, whose staff makes sure children do not go hungry.
"As resources get slimmer ... the need gets greater, it does not go away," Orr says, and adds, "It's our obligation as citizens of this community and this great country to reach out to those around us. ...
"We need each of you."