A message from the president

I have dedicated my entire professional life to helping children succeed in school.  As a school principal I have an inside view of the sometimes complex and heartbreaking situations that define the lives of many of our youth.  I know first-hand that age is no barrier to the many diverse issues that challenge a student's ability to find a measure of achievement in the classroom and in life.

I first discovered the United Way early in my career and I found it to be an organization making a difference in the lives of people in the community, especially children.  I have seen how the United Way helps hundreds of local residents by providing access to food, shelter, health care, and so much more.  As a result, I give money, I volunteer my time, and I advocate for others by Living United.  It's the right thing to do.

We live in a large and compassionate community.  It stretches from Summit to Corvallis; from Monroe to Alsea; from Lincoln City to Yachats.  Within each one of the towns and cities in this vast community you will find kind and caring people, willingly giving of themselves to help others.  As the challenges grow, so does our need for more people to Live United, to join the effort to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Challenges are a natural part of life and that has certainly been true this past year.  Many of us have experienced changes in our financial circumstances, both personally and in our businesses.  Still we are compelled to reach out and help others in need.

By giving of our time and financial support we are creating long-lasting solutions to our community's most pressing needs.  United Way is working to advance the common good by focusing on the building blocks for a good life-a quality education that leads to a stable job.  Income that can support a family through retirement and good health.  We address these issues while continuing to provide a safety net for basic needs.

I am honored to serve as Board President of the United Way.  I encourage you to donate as much as you can in order to provide the services that will create lasting change in people's lives.  Be a part of an organization that brings government, business, and social services together to find the most efficient and effective solutions to our most pressing issues.

I invite you to be a part of the change.  Together, united, we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow.  That's what it means to LIVE UNITED!

2010-2011 Board Members