POCATELLO - Despite the current disheartening economic outlook, the United Way of Southeastern Idaho found plenty of heart in its volunteers and donors, raising $634,471 in its annual drive.
A capacity crowd attended the organization's 53rd annual awards luncheon Wednesday at the Red Lion Hotel, celebrating the industrious and creative work by volunteers and participating groups and businesses that allowed United Way to exceed its goal of $625,000.
Campaign Chairman Bill Kunerth said "this is a victory" for the community.
"This community is so unselfish," he said.
The local United Way successfully bucked the national trend of decreased donations to nonprofit groups. Paul Malek, outgoing president of the board of directors, was recognized for overseeing the UWSEI's largest community giving campaign in the organization's history.
Numerous local businesses were acknowledged for their continuing support for the program, and new campaign members were welcomed aboard.
Fifteen organizations were noted for increasing their campaign contributions, ranging from a 17 percent increase by Bannock County to a 261 percent increase for the Idaho State University College of Technology. The J.R. Simplot Co.'s Don Plant was acknowledged for being the largest contributor in the campaign with a $69,808 donation, an increase of more than $12,000 from the previous year.
Special awards were meted out numerous individuals for stalwart participation, for engaging in thoughtful and fun fundraising approaches, and for working as coordinators and team leaders.
Executive Director Margaret Ganyo maintained the suspense until the end of the luncheon before revealing the campaign had reached 102 percent of its goal.
Ganyo's closing remarks paid tribute to Kunerth, who will serve as the new board chair in the coming year.
"Under Bill's leadership, this community really came together," Ganyo said.
Kunerth paid a wide-ranging tribute to the volunteers and donors, then recited an apropos ancient Greek proverb to end the awards luncheon: "A civilization flourishes when it plants trees under which it will never sit."
"We've planted a lot of trees," Kunerth said in conclusion. "Let's keep planting trees."