Million-dollar Debbie gets it done

NEWS RELEASE

UNITED WAY OF SAULT STE. MARIE & DISTRICT

*********************** Today at 1 p.m. the United Way held a celebration of success

Debbie Amaroso, 2005 United Way campaign chair and Gary Vipond, executive director United Way, welcomed representatives from their 24 member agencies, volunteers and staff to a Celebration of Success.

Debbie Amaroso announced that in September the campaign team set an aggressive goal for the 2005 campaign and they are extremely appreciative of the support they received from the community, from our corporate supporters and from individuals.

$1,057,381 - the final number - represents a 4.9 percent increase

- there were significant increases in corporate sector and from individuals (retirees and special names) of $32,000 in each sector

- special events – hosted by United Way and employee workplace campaigns increased by $44,000

Gary Vipond, executive director of United Way also expressed thanks on behalf of the board of directors to the campaign team and the community for their donations and support of the programs and services offered by United Way member agencies.

The United Way board of directors has brought on three new agencies this year, Therapeutic Ride Algoma, Victim Crisis Assistance & Referral Service and Pauline's Place; in order to address emerging community priorities.

Today we are presenting five of our member agencies with their allocations as a representation of our donor's gifts.

We will present cheques to all 24 of our member agencies.

Accepting were:

- Red Cross, Diane Lajambe, executive director

- Canadian Hearing Society, Anna Riseng, general social services counsellor

- Big Brothers, Mark Sageloly, president

- Victorian Order of Nurses, Vanessa Williams, executive director

- CNIB, Karen Boston, coordinator volunteer services

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