United Way kicks off 2015 campaign with a focus on local need

Focusing on the amount of community need rather than a specific goal number, the United Way of Southeast Missouri kicked off its 2015 fundraising campaign Thursday at Cape West 14 Cine in Cape Girardeau.

This change to focusing on "needs" versus "goals" goes hand-in-hand with the theme of this year's campaign, "Turning Compassion Into Action."

During the kickoff luncheon, United Way unveiled a fundraising target of $975,000 for the campaign, down slightly from last year's goal of $1 million.

Faune Riggin, left, listens as Shelton speaks to the crowd Thursday during the United Way of Southeast Missouri annual campaign kickoff. (Laura Simon)

Melissa Stickel, director of operations and community impact, said this campaign's amount was determined "mostly by looking at where our funding history has been over the last couple of years and where we've had to decrease funds in this particular cycle, and in hopes to not have to decrease. If we meet that goal, we don't have to continue cutting each year."

Of last year's $1 million goal, $963,105 was raised, according to an email from Stickel.

Faune Riggin, program and news director for KZIM-KSIM and host of the "Morning News Watch," was master of ceremonies for the event, which was attended by about 150 people. She recognized United Way's corporate sponsors, SoutheastHEALTH, Montgomery Bank, The Bank of Missouri and Drury Southwest, then introduced United Way executive director Elizabeth Shelton.

This was Shelton's first campaign kickoff in her new role. She officially took over as executive director Aug. 10.

Shelton said while she is new to the position, she has been familiar with the United Way for a long time, working with the organization at jobs in several metropolitan areas.

"And in every community I visited, it was very apparent to me the work that United Way was doing," Shelton said. "... You and people like you are the ones that keep United Way of Southeast Missouri going strong."

After Shelton's remarks, Stickel took a few moments to highlight some statistics from the programs assisted by United Way. She said 4,439 youths are participating in United Way-funded youth programs, and 251 at-risk youths have mentors. Eighty-nine percent of the students in United Way-funded after-school programs are on track to graduate, she said.

In addition, more than 7,500 people received food through programs such as the Jackson and Scott City Ministerial Alliance food pantries and the Salvation Army's Meals With Friends, Stickel said.

"I'm honored today to have the opportunity to thank two groups that make a real difference," Stickel said. "One, those who give support to United Way, whether through giving, advocating or volunteering, and two, those who carry out the work every day. ... These are our funded partners."

Capt. Ronnie Amick of the Salvation Army, Sara Gerau of the Southeast Missouri Chapter of the American Red Cross and Sam Roethemeyer of the Jackson Ministerial Alliance spoke of ways United Way helps them serve their communities.

A video shown at the end of the kickoff event highlighted other programs funded by United Way, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity and community services such as Meals on Wheels and support groups.

"We realize the need is much greater than what United Way alone is able (to) contribute," Shelton said. "But I also know the generosity of this community is great. And I know together, we will meet the need."

kwebster@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3646

Pertinent address:

247 Siemers Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO