POUGHKEEPSIE – The United
Way of the Dutchess Orange Region and the various nonprofit organizations
it supports came together to celebrate the power of contribution.
The foundation hosted its annual community breakfast on Tuesday, which
honored local organizations that have made a significant impact through
United Way funding and offered rousing speeches on the importance of giving
back.
Tim Eisentraut, a UPS official, discussed UPS’ streak of altruism
as a company. The UPS foundation and the company’s employees have
contributed $1.4 billion since its partnership with United Way Worldwide
formed in 1982.
“It is our legacy of support and volunteerism that makes us proud
to be UPS-ers,” he said.
Deputy Orange County Executive Harry Porr shared his warm feelings for
the City of Poughkeepsie and talked about the vast scope of work the local
United Way has done to improve life in the community.
Adams Fairacre Farms’ Human Resources Director Gaye Mallet shared
her experience with the regional United Way. She has been a grant reviewer
and has been involved with campaign leadership for the organization for
20 years. Her support earned her the title of 2018 Community Champion,
which she shared with Joseph Lawless, UPS vice president for information
technology.
“United Way provides a practical way to serve and provide for our
community, way beyond whatever I can do, by bringing us all together to
live united and work together for the common good,” she said.
Two of UWDOR’s nonprofit partners were also honored. Elizabeth Spira
of Community Action of Dutchess County and Paul Stermer of the Food Bank
of the Hudson Valley spoke on how United Way’s help goes a long
way to improve the outcome of their organizations.
“We do whatever we can to help families earn more money,”
said Spira. “They contribute to three of our programs, but they
really do so much more.”
“We wouldn’t be here today without the United Way of the Dutchess
Orange Region,” added Stermer. “We are truly and deeply forever
grateful.”
Since its merger in 2011, the United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region
has brought together people and resources to fight for the health, education
and financial stability of every person in our community. They fund several
programs in both counties with similar goals through grants, fundraising
campaigns and initiatives such as the Empire State Poverty Reduction Initiative
in Newburgh.
