One of the agencies benefiting from Fulton County United Way is Manitou Training Center, which provides services for the developmentally disabled. Among their many activities, participants spend an hour per week cleaning tables and chairs at Fulton County Historical Society. InkFreeNews Photo by David Hazledine.

By David Hazledine
InkFreeNews

ROCHESTER — United Way is one of the world’s largest privately funded charities, serving 37 countries and territories worldwide and 95% of communities in the U.S., while affecting the lives of 48 million people, according to its website. As impressive as these numbers are, however, they are just that — numbers, cold and abstract until one sees how they are manifested in one’s own backyard.

Currently Fulton County United Way is deep into its annual fundraising campaign, with a goal of raising $100,000, which will then be allocated to 10 local nonprofits selected by a volunteer board composed of Fulton County residents. 2023 recipients will be CASA (court appointed special advocates for children), Fulton County Animal Center, Manitou Training Center, Recovery Cafe, Salvation Army, Council on Aging, Helping Hands, Pack-a-backpack, RSVP (retired and senior volunteer program) and United Ministries.

“We try to have a wide range of areas and needs covered,” said Todd Van Sickel, executive vice president of First Federal Savings Bank and Fulton County UW 2022-23 fundraising campaign chairman. United Way focuses on “three building blocks” — education (at all age groups), income and health, but any nonprofit can apply for funds. Rochester’s Recovery Cafe, for example, is a new beneficiary. “We are able to give to many different needs,” he said.

For 9 years, Jenny Moriarty has served as executive director of Fulton County UW. “The money stays local,” she emphasized, with the exception of fees collected by the United Way itself, which can also benefit local residents. Last year, for example, a $183,000 Lilly Foundation grant resulted from the efforts of UW grant writers, and in years past, Moriarty added, Akron, Caston and Rochester elementary schools have received $30,000 for remedial reading programs. “The minimum dues we pay come back more than tenfold,” she said.

According to Van Sickel, the “heart of the fundraising effort” is employer/employee campaigns at local businesses. Local UW volunteers contact employers to give presentations on ideas and resources for an organization pledge/donation and/or the completion of an employee pledge/donation campaign, such as payroll deductions of “$2, $5, $20 … whatever fits in the budget.”

United Way has been active in Fulton County for nearly 50 years, said Moriarty, and has “touched every member of the community. … If not you, then a member of the family or an acquaintance has benefited. It’s an opportunity to give back.” And individuals can also give back by volunteering.

Moriarty described how her work with United Way has also benefited her own family, particularly her three children, who have been involved with Helping Hands. “It’s a great learning tool,” she said, and has helped them to develop a “giving heart.”

“If you can’t give, call an agency to volunteer,” added Moriarty. “It’s not just about raising funds, it’s also about raising awareness.”

For more information on how to donate, volunteer or create your own United Way fundraising campaign, contact Van Sickel at (574) 223-1741, [email protected] or Moriarty at (574) 223-8929, [email protected]. Donations may be cash,  check or payroll deduction.

Fulton County United Way is located at 722 Main St., Rochester.

Fulton County Council on Aging is one of 10 nonprofit agencies, which will receive funds from Fulton County United Way’s 2022-23 fundraising campaign. Among the many services they provide is transportation for seniors. InkFreeNews Photo by David Hazledine.

Fulton County Animal Adoption and Education Center, led by Executive Director Janet Showley, is also one of 10 nonprofit organizations receiving funds from the 2022-23 Fulton County United Way fundraising campaign. Other agencies receiving funding include Salvation Army, Helping Hands, Pack-A-Backpack, United Ministries and CASA. InkFreeNews photo by David Hazledine.