Seventeen companies and employee groups presented 4-foot checks to United Way Board President Sue Krienen, General Manager of Shell Puget Sound Refinery. The total was $570,683 – including $200,000 combined from Shell employees and the Corporate gift and a surprise extra gift of $50,000 from Puget Sound Energy! PSE representative Andy Wappler presented the check, noting that PSE supports the community where customers and employees both support the Community Safety Net. These Pacesetter pledges brings the Kick-off total to 57% of the “More Than A Million” goal!
New Executive Director for United Way, Debra Lancaster, explained that the phrase “One IN A Million” is not just a slogan – it’s a call to action . Skagit County has a long history of support for friends and neighbors. Lancaster noted how the lingering economic downturn has led to an increased load on each of the thirty-two partner non-profit agencies supported by United Way.
Following the Kick-off, many of the groups head off to participate in “Days of Caring.” Teams of volunteers from many local organizations donate their time and energy to maintenance and repair projects at the various non-profit agencies around the county – saving those agencies thousands of dollars! Days of Caring projects are still available; people interested in helping should call Susan Rowe at 416-7585.