United Way chapter passes rigorous review

Thursday, August 2, 2007

For many people who donate to the United Way it is a once-a-year donation. But for the people who work for the charitable group it is a year-round effort. A lot of that work is behind-the-scenes and isn't readily apparent to the general public.

Recently Adam Dean, Chairman of the Vernon County United Way board of directors, announced the group has successfully completed the membership standards the parent group, United Way of America, places on local organizations.

"The membership standards must be certified annually in order for us to remain a member of the United Way system," Dean said. "It is important for us to maintain a high standard of accountability and this is part of the process to document that our operations are transparent and meet or exceed United Way membership criteria requirements."

The local group had to complete 13 requirements as well as verify the status of 44 indicators to demonstrate it met the membership requirements.

"It is critically important that all United Ways meet the highest standards and verify on paper that they have conformed to the requirements of membership in the United Way system," stated Brian Gallagher, president and CEO, United Way of America. "We applaud and congratulate United Way of Vernon County for demonstrating their commitment by completing the recertification process."

Peggy Tedlock, director of the Vernon County United Way, said the group helps many local organizations get funding for projects here in Vernon County and the money raised stays in the area.

"Even when the money goes to something like Children's Mercy it is to benefit people here," Tedlock said. "All the money stays local. I like to say that your money goes far, but not far from home. When you give to United Way you help a lot of local organizations."

Tedlock said the United Way is getting ready for the annual campaign that kicks off in the fall. One of the tasks needed to organize the annual campaign is to assemble the list of groups that the local campaign will financially support. Each year the list remains fairly constant but there are always one or two changes to the list.

"We're getting ready for our campaign that usually starts at the end of September," Tedlock said. "We'll hold agency hearings in August to find out which groups are going to participate and what our goal will need to be to meet their needs."

Perhaps the most looked-for event in the United Way year is Oktoberfest, which takes place the second Saturday in October -- this year, on Oct. 13. A day of fun, entertainment and a chili cook-off, Oktoberfest is one of the area's premier events.

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