On Tuesday speakers, Laura Gilliam and Cassey Bowden from United Way of the River Cities spoke to one of Marshall University’s Journalism classes about the organization.
Last year the organization set a goal of 4.4 million dollars and did not meet their goal. This year they set a goal of $1.25 million. They have 3,000 donors and want a 15 percent increase. The average contribution is $10.75. At the food bank, 18 cents will buy one pound of food.
Cassey Bowden, Director of Resource Development and Marketing, began by introducing their motto, Give. Advocate. Volunteer. She said the organization has many ways of getting money. Corporate and national grants and local grants are major sources. They also have special events to raise money. One event that is becoming annual is the putt-putt tournament. Bowden said, “It is a great way to get people involved and to get donations.”
The work place campaign is where the bulk of the funds used to come from. The work place campaign was simply when the organization would go to businesses and offices and ask for a pledge. Bowden said, before people of this generation will give you their money they want to know what their money is being used for exactly. This is changing funding all together. She says however, “this is a good thing; it leads to loyal contributors of at least 10 years or more.”
There are many ways to make payments. Bowden said the most popular and easiest way is the payroll deduction. There is a growing trend in APH (automatic deduction from checking account). The billing option and the credit card option are also available.
Laura Gilliam, Executive Director gave students a chance to explain the first things that come to mind when they think of United Way of the River Cities organization. Community service, fundraising, and helping those in need were a few. Gilliam said the organization looked deep into why they thought problems such as: substance abuse, unemployment, and high school dropout rate are still around. Then they categorized them into four categories. Learning and Earning, Family and Children, Help the Wellness, and Basic needs are the categories.
The United Way came up with a plan to raise money, administer it, and spit it back out to the community to those who really need it. This way the organization could provide basic safety net needs (food, shelter, medication, clothing, etc.) and help those who are close to being at that low point before they fall into a similar situation.
There are three partnerships. Gilliam said we must work collaboratively if we want to reach our goal. The three partnerships include: Success by Six (early learning), Cabell County Substance Abuse Partnership, and Financial Stability Partnership.
Bowden said, “The best way for Marshall University student to contribute is to volunteer.” After all, volunteers are the backbone of the organization.
The speakers ended their presentation by answering all the questions of the students. Also, they passed out additional pamphlets and papers.
