Campaign Chair Message
HC2025 By the community—for the community….
When Mark and I were approached about becoming the first ever Co-chairs of the 2015 United Way Campaign….of course, we were beyond honored, but my question was, “What does this mean?” Ruth and Laresa asked that we just think about it and let them know. The car ride home was filled with questions—from me mostly—thankfully, Mark has served on the Board of UWHC for several years. Our conversation went something like this…..
Paige: Okay, so Mark—Ruth and Laresa kept referring to HC2025….what exactly is that?
Mark: By the community—for the community. United Way gathered a bunch of community leaders and citizens to help identify the biggest needs facing Henderson County over the next 10 years. They focused on Education, Income and Health...helloooo, the building blocks for a good life. United Way directs dollars to programs that help improve these three target areas.
Paige: Okay….so why United Way instead of making direct gifts to the programs that you believe in?
Mark: By the community—for the community. United Way has a staff of like…six people but they have an army of community volunteers. Give, Advocate, Volunteer! Measures are in place to make sure every dollar is used to the fund programs that meet the goals of HC2025. You see? Every donated dollar makes a positive impact on people here in Henderson County.
Our conversation and my education continued….12% of our residents living in poverty and many experience homelessness over the course of a year; 33% of renters have housing costs that are greater than 30% of their household income; 50% of our children are not ready for kindergarten and only 66% of economically disadvantaged 3rd graders are at or above grade level in reading. It’s hard to believe that within our beautiful mountain community there are co-workers, neighbors, and our friends that not only struggle to make ends meet but do not have the means to provide the most basic human needs: food on the table, a roof over their heads and the ability to go to the doctor.
Needless to say, Mark and I accepted the role of Co-chairs of the 2015 United Way Campaign as members of this community who, like you, not only love this place where we live and thrive, but believe that together WE can make a lasting difference. Please join us by making your tax-deductible donation today because together, by the community—for the community, we can all LIVE UNITED!
With gratitude,
Paige Posey & Mark Warwick
2015 Campaign Co-Chairs
United Way of Henderson County