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United Way of OTC campaign kicks off [UPDATED]
Published 10:08am Wednesday, September 19, 2012 Updated 12:11pm Wednesday, September 19, 2012For The Journal
More than 80 volunteers, non-profit program managers, donors and guests were on-hand recently to help the United Way of Otter Tail County kick off its annual campaign during the Community Leadership breakfast held at the beautiful PioneerCare Celebration Center in Fergus Falls.
This event marked the beginning of the four-month fundraising drive to raise money for more than 40 local health and human service programs serving residents in Otter Tail County.
These programs depend on United Way to keep up with the demands of helping people in the local communities we serve. United Way Partner Agencies were on hand to let people know what services are provided by the money raised in the annual campaign.
“By giving to United Way of Otter Tail County you are supporting programs that are helping people and improving social conditions right here in Otter Tail County. United Way funded programs report that more than 54,000 people are served annually through the campaign … that means nearly every resident is touched by a United Way program,” said 2012 United Way President Greg Larson, a partner at Svingen, Cline and Larson, P.A. in Pelican Rapids.
“Your one gift to United Way helps seniors remain in their homes, provides food, shelter and clothing to those in need, mentors our youth, counsels and strengthens our families and provides so many other services to people here in our communities,” Larson added.
He announced a campaign goal of $310,000.
“The economy is affecting all of us,” he said. “But just imagine how much more difficult life is for the thousands of Otter Tail County residents United Way is serving. Now, more than ever, we are needed to unite and give…to help change lives and improve our communities.”
Keynote speaker for the breakfast was Fergus Falls and life-long Otter Tail County resident, Gary Spies. Spies is associated with the Service Food Market stores in Perham and Fergus Falls and is well known for his generosity and serving the community.
He has three daughters; two reside in Fergus Falls and one in Fargo. He also has 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He and his wife, Sharon, live in Fergus Falls and remain very active in the community.
The local United Way campaign video titled, “Meet the Jonses,” premiered at this event. Tim Litt from Fergus Falls has once again generously donated his time and resources for this production.
This year’s Kickoff was sponsored by US Bank, Svingen, Cline and Larson, P.A., PioneerCare and Bremer Bank.
For a listing of programs and initiatives funded by United Way of Otter Tail County or to make a contribution to United Way to “Improve Lives,” call the United Way office at 218.736.5147 or visit www.uwotc.com.
