The Journey as Campaign Chairs

When people discover we are this year's Heartland United Way Campaign Chairs, the most common response we receive is, "Thank you for doing this." A little ribbing often follows. After all, people know humor helps the journey.

We chose this journey in honor of the United Way. We had given to the United Way for years - advocating and volunteering too. Yet, we always got more back by doing so. Our own family had been impacted by the agencies' work and afforded opportunities beyond our hopes. So, it just seemed right to try to increase the help and caring of people in our four-county area who are given the same opportunities we were because of the United Way's work.

The journey has been as rewarding as those going before us promised. To see collective efforts where people from different cultures unite and work as one to make a difference is awe-inspiring. We have enjoyed working with volunteers and United Way staff who say yes and then passionately do extraordinary, caring work. Recipients of services, volunteers, agencies, citizens, businesses, donors - everyone working together to be stronger together humbles us.

Now, if we can only announce we are over goal at our finale event Dec. 14, our dream will be complete. Our dream - to help and serve others, making sure we have rich environments and supportive relationships to build a stronger future.

The pleasure has been ours.

Living United,
Jim and Dee Price
2011-12 United Way Campaign Chairs