Published: September 10, 2008 11:08 am      

United Way kicks off campaign

Thursday, the Ada Regional United Way is having its kickoff luncheon for the 2009 campaign at Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc.

Ada Regional United Way, Inc. will be celebrating its 61st year of service to the community with the 2009 campaign. Local officials say they anticipate this will be the most successful campaign to date.

This year’s campaign goal is set at $300,000, which has not changed from 2008 but has changed drastically in the past decade.

Annual contributions have increased from $154,000 during the 2002 Campaign to last year’s $300,000. This reflects a large increase in the amount each member agency receives on an annual basis.

By contributing to Ada Regional United Way, Inc. individuals are investing in the support of 18-member agencies in the local community without having to personally to investigate which agency is in the most urgent need of contribution.

Ada Regional United Way, Inc. has been very successful in creating awareness of the importance of combining efforts to make a large impact.

A group of volunteers meet annually with representation from each agency receiving funding.

This group spends hours reviewing budget requests, financial information and agency information to assess the annual need of each agency and determining the annual amount necessary to be provided through the Ada Regional United Way, Inc.

Ninety-nine percent of donations stay in the local community.

Scheduled to speak at the luncheon is retired U.S. Army Maj. Edward Pulido. Pulido is vice president of research and convening for United Way of Central Oklahoma, and he is an Iraq War Veteran.

In August 2004 Pulido was injured in an I.E.D. attack which resulted in his leg being amputated. He has been highly decorated for his heroism and courage.

The President of the United States awarded him the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Joint Service Achievement Medal.