All the volunteers making the event a success!

These are most of the volunteers who made the "Agencies Giving Back" fundraiser a success.
The total proceeds going toward the 2010 Campaign were $945.50.  This is just a little bit more that will be added to the other contributions to support our local efforts to help local "folks" in need.
Thanks to all of you how volunteered and who attended - Latricia

The winning agency = selling the most tickets to the Agency Giving Back event

Ada Area Chemical Dependency Center

This is the most current thermometer for the 2010 Ada Regional United Way, Inc. Campaign.
It is anticipated that we will make goal this year as we are already at 85% with Pre Paid Legal Services in the process of finalizing their internal employee campaign next week.
Any donations received beyond the goal of $250,000 will add to the support of our agencies and in turn add to the services available to the community members in need.

Thank you to all who have donated so far and please if you have not yet donated - consider it.


No matter how large or how small, the contributions are combined to make a huge impact in our community.

Agencies Giving Back Fund Raising Event

I had the pleasure of watching a group of very busy individuals come together to make a successful fund raising event for the Ada Regional United Way 2010 campaign. 

Representatives from most of the agencies to be receiving funding from the funds that from the 2010 Campaign volunteered to cook, chop onions, set up, clean up, etc. 

Charles Barrick volunteered his time to auction off desserts that were donated to a dessert auction. 

The turn out was not quiet at large as last year, most likely due to a logistics scheduling issue, but we still took in almost $800.  The chili was purchased by all the agencies donating to purchase allowing all proceeds to be applied to the current campaign goal.

I want to say thank you to each and every person who volunteered, who donated food and who took time out to come by and eat a bowl of chili with us.
Ada is a great place and has once again pulled together in a small way to make a big difference - if only $800.  Because without this event, volunteers and participants, we would not have this $800 to add to the goal. 

Left over food was donated to Family Crisis Center, SOAR (Southern Oklahoma Addition Recovery) Men's program and Ada Area Youth Shelter.

Nothing ever "goes to waste" in the non-profit "world".  Even though the turn out was low, this was an extremely successful in that we raised $800 dollars and helped out several agencies as well.

Most current dollars in

So far we are almost to 70% of the $250,000 goal.
There are still a few employee campaigns to go.
Things are looking good for reaching the goal, but it most likely will not happen before Thanksgiving.
If you have not yet given your pledge/contribution - its not too late.
This current campaign does not close until 12.31.09, but please don't wait.
The amount received both donations now and pledges for next year receipts determines the amount the funded agencies will receive for 2010.  If Ada Regional United Way does not make the $250,00 goal, the agencies will be hit with a reduction in allocations.
This current economic climate is really affecting our local agencies.  They are being hit hard with needs; however, the funding has not increased to them. 
Let's work together to raise the amount needed and hopefully a little extra to insure that when the agencies are needed by "us" they are still there to help.

Volunteer in our area

i-participate is a new theme you have most likely heard on television lately

Become a part of this new found volunteerism right here in our community.  You don't have to be a celebrity to make a difference.  Use the new application added to this blog to locate a volunteer project right here.  Simply use the arrows to move the map and look at the red balloons.  Each balloon is a volunteer opportunity.

If you have a great volunteer project, let me know and I will add to the list.

Update on Campaign

As of 10.26.09 a.m. the percentage of goal is 65.7 in.  I have been asked if this thermometer registers the actual contribution in checks and/or cash or the pledges.  It combines both.

We are getting so close to the top it seems we may reach it soon.

Valley View Regional Hospital just reached their internal campaign last Friday.

East Central University is getting very close to their internal campaign.

Pre Paid Legal has not yet turned in any contributions, but typically is a great support of ARUW.

These are just a few businesses/organizations that recently or are about to hold internal campaigns.

Even if a person can only contribute a very small amount at one time, or a small amount per month, all contributions are combined to make an impact in our community by supporting local agencies and local projects.


If a person needs more information or has any questions, please contact me at (580) 332-2313 x 223 or Latricia.Bryant@adaunitedway.org.  I have had more questions and comments this year than ever before and that is great! Keep asking.

Presentations to community

Yesterday was spent in presentations to CenterPoint Energy staff.  The presentation consisted of viewing the "why I wear the shirt" video and sharing information on how ARUW partners in the community as well as how ARUW funds local agencies providing health and human services. A great looking breakfast was served.  Not many questions; however, this group of community members has been a UW partner for quiet some time, so not unusual.


Next, I was off to Valley View Regional Hospital. WOW are they excited to partner with ARUW for the 2010 campaign.  Lots of great questions about our funded agencies.  The attendees were really interested in how Valley View can get involved and support not only with contributions, but with volunteer hours.
The morning gave me a new positive outlook that we will make goal!
Thanks to the participants for letting me spend time with them talking about ARUW!

Volunteerism - what is it?

I realized this week while talking to a group of freshman at East Central University that not everyone knows what volunteering really means.  There was one particular student that seemed to think that the only reason a person would volunteer was due to a requirement of an indiscretion.  The term community service came up several times during the discussion.  To me community service is simply something that I have always done.  I grew up knowing that I volunteered because - just because.  I watched "older people" giving there time to be Sunday school teachers, volunteer bus drivers for events, leading youth groups, etc.  I just assumed that once I became old enough to help I should.  No one really ever asked me to, I just did it.
I think that now we have to explain to people and offer them rewards to volunteer there time. And that is okay, but we do need to remember to explain to our youth why we volunteer.  The answer is going to have to be more than just because.  That is all I needed, but that was a slower paced time.  Everyone is so strapped for time now that they really have to schedule in their volunteerism.

A person should volunteer to give back to their community.  That is where United Way can help.  We have a partnership with several agencies in our community needing our time as volunteers. 

A person simply needs to decide how much extra time they have for volunteerism, what day(s) are they available, what time of the day are they available.  Most of all, they need to decide what interests them because if you are going to volunteer your valuable time, it should be for something that you like or love.  What made a difference in your life - find out how to volunteer for that!


Take time to think about what you want to get out of your volunteer time.  If you need help locating a project, simply contact  Ada Regional United Way and we will match you with a project.

LIVE UNITED

How can you Live United?

It's a credo, a mission, a goal.  A constant reminder of when we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all.  Join the LIVE UNITED movement at www.adaunitedway.org.

GIVE

ADVOCATE

VOLUNTEER

So, how will you wear the shirt?

Have you wondered how you could get your very own LIVE UNITED t-shirt?

We have them $10.00 each for sizes up to XL add $3.00 for larger sizes.

ECU/UW fair

10.08.09 is the date of our annual East Central University partnership ECU/UW fair.  This is an annual event allowing students and faculty of ECU and anyone in the community interested the opportunity to visit with our funded agencies face to face.  The event is held at the University Center 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.  I hope to see lots of familiar faces as well as meeting many new community members.  Door prizes will be given - you must be present to win.  Plan to spend a little time getting to know Ada Regional United Way a little better during this event.

Update on Campaign

 As of today, we are at just a little under 50% of campaign.  A projection is included from VISION Bank ($18,000) hopes are that they are just a bit above when finalized.

It is exciting to be almost at 50% at the beginning of October.

Additional dollars mean additional allocations can be distributed.

We have 15 local agencies that will be supported in 2010 by the funds now being collected.

If you have not yet sent in your contribution, please don't forget.  Each dollar is added to all the other donations from our community to make an impact on our area.  No matter how large or how small, your contribution makes a difference!

Crystal Darkness continues

Yes, we had a great turnout (standing room only!) at the January showing of Crystal Darkness, but what have we done lately?

A very committed group of community individuals has been meeting monthly since March to determine where we are, where we are going and where we need to be.

While no direct funding for this project is allocated from Ada Regional United Way(ARUW), we are definitely a partner. Latricia Bryant, Executive Director of ARUW serves as the committee chair making sure that members know when meeting schedule, taking minutes, coordinating efforts with Debbie Thompson with VISION Bank to provide lunch to attendees and updating the community as to meetings/events.

This group is called the Crystal Darkness Advisory Council and is made up of a variety of community organizations and businesses.  This group discusses the ongoing activities occurring in our community to combat the substance abuse that is currently occurring and how to prevent future abuse.  Everyone should take a stand on any addiction in our community as it affects us all!

Funding was recently awarded to allow marketing of the Crystal Darkness project.  T-shirt will soon be available so that the project will be brought to our thoughts each time one is worn.  Flyers and brochures will also be purchased and distributed throughout Pontotoc County.  Funds were also secured for training of volunteers to teach programs in our community to hopefully reduce and preclude substance abuse by youth.  If you are interested in volunteering please contact Latricia Bryant at (580) 332-2313 x 223 or Latricia.Bryant@adaunitedway.org.  Everyone in our community should be involved in this project to make it successful.  We have to lead by example, not just words.

A community meeting is in the planning stages to update the community as to what has been accomplised over the past few months and how to get involved.  We cannot just assume that one meeting in January made a difference and we don't have to do anything else.  We have to keep the community in agreemtn that this is a real problem and we have to fact it. 

2 more mentions in newspapers

Again, mentioned our shortfall last year - but nice to be mentioned.
I also posted these links on Face Book and Twitter with the addition = wouldn't it be great if each time a person read our name or UW would receive a $1? Makes you think.

New photos on flicker

I have posted quite a few photos on our flickr account.
search for adaregionalunitedway on flickr.com

Mention in USA today

Ada Regional United Way was mentioned in USA today. Not exactly great that our not making goal made news, but still a mention - PRETTY EXCITING!

OKLAHOMA - "The Ada Regional United Way set a $250,000 goal this year after falling $28,000 short of its $300,000 target in 2008, Executive Director Latricia Bryant says. "It was the first time we hadn't made goal in forever," she says. This year, Bryant is trying new fundraising tactics, including a garage sale that raised $600 and a Nov. 7 "stiletto sprint" with heels-wearing runners.

Update from Family Fun Event

This event was actually 08.27.09 - but I have been so busy I simply forgot to update.
The majority of ARUW funded agencies set up fun activity booths for the community at no cost - just for fun.
This was the first year we actually utilized tickets for the hot dog meal and WOW we really never knew how many were in attendance. It was estimated that around 200 were in attendance this year - just by sight, but when we reviewed the ticket numbers, we gave out 468 tickets. Not everyone ate a hot dog, so there were even more than that at the park.
Makes you wonder how many were really in attendance when we estimated last year over 500?
The event received a little rain just before we began which made it nice and Oklahoma humid!
Thanks to all for a great event!
Special thanks to Jennifer Perry for coordinating! What a great VISTA leader.

Updated our organizations info on GuideStar.org

Wow! That took almost two hours.
Ada Regional United Way's most up to date information including financial audit has just been updated on GuideStar.org. This website is a great way to see what a non-profit organizations looks like. Guide Star gives reviews on non-profits.
Visit:
http://www2.guidestar.org/
and see what the non-profit you are interested in looks like to Guide Star.

Update from Play Day - Fun Day the United Way

Well - we had time to fit the event in between rain downpours; however, low turn out of participants.
We had several volunteers that braved the weather to help out.
Even though the numbers were low, we still had a great time.
Participants walked around Wintersmith Park for a scavenger hunt. Several active play stations were set up around the walking track.
The Koolaid provided by KaBoom was great!
Everyone in attendance signed the KaBoom beach ball and we will send it to KaBoom tomorrow.
Play Day events across the country are going on this week and all of them include signatures on the beach ball. Signatures are to show that many in our country are excited about being active especially with their families. And that community parks need to be included in our local areas.

Fun Day the United Way

Today's the day of our Fun Day the United Way.
We are crossing our fingers that the weather holds off until after our event!
Lots of fun activities are planned all around Wintersmith Park with volunteers hosting each activity. This is an evening for all ages to play and have fun.
We will host our event at Wintersmith Park today, September 21st 5:30 - 8:30 pm.
Begin by signing in at our UW information booth, register to win a free LIVE UNITED t-shirt, and begin your mile of activities walk.
We want to have 250 participants - one for each dollar we are trying to raise for our community during the 2010 campaign.
Hope to see you there!!!

Fun Day the United Way

Monday, September 21st
The community is invited to attend a fun activity at Wintersmith Park, Ada, OK.
Fun activities will be set up all around the walking track.
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
We have applied for an activity kit from KaBoom.org and it's on its way. This kit includes lots of games and activities for the participants to use during the event.
We need volunteers to help out. Let me know if you are available!
Need more information, give me a call at (580) 332-2313 x 223.

See you at the park on Monday.

2010 Pace Setter Companies

Thanks to the following companies for completing their annual employee campaign and becoming our 2010 Pace Setters:
Citizens Bank (1st dollars in and 15% increase over last year's campaign)
Ada Evening News
Cable One (30% increase over last year's campaign)
PEC
Thompson Agency

The total of the combined Pace Setters is $21,166.44 - a little over 8% of the current campaign.

So far campaign is going very well!
The goal percentage is at just a little over 30%.

Next week is Busy Blitz. Volunteers will be visiting small businesses in our area to give them an opportunity to make a donation to Ada Regional United Way. The businesses have the choice of having their donations announced on local radio stations.

Volunteers are needed Tuesday September 15th, Wednesday September 16th and Thursday September 16th 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact me at (580) 332-2313 x 223 or Latricia.Bryant@adaunitedway.org.

United Way Garage Sale

Hey! We are having a garage sale next Saturday, September 19th at our offices 314 S. Broadway.
If you have stuff you no longer need; but someone else might, let me know.
We need volunteers - please let me know if you are available Friday evening and/or Saturday morning. All volunteers giving at least two hours will receive a LIVE UNITED t-shirt.

Can't think of a better reason to clean out my closet than for a good cause - and a clean closet.

Information from Kick Off luncheon

The luncheon was a HUGE success! Lot's of great community supporters were in attendance. President Hargrave (ECU) gave a fantastic explanation of why we should all support United Way. He elaborated on his past experiences with Habitat for Humanity and how communities partnered to build a home for those who had never owned their home before. Boy Scouts are also highly thought of by President Hargrave. He is an Eagle Scout and understands the work that is involved in reaching that achievement. President Hargrave also explained that there may be a young man who does not live with both parents and does not have the opportunities that others may. By volunteering with youth agencies and making a donation to Ada Regional United Way you are creating the building blocks for young men to become a well rounded adult and be a productive part of the community. While these are just two examples of how a donation to Ada Regional United Way makes a difference, there are so many other ways a donation no matter how small or how large can make a difference in our community. President Hargrave mentioned that several years ago, his wife was excited that her company president thanked her for giving to United Way. At that time he really did not know what United Way was. Just last week, his daughter was explaining that she had received a letter from the president of her company thanking her for her donation to United Way. Since President Hargrave has developed a new knowledge of Ada Regional United Way by visiting with local representatives, he could proudly tell his daughter what her donation to her local United Way meant to the community.
Ada Regional United Way is currently collecting funds to provide monetary assistance to 15 local agencies in 2010.

There was much discussion regarding the impact that United Way supported agencies make in all our lives.

The theme of the day was "Why I wear the shirt". I began the discussion explaining how my involvement in a local youth organization and the mentors who helped guide me along with my family made me who I am today. I called upon Mary Scalf a long time Camp Fire volunteer to follow my discussion. Mary was one of the adults that I consider one of my mentors. Mary was kind to continue the discussion of why she wears the shirt stating that she has watched my community involvement and how a United Way funded youth agency made such a difference in my life. Mary also mentioned that we never know what difference we make in someones life. Mary then called upon Sandy Poe to give the reason she "wears the shirt". Sandy mentioned that she had lived in large cities for a good portion of her life. She always new where people should turn for help. Upon her families arrival to Ada many years ago she had to relearn how to look for things for her family to participate in. She further explained that her passion is for early childhood and when Ada Regional United Way added Success By 6 - now called Smart Start Oklahoma see was a true advocate! Her discussion of how to find things for her family and how all people in the community can now locate any needed service by calling 2-1-1. Sandy continued to discuss the partnerships that Ada Regional United Way was involved. Sandy then passed the shirt to Chris Feiler who explained that his early years were mentored by many people. He is also an Eagle Scout and understands that this great accomplishment was do to many people helping him with the donation of their time. We all can make a great deal of impact by becoming a part of our community through volunteerism and donating to United Way. This is why he wears the shirt. Finally, the shirt was passed to Monica Cowart who explained that the reason that she wears the shirt is that when she began on staff with PEC, she was asked to contribute to our local United Way. Later, she was asked to serve as a board of director of Ada Regional United Way. While serving on the board she was a part of the allocation committee several times. She explained that not everyone understands the thought that goes into making the decision of setting the annual goal and allocating funding. While each and every agency deserves to receive all funds they request, there simply is not enough to go around. Annually local volunteers listen to all the agency request and make a recommendation to the board of what the allocations for the next funding year should be. This is not done lightly! She knows that when a donation to Ada Regional United Way is given, it is used in the best way possible.

Kick off luncheon

Thursday, September 10th is the official kick off the Ada Regional United Way campaign. We have a great community event. Photos to be posted later.

Guest speaker is Dr. John Hargrave, ECU President.

This is the 1st posting to this blog.

Let me know what information you would like to know about Ada Regional United Way.