The United Way of Auglaize County visits NB NK Rotary Club  

Randy Fisher, Executive Director of the United Way of Auglaize County visited the NB NK Rotary Club in an effort to tell the story of the United Way in Auglaize County .  The United Way began in St Marys in 1957 as a result of local business owners’ desire to give funds to the community through one central agency, rather than process a continuous stream of requests for donations throughout the year.  The United Way of Auglaize County was formed in 1994 and their offices were recently moved to Wapakoneta where they operate today.  Last year, the United Way of Auglaize County served over 25,000 Auglaize County residents.  

“We have two perception problems in Auglaize County ,” Fisher said.  “People assume that we only help poor or disadvantaged folks in the county.”  There are three parts to the United Way ’s mission of making Auglaize County a better place to live.  “We work the local member agencies to help provide financial stability, education and prevention, and health and wellness for the resident of Auglaize County ,” Fisher said.  The United Way of Auglaize County serves residents across all age and economic demographics through the local agencies it funds.  Fisher related the story of his own infant daughter’s illness and subsequent death as an example of how the United Way helps families in the county.  “We aren’t poor or disadvantaged, and the United Way and the Auglaize County Crippled Children and Adults made it possible for us to spend as much time with our daughter as possible while she was going from hospital to hospital,” Fisher said.  “They gave us memories we wouldn’t otherwise have had with her, so I am passionate about the United Way .”

 The United Way of Auglaize County gives 1% of the donated funds they collect, back to the United Way and the remaining 99% of their donated funds stays in Auglaize County .  Fisher explained that this is another common misconception about the United Way , that a lot of the money leaves the county.  “We are very proud of the fact that our overhead represents only 10% of our budget and even that money stays in the county,” Fisher said.  “We strive to be fiscally responsible with the money you give.”  The 2008 campaign netted $285,000.00, the lowest ever to date.  The 2009 set a new low with $221,000.00 in funds raised.  But, with a couple extra fundraisers, and some strong budgeting they were able to fund their member agencies at the same level they did with the 2008 campaign.  

“I am not here to ask for your money today’”  Fisher said.  “But I am here to ask for your voice to help tell the United Way story.”  The United Way of Auglaize County is planning a “Day of Caring” on Saturday April 17, 2010 to help give back to area agencies.  Fisher challenged the NB NK Rotary Club to form a team and volunteer to help with a local project.  “I know that not everyone can afford to give money, but we can all afford to give of our time and give our voice to make Auglaize County a better place to live,” Fisher said.  A list of member agencies can be found on the organization’s website at www.auglaizeunitedway.org

Hosting Rotarian: Urban Buschur