Pictured, is John Knowlton, Tioga United Way board president and Janet Westfall of the Nichols Senior Citizen Center. The Nichols Senior Citizen Center is a Tioga United Way member. (Photo by Paige Pelletier)
On Sept. 17, the Tioga United Way kicked off their annual campaign at the Elks Lodge in Owego, N.Y. The event centered around thanking the leaders of their organization, board members, and the 31 different organizations that they support. It was also a day to hear just how much the donations help.
Their campaign will go to businesses all over the county and will look for support and donations, not just monetary donations but donations of time, effort, and specialized ability. Even if you do not necessarily have the money you can still show your support in other ways and that was an important message that many of the leaders of Tioga United Way had to say.
Fran Bialy is the Director of A New Hope Center, a United Way organization that helps people affected by domestic violence. There is a domestic violence shelter locally, which is often used by families that have nowhere else to go. They also have a rape crisis center that helps survivors get help and feel safe and secure.
The keynote speaker was a young woman named Danielle who was helped by A New Hope Center. She suffered abuse as a child, as an adolescent, as a teenager, and as an adult.
A New Hope Center, which is one of the many organizations the United Way supports, helped her get her life back on track. There was not one person who could not help but feel for her and her story, proving that A New Hope Center, with assistance from Tioga United Way, are doing some truly amazing things that change lives.
It is easy to forget that charities and other organizations help people in need, but this evening’s campaign kickoff never forgot the message that it isn’t about the money you give, but the people you help. Everything they do is to enrich the lives of the people in our community who are most vulnerable. They help children, the elderly, the sick and the homeless.
This year’s campaign goal is $287,000 dollars, and it is hoped that Tioga United Way can exceed that goal and generate over $300,000 to help those most in need.
It was also noted, during the event, that on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. at The Pumpelly House in Owego, N.Y., Tioga United Way will have a special event called Dancing United with the Stars. Beyond the food and dancing, guests can rest assured that their money will be going towards a good cause. You can learn more about this event in an upcoming publication.
Tioga United Way’s giving campaign is now underway, and you can learn more by calling (607) 687-4028 or donate online at www.tiogaunitedway.com.
