Jim Javaras (left), United Way of North Central Massachusetts campaign chairman, admires a plaque presented to him for a successful campaign by Board Chairman Scott Howard as Selena Johnson, campaign director, looks on.

United Way thanks volunteers at its 26th campaign finale

For Release (March 23rd 8 pm) - Over 150 community leaders and volunteers were on hand at the Devens Common Center (Thursday, March 23rd) to hear United Way of North Central Massachusetts 2005-2006 campaign results.  They were not disappointed; a record campaign of $3.12 million was announced.

The annual event held each spring follows nearly ten months of campaigning by United Way and its volunteers.  Charitable dollars are raised through corporate donations and employee workplace giving for nearly 70 community health and human service programs.

This year’s Campaign Chair Jim Javaras thanked the over 5,000 contributors to the campaign drive and recognized many organizations and businesses for achieving certain giving levels.

"This is a remarkable campaign given the fact that many companies did special fundraisers for Hurricane Katrina victims," noted Javaras.  The volunteer-driven organization was concerned that Hurricane Katrina and higher energy prices would dampen giving locally.  "The generosity of our community is truly inspiring." 

Scott Howard, chairman of the board, also thanked the volunteers and donors and shared with the audience a story of a local family that has been helped through a United Way-funded program. "The United Way umbrella helps us, as volunteers and donors, to multiply the impact of our work, allowing us to reach more individuals and families."

The organization received a special one-time challenge grant that will match up $100,000 in increased giving at the Leadership level, which is $500 or higher.  According to Javaras, United Way has made excellent progress toward the goal, but it still needs to raise $35,000 more to receive the $100,000.

"While we have surpassed our overall goal, it is important that we don’t lose this Leadership Challenge, which will allow us to help more people," said Javaras.  Campaign volunteers will continue to fundraise, until the end of its fiscal year in June, to secure the grant. 

Howard wrapped up the evening by announcing that George Gantz, senior vice president of Unitil will be the 2006-07 Campaign Chair.

This year’s announced attainment was an 11.8% increase over last year’s $2.79 million.

The United Way of North Central Massachusetts serves the communities of Ashburnham, Ashby, Ayer, Baldwinville, Barre, Devens, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Harvard, Hubbardston, Leominster, Littleton, Lunenburg, Pepperell, Shirley, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster and Winchendon.