The United Way Chatham-Kent unveiled their total funds raised for 2018 and came in above their goal. January 17, 2018. (Photo by Greg Higgins)The United Way Chatham-Kent unveiled their total funds raised for 2018 and came in above their goal. January 17, 2018. (Photo by Greg Higgins)
Chatham

United Way of CK beats its 2018 fundraising goal

A crowd of hundreds stared in anticipation as each numbered balloon was raised while the United Way unveiled its 2018 total in style.

Applause rang out when the final number showed the organization raised a total of $1,565,140, over $6,000 more than its goal for the year.

The United Way of Chatham-Kent held its annual Campaign Touchdown Breakfast Thursday morning at Links of Kent in Chatham. Campaign Chair for 2018 Caterina Dawson said it was a long hard grind to get the organization to this point, but it was all worth it.

"It's been so exciting and so thrilling to see it all happen," Dawson said. "To actually reach our goal and go over it is very astounding. I could not be happier. It has been an amazing experience for me and all these people are so fantastic. They help one another to make everything work."

The 19-year-old, who was still in high school last year, was the youngest chair the Chatham-Kent chapter has put in charge of its campaign. She started as a co-op student with the organization doing small tasks and graduated to chairing the campaign.

"Its a lot of responsibility," Dawson said. "You have to be able to take on the task and know it's going to be OK and it was always OK for me."

While Dawson thanked corporate sponsors multiple times throughout the ceremony, she said those aren't the only ones who contributed.

"You think it is just big business but it's not," Dawson said. "It's people who are your neighbours, people who use the program help out. It is just so fantastic to see all the help that comes from the community."

Dawson wasn't the only one having her first go at a major role in the organization. Steve Pratt completed his first fundraising campaign as the new CEO of the Chatham-Kent chapter.

Pratt echoed Dawson's sentiments about all the community has done to help the United Way over the past year.

"You are essential in helping in the fight for the health, education, and financial stability of everyone in our community," Pratt said. "Today marks a transition to new and innovative ways of doing things. To all of Chatham-Kent, I would like you to know that United Way is truly working for you."

It is the first time in four years the campaign reached its goal, though this year's target was far lower than those in previous years. The 2015 campaign finished at $1.85-million, the 2016 campaign finished just over $1.7-million and last year finished at $1,687,048, all below the targets.

Read More Local Stories