October 2008: Ripon Area United Way Sets goal at $70,000
The Ripon Area United Way officially began its 2008-2009 campaign with the annual kick-off luncheon at Royal Ridges on September 10. The event was held to thank local businesses for their ongoing generosity, as well as to honor the hard work and achievements of the various non-profit agencies funded by Ripon Area United Way.
This year, the Ripon Area United Way is looking to give back, with a twist.
We're pushing for 100% employee participation," said Vicki Pape, secretary for the Ripon Area United Way, of this year's pacesetter organization, Diverse Options. "And, we're asking all our other organizations to do the same. If every single person in Ripon gives just $10, we'd be at our goal."
Being a center that serves the vocational and residential needs of disabled individuals, the clients of Diverse Options generally have more heart than cash.
"If everyone at Diverse Options could give back even just a little," Pape explained, "What kind of message would that send?"
As Diverse Options CEO Al Schraeder summed it up, "It's time we put our money where our mouth is, and give back to our community."
A portion of the funds raised by United Way will help foster Diverse Options, successful recreation program that serves over 100 disbaled adults by providing several large group social activities each year, as well as small stipends that encourage educational opportunities, hobbies and other interests.
While Diverse Options has been a long-time beneficiary of the United Way, the Community Thrift Store and Food Pantry is a new one. But its goal is still the same: to help the people of Ripon.
As Director Amy Pollesch explained, the Thrift Store was taken over two years ago in a "leap of faith."
"Their humble mission is to ensure that no man, woman, or child in Ripon goes without food or clothing. They collect gently-used items from the community to be sold in the Thirft Sore, which in turn provides the necessary income to purchase food for the Food Pantry.
This year the Thrift Sore is in need of new display racks to ensure a safe and quality shopping experience for its customers. Existing racks are literally falling apart. That is where the Ripon Area United Way funding will come in.
Polesch encouraged others to make their own leap of faith and give to the United Way. "Everything the Thrfit Store has been able to do has been through the generosity of our community."
This year the Ripon Area United Way will assist a total of 19 local non-profit agencies that desperately deserve your support. Please consider giving your fair share, just one hours pay per month. If you would like to make a donation, in any amount, please mail your tax-deductible contribution to: Ripon Area United Way PO Box 71 - Ripon, WI 54971
