 Photo by Amy Cherry St. Marys Area United Way President Nick Gismondi and new Executive Director Sherron McGowan are shown with a mini version of a thermostat showing the organization meeting its goal.
By Amy Cherry
Staff Writer
A little later than never best describes the fundraising efforts of the St. Marys Area United Way. Shortly after the organization concluded its 2009 fundraising campaign on January 15, 2010 - which they feel short by $4,000 - one local family contributed a sizable pledge to the United Way helping them reach their original goal of $200,000.
New Executive Director Sherron McGowan said she was testing the phone system when she received the call from the family. “It was a conglomeration of the family’s donation along with other pledges and contributions that helped us reach our goal,” McGowan said. The United Way Board of Directors decide what agencies receive funding each year. Agencies submit their request for funding in April and are told how much they will receive in July. The first checks are issued in September and from therein issued once a quarter. “For some agencies this lack of funding may have a more detrimental effect on them than others,” McGowan explained. She added that some agencies receive matching grants in addition to the United Way’s contribution. “When people give money it stays local and in some cases has double effects with a matching grant,” McGowan said. “The money from the community really gives life to various agencies.” In addition the board will also determine the goal for the 2010-11 campaign. Last year the St. Marys Area United Way funded 15 agencies including Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services (ADAS), American Red Cross-Elk and Cameron Chapters, Boy Scouts, Boys and Girls Club of St. Marys, CAPSEA, Catholic Charities Counseling and Adoption Services, Dickinson Mental Health-Project CROSSROADS, Elkland Search and Rescue, Girls Scouts, Guardian Angel Center, Oak Manor, St. Marys Community Swimming Pool, St. Marys Servicemen’s Detail, St. Marys Youth Council and Veteran’s Memorial-Eternal Flame. As of 2009 the organization’s total distributions totaled $177, 700.
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