A Message from the Executive Director Chuck Sharp

United Way of Rutland County  Reaches 2009 Campaign Goal!

United Way of Rutland County celebrated reaching the community’s $560,000 goal at their Annual Meeting and Campaign Celebration event at the Holiday Inn Thursday, January 14, 2010.  Board President Marleen Cenate thanked the crowd in attendance and introduced incoming President David Ballou before turning the event over to Rich Carlson for a celebration and awards presentation.  Campaign Chairman Carlson and his team of volunteers were applauded for their incredible campaign efforts.  Thanks to the support of businesses, employees and individuals in our community, United Way raised $561,402 to support 33 non-profit health and community service organizations operating for residents of Rutland County .

 “Last year United Way funded agencies responded to over 27,000 requests for assistance from residents in our community.  Supporting United Way is the single best way you can make a difference in the lives of our neighbors, and I am happy that the residents of our community responded the way that they did.  Rutland County is a place where neighbors continue to care about each other”, said Carlson.   The campaign team of Carlson, Nicole Fabian, Carrie Allen, Kelly Smith, Nancy Brower and Dave Ballou were all recognized with a plaque and a round of applause from the crowd of volunteers and agency representatives. 

The “Key Person of the Year” awards for non-profit and for profit companies involved in this year’s campaign went to Recovery House, Hannaford Supermarket and General Electric Corporation.  Store Manager Gary Trudo, Karen DellVeneri and JoAnn Marshall accepted the award on behalf of Hannaford’s, while Lori Peer led a group from GE to the stage to accept their award.  Others on hand to receive special awards included Chittenden Bank for the Really Big Show XIV, The Rutland Herald, Sam’s Good News and PEG TV.  United Way recognized Pat Wener for her 25 years of service on the board of directors, as well as her husband Carl for all that the couple do in support of United Way.  The coveted “Volunteer of the Year” award for 2009 was presented to Carolyn Brown.  Carolyn was recognized for her tireless efforts in support of United Way of Rutland County as a volunteer with over 20 years of service to the organization.