The Evening Tribune reported that around 40 area business owners, executives and government officials came out to show their support for the United Way of the Southern Tier at the group’s annual kickoff dinner Tuesday thanking leaders in the community for support.
Stephen Hughes, vice-president of resource development for the United Way of the Southern Tier, spoke to the group about the need for assistance locally.
“I don’t have to tell anyone in this room the difficult climate we are in,” Hughes said.
The United Way hopes to raise $316,500 locally this year, according to agency officials, and the major sponsors of the campaign this year are Steuben Trust Company and Five Star Bank.
Jeffrey Kenefick, president of Five Star Bank, said donations are needed to help support the group.
“Without everyone here, the United Way, this great organization, would not be here,” Kenefick said.
The keynote speaker at the dinner was was Mary LaRowe, chief executive officer of St. James Mercy Health Systems.
“We have each others’ back in the community,” she said. “This is our community, and if there’s ever been a time for your donation to count, that time is now.”
Money raised for the United Way of the Southern Tier — including $4.5 million raised in the last year — fund several programs throughout the region, LaRowe said.
A new program sponsored by the organization is the Finger Lakes Region 211 help line, which offers a toll-free number to receive non-emergency assistance from non-profit organizations, health care providers and government agencies.
Another important program, the Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope program, which gives those needing help time to sit down with a financial planner for help with taxes, debt reduction and saving. Funds also are disbursed to area agencies, like the Hornell Area Concern For Youth, in forms of community investment grants.
The United Way of the Southern Tier was formed in 1993 by the merger of the South East Steuben United Way, Central Steuben United Way, the Hornell Area United Way and the United Way of Chemung County. This year, according to the United Way’s Web site, the goal was set at $4.5 million at the group’s annual kickoff event at Wings of Eagles Discovery Center at the Elmira-Corning Regional Airport.
For more information on the United Way of the Southern Tier, visit www.uwst.org.
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