Valley shows heart with United Way gifts

Simply Sleight, by Kari Sleight

United Way of Mat-Su recently wrapped up its annual fundraising campaign, a campaign that proved the most successful ever. This year's campaign theme was "What Matters," and this community spoke volumes, through their generous contributions, on what matters to them. In a year when budget cuts are a constant news headline, the record-setting campaign is even more impressive.

For several years, the United Way of Mat-Su campaign teams have set a goal of $500,000 and have fallen short -- not by much, but the goal seemed to be just a bit out of reach. At last count, this year's total amount raised was $500,158.92, with more to come.

The member agencies of United Way of Mat-Su use the money raised through the annual campaign to fund many worthwhile community programs, services that otherwise might not be offered. Boy Scouts of America, Boys and Girls Club of Palmer/Wasilla, Chugiak Children's Services, Girl Scouts, Mat-Su Services for Children and Adults, Daybreak Apartments, Mid-Valley Senior Center, Palmer Senior Citizens Center, Wasilla Area Seniors Inc., Alaska Family Resource Center, Mat-Su Recovery Center, Nugen's Ranch, Sunshine Community Health Center, The Children's Place, American Red Cross Mat-Su Chapter, Behavioral Health Services of Mat-Su (Lifequest), Kids Are People, Dorothy Saxton Youth Shelter and Salvation Army Mat-Su Corps are the member agencies that make up United Way of Mat-Su.

While there were many factors that led to the overall success of this year's campaign, I felt there were some significant aspects that should be highlighted.

The employees of the member agencies need to be congratulated for their support and belief in "What Matters" to their community. The member agency employees surpassed their goal and increased their level of giving to the United Way of Mat-Su campaign in the double digits. They are a shining example of believing in the work they do.

McKinley Title came through in the final hours of our campaign to be our "Over The Top Donor," meaning they donated a large enough amount of money to put us over our goal. What a great corporate neighbor!

Manager Marlene, and the generous employees of the Wasilla Wal-Mart, agreed to be this year's campaign Pacesetter. It is the responsibility of the Campaign Pacesetter to conduct an early campaign, and a successful campaign, to set a fast pace for the remainder of the season. Wal-Mart surpassed our expectations and significantly increased their giving from the previous year, another fine example of outstanding corporate citizenship.

The Peak Performers of United Way of Mat-Su are businesses or organizations that have 100 percent employee participation in the campaign. This year we were fortunate to have six: Alaska Sales and Service, Boys and Girls Club of Mat-Su, The Ellis Group, Wasilla Area Seniors Inc., Wells Fargo Wasilla Branch, and Wells Fargo Palmer Branch. I applaud these businesses for employing such caring and giving people.

Susan Ellis and Rex and Inga Turner were Community Investor donors this year, giving at the $2,500-$4,999 level.

And then there's MTA. The employees of Matanuska Telephone Association have been energetic and avid supporters of United Way of Mat-Su since the organization was formed. The number of Community Leader level donors from MTA is, by far, greater than any other Valley business. In fact, MTA as a whole is the largest Valley contributor to the United Way of Mat-Su campaign. Their annual Pork and Beef Raffle and the infamous Raffle-ettes have nearly gained legendary status. United Way of Mat-Su appreciates all the corporate goodwill and support MTA gives our organization, we certainly couldn't have been as successful without their continued support.

This year's campaign team was outstanding. My fellow team members Frank Ameduri, Tim Anderson, Tracy Antonovich, Lela Ayers, Peter Burchell, Kim Floyd, Janet Kincaid, Ray Michaelson and Greg VanKirk worked hard to make it happen. They all dedicated many hours of their time to help make their community a better place to live, work and play. What a great group of people; I truly enjoyed working with you all.

Of course, the whole campaign team would have been lost without the great leader we had in Mimi Pippel. Mimi volunteered to serve as this year's campaign chairperson, and took her commitment to heart. She literally pounded the pavement many days sharing the mission of United Way of Mat-Su and the agencies that are funded. Mimi's effervescent personality and determination played a large part in attaining our goal and breaking that $500,000 barrier.

The campaign team couldn't function as efficiently without the support of a capable and caring staff. Executive Director Sammye Pokryfki and Campaign Coordinator Becky Williams are truly the glue that holds this organization together.

But, above all, the programs and services funded by United Way of Mat-Su wouldn't be possible without the overwhelming support of the thousands of community-minded and generous donors who participated in our campaign.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks and sincere appreciation to all who participated in this campaign. You are what matters.

Kari Sleight is publisher of Frontiersman, past-president and current board member of United Way of Mat-Su.