Northern Berkshire United Way Kicks Off 2009 Drive
 Northern Berkshire Executive Director James Canavan said the funding agency had a tough year. Top: Fund drive Chairman James Brosnan speaks to this year's goal at the annual breakfast meeting at the Williams Inn. |
"I want your money," James Brosnan, chairman of its annual fundraising campaign, told 150 members and supporters at the Williams Inn on Friday morning. He urged them to spread the word about NBUW's need. "All of us our advocates. What we need you to do this year is advocate for us."
This year's theme is "Live United."
NBUW announced a goal of $625,000 at the annual breakfast and business meeting that marks the launch of each year's drive to raise money to support its 23 member agencies, such as Berkshire Family and Individual Resources, which provide a wide range of social and educational services to needy residents of North Berkshire in an effort to reduce poverty. Many of its donations come from payroll deductions through area businesses.
After years of raising nearly $700,000 annually for its members, the NBUW kicked off last year's campaign by upping the ante another $50,000, only to be hit by the economic crisis that worsened as members dealt with slashed state aid.
 President Maureen Baran thanks Stephen Smachetti for his service on the board. |
He credited the agency's board for making the difficult decisions and past administrations' fiscal prudence in putting cash away for a rainy day. "And boy, did it pour last year."
"We did allocate close to $400,00 for the year that ended June 30 to member agencies that have been tremendously understanding and tolerant of how we are going forward," said Canavan. "We believe we've been absolutely transparent in keeping the member agencies informed. After all, what we do is about them, not about us."
Brosnan urged the gathering to spread the word about NBUW among family, friends and colleagues: "The more we give the better we can improve the lives of those around us."
Because of software changes, the annual report wasn't ready for the meeting, said Canavan, so should be posted within a week or so on the Web site. He held out hope for a small surplus.
 Retired Adams-Cheshire teacher Starr Baker talks with Bob Lee and Maryann Boenitz about raising donations in the education field. |
The meeting took place on the eighth anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks that killed some 3,000 and injured thousands of others.
"We certainly have images from that day eight years ago seared into our minds," said state Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, D-Pittsfield, but out of that darkness, "across the United States that day, we were truly one."
"It's that spirit that defines America ... it would be my hope it's that spirit we keep with us every day."
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