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.