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Kim Swartz, 2005 United Way of Tompkins County Campaign Chair, announced that this year’s community campaign has exceeded goal by raising $1,858,475. “I know you hear it a lot, but this is a very generous community,” Swartz stated. I thank everyone who has been a part of this special effort.” In a period when local residents rallied to assist communities devastated by hurricanes and floods, people found a way to share unprecedented levels of support through our United Way.

This year’s United Way effort started with strong support from Pacesetter companies like Dryden Mutual Insurance, International Food Network, and The CBORD Group, producing double-digit increases and record-breaking results. “We moved from a great Pacesetter campaign to a general campaign that continues to grow,” added United Way Board Chair, Paula Tarallo. “Ithaca College was the first division following the Pacesetters to exceed their goal. Cornell University, who also exceeded their goal, once again helped lift our campaign to a level that communities our size rarely reach.”

Swartz and Tarallo recognized the strong support of our local foundations and employers both large and small. Last year, the Triad Foundation was willing to provide a challenge grant for hunger and food insecurity programs that was exceeded. This year, the Brooks Family

Foundation’s Urgent Rx challenge grant has also surpassed its goal. Thanks to support from the Park Foundation, our United Way was one of the first in the country to have a youth and philanthropy program; that now serves young people from pre-school through college.

These and other contributions are making a difference in Tompkins County. “I have seen some amazing work being done by our member organizations and community partners, Swartz noted. Reaching our goal of $1,850,000 is very important, but we can’t stop until March 31. There are needs we can meet and lives that can be strengthened.”

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