With a focus on increasing community impact in the coming years, the 2024 Fundraising Campaign is the first countywide campaign of the newly merged United Ways of Chautauqua County. Since kicking off the campaign in September, United Way of Chautauqua County staff have been hard at work presenting United Way’s impact in the community to businesses, local government and other agencies.

Gifts made to United Way go to support 48 local programs facilitated by 34 partner agencies. Last year alone, United Way programs impacted the lives of local residents 32,991 times. The contributions made by local donors are necessary each year to continue funding those much-needed programs and services.

The time to give is now, and individuals can contribute to the campaign’s success by texting “STRONGERCHQ” to 91999 or by sending in a check to the Jamestown office.

Workplaces and employers interested in running an office payroll pledge campaign should contact NIck Dean, United Ways of Chautauqua County communications and campaign coordinator, by calling 716-483-1561 or emailing ndean@uwayscc.org.

The United Ways of Chautauqua County is raising money for its 2024 Fundraising Campaign through workplace payroll pledge campaigns. Pictured here is UWCC Director of Advancement Katie Castro giving a presentation earlier this month to employees at eSolutions, formerly Bush Industries.

Currently, more than 120 workplaces run payroll pledge campaigns, including school districts, local manufacturers, grocery stores, insurance agencies and other workplaces. Giving through payroll deduction opens up charitable giving to everyone, as it allows employees to donate a small sum from their paycheck each week.

In addition to reaching its goal, United Way’s 2024 Campaign aims to strengthen local programs, drive solutions and broaden community impact throughout Chautauqua County.

The theme for the campaign is “Stronger Together,” representing both the coming together ofthe two United Ways as well as what can be achieved by county residents giving collectively.

“We know that working together is going to mean increased capacity, increased innovation and increased community impact for all of Chautauqua County,” said Amy Rohler, United Ways of Chautauqua County executive director. “We are poised to build on past successes and stand ready to do just that with the help and support of the community.”

This year’s campaign is being co-chaired by local leaders Kelly Borrello and Bill Soffel.

“United Way is not just about fundraising,” Rohler said. “We are about mobilizing the community to achieve lasting change and ensuring that the lives of every person and family in Chautauqua County can be meaningfully improved.”

United Way staff spent a morning recently at DFT Communications in Fredonia, giving a presentation which detailed the impact that donor dollars have in Chautauqua County. Pictured here from left are UWCC Community Relations Coordinator Dan Siracuse, DFT President/COO Mark Maytum, UWCC Executive Director Amy Rohler and DFT President/CTO Kurt Maytum.