Chelsea United Way campaign kicks off Friday night

By Sheila Pursglove
Special Writer

Doug Worthington will be throwing footballs at tomorrow’s Bulldogs’ varsity football game.

But he’s not trying out for quarterback. Worthington, vice-president of the Chelsea United Way, will join other CUW board members in handing out mini footballs and encouraging donations, for the kickoff of this year’s campaign.

The goal is $100,000. And boy, is that money ever needed – this year, more than ever. Job losses, plant and retail store closings, and cutbacks by manufacturers have all caused financial pain in the community.

“The Chelsea High School football kickoff is a Chelsea United Way tradition,” said Shawn Personke, a board member. “It’s a great way to remind folks about what we do and how they can help. The great thing about the Chelsea United Way is that with one donation, you can help so many different agencies who help a variety of people in need.

“This year, like last year, we’re focusing on our member agencies that are serving the most critical local needs. We identify those needs in terms of food, safety, health and community impact.”

The Chelsea United Way has very little overhead, as there are no paid staff or office space, and an all-volunteer board donates time, energy and expertise to help CUW meet its goal.

This year, 85 percent of support will be directed to Faith In Action, where over 10,000 family members were served basic needs such food and clothing in 2008; Chelsea Grace Clinic, providing medical services to those with no insurance or no resources to pay for basic healthcare; The WAVE, providing over 14,000 rides to Chelsea area residents with no or limited transportation for healthcare, education, and connections to the AATA; and the Chelsea Senior Center, serving more than 1,000 seniors each month.

Other agencies include Parents as Teachers, Chelsea Rec Council, St. Louis Center, American Red Cross, the Association for Community Advocacy and Huron Valley Child Guidance.

More than 35 percent of donations come from direct donations from individuals in the community and 65 percent come from local businesses, either through campaigns they run for CUW or direct donations.

The theme is “Give where you Live.” While there are many needs on the community, county, state, federal, and global levels, everyone needs to find their own balance in how to contribute to each of these levels, Worthington said.

“There are many needs in the community, and giving to the local United Way distributes funds to local agencies you may otherwise not realize are in the community,” he said. “The agencies CUW disperses funds to can spend their time and energy on their core mission. Our mission is to solely fund raise for our member agencies.”

The campaign stresses the need in four major areas: food/clothing, health, transportation, and support of seniors, said fund-raising chair Anne Comeau.

“We believe the majority of people in need are in that position through no fault of their own. They are responsible citizens caught up in a series of events not of their doing,” she said. “They are our neighbors and need our help.

“Our goal is to raise $100,000 to distribute. Obviously it’s a difficult time for everyone, but we desperately need your help.”

Tax-deductible checks payable to Chelsea United Way can be mailed to P.O. Box 176, Chelsea MI 48118. If donating in the work place, designate the donation for “Chelsea United Way.” Donations can be dropped off at Chelsea State Bank. To make a credit card donation, including monthly installment payments, visit www.chelseaunitedway.org.