Staff Reports
The United Way of Western Orleans County has made — and surpassed — its 2010 campaign goal. According to campaign Co-chair Jim Hancock, a total of $131,555 has been raised.
The Medina Memorial Hospital’s drive is credited with putting the campaign over the top, with a contribution of $8,200.
“They did just a fantastic job this year, and we are very appreciative of their efforts,” Hancock said. “In particular, we want to thank the United Way committee at the hospital.”
The committee includes Chairman Dave Moore, Cheryl Wengryzcki, Lisa Bedford, Nicole Helsdon, Tammy Brandenburg, Nancy Albanese, Linda Paron and Tammy Pritchard.
Sigma International was a large contributor to the campaign. With about 82 percent of its 268 employees donating to the campaign, the company was expected to raise about $38,000.
This year, the Medina Tops store was also a big contributor to the campaign, raising more than $6,000.
The annual BMP America Inc. golf tournament at Hickory Ridge Golf Resort in Holley raised about $1,500.
The United Way raises money to provide funding for community agencies. Each year, the organization launches a campaign to raise money for the following year. At its kickoff breakfast Oct. 6, the United Way of Western Orleans County officially revealed its goal of $130,000 — $2,000 more than the previous year.
The campaign was originally scheduled to end Nov. 30, but was extended another week to give all the participating groups a chance to get their donations in.
Organizations that benefit from the United Way include the Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Orleans County Adult Learning Center, the American Red Cross, Ministries of Concern, 4-H/Cornell Cooperative Extension, Girl Scouts of Western New York, YMCA, Iroquois Trail Council Boy Scouts and People Promoting Hospice.
Some of the programs supported by the United Way of Western Orleans County include Kitchen of Love, Meals on Wheels/ARC of Orleans County, Rape Crisis and Camp Rainbow, to name a few.
