PORT ANGELES — The United Way of Clallam County, which has reached 86 percent of its fundraising goal, will thank volunteers and donors at a campaign awards celebration appetizer reception Thursday.
Those who want to attend the program at the Red Lion Hotel, 221 N. Lincoln St., are asked to RSVP by Tuesday by phoning 360-457-3011 or emailing info@unitedwayclallam.org.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. The program is from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The cost is $15 per person.
Tickets will be available at the door, but Jody Moss, United Way executive director, said reservations are preferred.
The campaign to raise funds for 23 nonprofits and four United Way initiatives has brought in $862,024.
The goal was $1 million.
“We’re down from last year,” Moss said, adding that last year’s campaign raised $900,000.
“The good news is we’re not reducing funding to partner agencies,” Moss said.
“We’re hoping to meet our allocations to agencies by cutting back in operating costs.”
Cutbacks include refraining from replacing a computer, reducing some employee hours and reducing travel expenses to training conferences, Moss said.
The Thursday luncheon will thank those who contributed during a hard year, Moss said.
“We want to acknowledge the individuals, businesses and employee groups who contributed, as well as the volunteers who give their time in support of United Way,” she said.
“It’s been a really tough year,” Moss added.
“I think the whole series of years past have been hard on people, and everyone is sort of tired.
“It was harder to get volunteers in workplaces. Workforces have contracted; employers and employees are doing more with less.
“I think there are a lot of donors who would give if they had time to breathe,” she added.
Donations can be made to the 2013 campaign through March 31.
Funds raised during the annual campaign are distributed to the 23 nonprofit agencies providing health and human service programs in Clallam County and to United Way initiatives including Great Beginnings, an early learning program that funds programs throughout the county, as well as the 2-1-1 Information and Referral Line, the Literacy Program and Access to Healthcare.
Those who have contributed to or volunteered with United Way of Clallam County are invited to the nonprofit’s annual meeting March 11.
The meeting will be from noon to 1 p.m. in the Port Angeles School District’s administration building at 216 E. Fourth St.
Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by Friday to the United Way office at 360-457-3011.
Officers will be elected.
Nominated to lead the organization in 2014 are Josh Fox of the Platt Irwin law firm for president, Jo Johnston of Green Crow for vice president and Betsy Fulwider of Pierce Jones Associated for treasurer.
The outgoing board president is Don Bradley of Battelle Pacific Northwest Labs. He will chair the meeting and serve as past president in the coming year.
To contribute to United Way of Clallam County, phone 457-3011 or visit www.unitedwayclallam.org/give.
