United Way volunteer sees work done firsthand

Published 12:00 am Monday, September 23, 2002

Kelly Lady became interested in volunteering with the United Way to get in good with her boss, who was a division leader.

Her first responsibility was as section leader, which is being in charge of raising funding with three or more groups. Her self serving purpose changed quickly the more she came to understand what exactly the United Way did.

"As I got involved with the United Way and started to see the good that this organization does for the community, I was impressed. Amy Baskin, the chair for the United Way, gave tours to the volunteers to show where the funding we raised went for. This helped strengthen my reasonings for being involved," said Lady.

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The funding that is raised by local businesses and groups for the United Way stays locally. Lady likes this aspect of the charity. She likes it that the money directly helps people in the area in which we live.

"The United Way helps our neighbors and our friends. Sometimes when you donate to other causes, you can't see where exactly the money goes. You can with the United Way," said Lady.

Lady is now a leader for the KAUS Division and her honorary leaders are Dan Conradt and Duane Germain. Being a division leader is a large responsibility but one that Lady enjoys very much.

"I have made new friends through my volunteer work. I like how it helps the community and how well it meets the

needs of the community," said Lady.

Working with businesses, donations are usually set up so it doesn't take a large chunk out of someone's paycheck. Small stipends are taken out of a donors paychecks throughout the year. Incentives are given to employees who donate to this cause. Last year two section leaders, Kelly Olson and Diane Moon, asked Bruce Hendricks a county employee, to shave off his beard if pledges were met.

"The group had pledged $2,800 and with this incentive, they exceeded their goal and raised $5,000. This made everyone really excited. Being in the United Way helps to open up a person's creative side." said Lady.

Another group in Mower County that has been creative in raising donations is the Austin Medical Center. Last year this group put together a cook book and recipes were published for a fee. When the book was put together, whoever had donated a recipe, received a cook book.

"We try and make it fun to donate to this cause. Last year my division won tops in earnings over our goal. I was the first woman division leader to win. I received a plaque, that has my name emblazoned on it along with past winners. It is a rotating plaque, given out to the top division leader each year," said Lady.