Citizens come through with flying colors

Just a few short weeks ago, the McCook United Way drive chairman and board of directors were worried, wondering how they were going to reach the 2003 drive goal of $85,000.

"Deep into the drive, the gifts were still trickling in. We were beginning to wonder if we had bitten off more than we could chew," said the chairman of the 2003 United Way drive, Dennis Berry. After all, the United Way board had thrown down a huge challenge for the community, setting the highest goal in McCook's history.

But, with a last minute rush of large gifts, the McCook area went whizzing by the goal, raising $86,522 in cash gifts and another $1,150 in in-kind donations.

"The drive's success is an amazing endorsement of the kind of people we have in Southwest Nebraska," said Steve Stein, the president of the United Way Board of Directors. "It is very heart-warming that this area came through at a time when more people than ever are in need."

Berry agreed. "This year's goal was the highest we had ever shot for," the drive chairman declared. "The fact that we exceeded the goal shows the kind of community we have. When there is a need, the people in the McCook area step up to the line."

One of the big contributors to the drive's success, both Berry and Stein agreed, was the Corporate Challenge issued by the employees of Valmont. That challenge inspired extraordinary giving by the employees of six businesses. Between them, Valmont, Community Hospital and four banks -- AmFirst, First Central, McCook National and Wells Fargo -- gave more than $46,000, with Wells Fargo emerging as the challenge winner.

Stein and Berry also paid tribute to Pam Fagot, who served as drive coordinator. "This was Pam's last year as the coordinator," Stein said. "She did so much to help with the drive's success. She will be sorely missed."

Pam leaves a legacy, as do all the others who worked on McCook's 2003 United Way campaign. They have helped the people of this area rise to the challenge. The slogan for the 2003 campaign was, "Make Your Caring Count." The people of the McCook area did that with flying colors, contributing the most dollars to United Way in the drive's history.

As a result, 19 different programs will be able to help those in need in our community. That's heart-warming. That's important. We extend thanks to all who did their part to make the drive a success.