Retired hospital leader heading up United Way’s 80th annual campaign
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Sept. 13, 2022) – The communitywide fundraiser for 19 health and human services programs is getting underway.
Former Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital president Bruce James is chairing the United Way of Tuscarawas County’s 80th annual campaign. He says every dollar it raises will stay in our community to support a variety of worthwhile causes including Mobile Meals, the Tuscarawas Clinic for the Working Uninsured, and the Noah’s Hope Child Advocacy Center.
“So it’s an opportunity for every person to try to help their neighbors achieve a healthier life, a strong education, financial security,” he says. “We’re making a difference in our own community.”
James says his duties as chair include soliciting contributions from area businesses and their employees.
“Basically, I’m just begging for money. Obviously, we would like to get as many donations through the businesses because it’s just easier when you do payroll deductions and stuff like that,” he says. “We’ve got a team that’s willing to go out and talk to businesses or answer questions that people have, talk about different programs if someone wants to know about the Dolly Parton Imagination Library or if somebody wants to know about Noah’s Hope.”
Donations can also be made through the United Way of Tuscarawas County’s website, tuscunitedway.org.
“There’s also a little campaign video that’s been placed on there in the last few weeks which kind of has people from some of the various agencies talking about the programs they have, which is good information. But, yes, you can go to that website and donate, donate by mail to the United Way of Tuscarawas County. We will take funds however we can get them.”
Financial Advisors Mitch and Kiley Kendall are co-chairing the effort that kicked off this week and concludes in mid-February with a recognition banquet for volunteers and donors. James says the goal is to surpass the nearly $612,000 they raised during the previous campaign.