A TIME TO GIVE: UNITED WAY FALL 2008 CAMPAIGN KICKOFF

By Wes Clement/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF

A season of giving began Tuesday as more than 200 members of the community gathered at the Pine Bluff Country Club for the Fall 2008 Campaign Kickoff and Luncheon for the United Way of Southeast Arkansas.

Participants in the campaign, largely businesses that encourage employee giving, will strive to meet a goal of raising $1,250,000 in less than three months to be used to help support the work done by 27 partner agencies including the Southeast Arkansas Red Cross, Arkansas Foodbank Network and Neighbor to Neighbor.

“Giving without expecting anything in return is one of life’s greatest joys. We have the power through giving to make life better for many people,” Campaign Chair Julie Bridgforth said.

Due to realistic constraints of a slower economy, the organization is aiming toward the same goal it set last year, rather than raising the dollar amount. Last year’s campaign resulted in the raising of $1,250,300, exceeding the goal by $300, Bridgforth said.

Following the campaign a volunteer allocation panel will review requests by partner agencies and decide how the money will be disbursed, Jim Caldwell, executive director of United Way, said.

“I think people in Pine Bluff are very supportive and willing to serve. Many do it year after year,” Bridgforth said. “It’s an easy sell because I think people know how well the agencies are able to use the money to serve those who really need help,” Bridgforth said.

Representing an organization that benefits from the annual fundraising drive, the Jenkins Choir enthusiastically performed a few songs to begin the program.

Nyzel Williams, a 2008 honor graduate of Pine Bluff High School and guest speaker at the luncheon, spoke of the importance of volunteering in his life. Earlier this year Williams was awarded the $250,000 Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Scholarship.

Williams endured hardships of limited resources growing up and frequently worked late hours after school before beginning his homework, yet he excelled and acted on a belief that helping others is of great importance.

“I think volunteerism is number one in America. The Minute Men in the American Revolution weren’t paid but were ready to serve at any time, and that’s really what a volunteer is,” Williams said.

While in high school he donated his time to two United Way agencies, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and Students with an Opportunity to Serve (SOS) where he came to know Attorney Bryan Achorn.

Achorn invited Williams to live in his home during the week so he would have a comfortable place where his needs would be met and he helped him to prepare for college.

Williams graduated 18th in his class with a 3.9 GPA and earned the President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award. He is enrolled in his first semester at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where he is studying engineering.

The fundraising campaign will conclude Dec. 18.

For information related to participating in the campaign, contact the United Way of Southeast Arkansas at 534-2153.