Campaign Kickoff Celebrates Early Results

United Way of Roanoke Valley kicked off its annual community campaign Sept. 8 with an encouraging $818,991 in early campaign pledges.

A celebration staged at Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium expressed the optimism of United Way volunteers and campaign leaders that the caring spirit of Roanoke Valley citizens will drive results ahead of the $6.3 million raised last year. Q99 radio personalities Dick Daniels and David Page served as emcees.

Results were reported from about 25 companies and 27 United Way partner agencies that conduct their campaigns prior to the community-wide kickoff. At the event’s opening, a moment of silence was observed to pay tribute to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Volunteer campaign chair Barry Henderson acknowledged the challenge of launching a community campaign on the heels of a national disaster, and stressed the importance of supporting the year-round services provided by United Way partner agencies. “Our local United Way campaign helps ensure services for local people in need,” he said, “day in and day out, not only in times of disaster.”

He cited ongoing needs among funded partner agency programs, which had requested half a million dollars more in support than the 2004 campaign could cover. Henderson pointed out that last year, United Way funding touched the lives of about 70,000 people -- enough to fill 11 stadiums the size of the Salem facility nearly 300 people were gathered to hear his remarks.

Also during the program, United Way president Frank Rogan paid tribute to the late Wiley Hubbell, who served the local United Way for more than 15 years and is memorialized in the organization’s annual award for outstanding volunteer service. “We dedicate this 2005 campaign to the memory and honor of this influential, caring man,” said Rogan.

He expressed gratitude to kickoff sponsors and partners including Kroger, the City of Salem and Salem Avalanche, and Q99 Radio. Invited guests include leaders and campaign managers representing almost 500 Roanoke Valley businesses, United Way leaders and other volunteers.

United Way of Roanoke Valley supports a network of 64 health and human service programs operated by 27 partner agencies. Services are available to residents of Roanoke, Salem, Vinton and the counties of Botetourt, Craig and Roanoke. The United Way mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of people in the community.