For 2011 Campaign with $89,731
A SPECIAL AWARD is presented to Bob Weitzman (r.),president of United Way of Sidney,
for his leadership during 2011. The award is being presented by
Dennis Porter (l.), executive director.
SIDNEY - The Sidney United Way has exceeded its goal for the 2011 campaign bringing in $89,731, it was reported by Bob Weitzman, Sidney United Way president, at the organization's annual meeting. Also collected was an additional $24,289 that was designated for flood relief. The United Way forwarded $25,000 to the Sidney Community Foundation to provide items not met by insurance or other means to over 60 Sidney residents.
Tim Cutting and Marty Peloso were recognized for their leadership as co-chairs of the 2011 campaign. Bob Weitzman was also recognized for leading the organization through a very difficult year due to the flood.
The highlights of the annual meeting were the reports given by each of the fifteen-member organizations. Representatives explained how their individual agencies used United Way funding this past year, and spoke of the challenges for this year and how United Way could help them.
There were a number of achievements in 2011. Early in the year Sidney United Way was awarded a large grant by Bassett Healthcare Community Wellness Network. The United Way worked with several non-profit organizations providing matching grants to help fund several initiatives to better our community. In the fall, the United Way celebrated its 60th anniversary with a dinner. Fifteen of the organization's past presidents were recognized and an endowment scholarship in Tom Mirabito, Sr.'s name was established. This scholarship will be awarded each year to a senior boy and girl who will be attending a two-year college.
Over 100 people attended the dinner to celebrate the long-term commitment of United Way to the community. The year ended with the completion of a board directed needs assessment of the organization. This assessment is required every three yearsby United Way Worldwide, and helps the local board evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.
The Sidney United Way feels 2011 was a productive year. The organization strived to highlight the donations received with articles published in the Tri-Town News on a regular basis. The United Way expresses thanks to the businesses, Sidney alumni and individuals in the community who supported the organization with their donations.
Speaking on behalf of United Way of Sidney, Dennis Porter, executive director, said, "We got off to a slow start because of the flood but ended strong. We are very pleased we could supply funds to help people recover from the devastating flood this past year, and that we could provide a means for people and organizations who trusted us to make sure their donations went to local residents. We could not have done this alone. We thank the Sidney Community Foundation, the village government and the local volunteers who did needs assessments and reached out to the residents that needed help. Hats off to all the volunteers who worked in all of theshelters and those who helped by donating food, time and a small part of themselves to help our community rebuild. We are pleased that we could be a part of this effort."
The United Way of Sidney pledges that with the community's help they will continue to give financial support to local non-profit organizations that in turn provide the needed programs and services to make Sidney a great place to live.
Reprint from The Tri-Town News