SIDNEY- Dennis Porter, Executive Director of the Sidney United Way, reported at the annual meeting that $91,445 was collected for the Sidney area community and another $16,608 for other local Community Chests, United Ways and local non-profit organizations designated by donors.

Sue Goodrich and Marty Peloso, campaign co-chairs, were recognized at the meeting for surpassing the $96,000 goal set by the board of directors at the beginning of 2008. Sue expressed thanks for the support provided to the United Way by the whole community.

Sidney United Way President Len Parren commented on the strong support for the campaign from the employees at Amphenol and MeadWestvaco. He also thanked the businesses and individuals that also lent their support, making it possible for Sidney United Way to reach their goal. Special thanks to Amphenol, MeadWestvaco, Sidney Central School, Price Chopper, Scoville Meno, NBT and the Sidney Federal Credit Union for their financial support, and allowing the Sidney United Way to provide an opportunity for their employees to support their community through an - In-House United Way work place campaign.

Each of the sixteen member organizations provided a report on how their agency used United Way funding this past year. They explained the programs they provide, as well as accomplishments and needs relating to their programs.

Parren presented a powerpoint program showing member agencies at work during the past year. He noted that without community support during these hard economic times, the Sidney United Way could not help the member agencies that provide the services that make the tri-town area a great place to live and.work.

Highlights for 2008 included providing $20,000 from the budgeted contingency fund to support special projects. Local non-profit organizations applied for these funds through competitive requests. Areas the Sidney United Way supported in 2008 included special allocations to the Sidney Food Bank, Operation Merry Christmas, and support for Focus On Youth Initiative. Other youth financial support included scholarships, and funding Rachael's Challenge, a character education program sponsored by the Sidney Middle School PTO.

The United Way also helped organize the 2nd Annual Youth Day for Caring with financial help from the Sidney Alumni Association. and Wilber Bank. They also provided financial help to the local emergency squads. In Sidney, their squad was able to purchase a new defibrillator with a United Way grant. Funds were also provided to the Catskill Humane Society for a major energy saving project.

The Sidney United Way, kicked off the 2008 campaign by co-sponsoring a day of CPR and AED training provided by the Southern Tier Red Cross. "We are pleased to help donate needed funds to worthwhile projects, and also provide a community forum to work on community issues," said Porter. "We are happy that we are able to raise funds for our member agencies. We will continue to strive to make financial aid available to help our partners in their efforts to offer services to our community."

"We can not make our community stronger without your support. In the next couple of months we will provide additional information on each of our member agencies and also outline how to apply for grants from the Sidney United Way. Without the continued financial commitment from our community, the Sidney United Way would not be able to achieve our goal to make Sidney a better place for all to live and work."

Reprint from The Tri-Town News