Speech-United Way

People know who they are, recognize the logo and can put trust in the organization, said the executive director of the United Way River Cities. The United way is easily recognizable, but unknown for exactly what is accomplished by the organization.

Laura Gilliam, executive director of the United Way River Cities, said The United Way is a nonprofit organization that everyone in Huntington can be involved in.

Gilliam said The United Way is a nonprofit organization to create better conditions in the community.  The organization focuses on learning and earning, families and children, health and wellness, and basic needs.

Gilliam was invited to speak today by the Marshall University SGA and Faculty Senate. The speech was held in the John Marshall room of the Memorial Student Center on Marshall’s campus.

Gilliam gave a speech to Marshall students and faculty at a luncheon.  The speech was to inform the audience about United Way River Cities, raising money on in Huntington and the work that goes into keeping United Way apart of the community. She said, “no money, no mission.”

     

“You have to be committed for the long haul, we don’t want a band-aid solution,” she said. The long-term fix requires raising large amount of money in the community.

Gilliam also said that raising money is crucial to keeping the affiliates associated with United Way River Cities alive. The United Way of River Cities is funding over 30 nonprofit agencies. Some of these affiliates include The American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Boys and Girls Club of Huntington, Boys Scouts, Girl Scouts and more. The United Way of River Cities is funding over 30 nonprofit agencies.

      Last year the fundraising goal was not met. This year Gilliam has set a goal of 15 percent increase of donors. Last year over one million dollars was raised by United Way River Cities.

      “Money is in no way a means to the end, but it’s a start,” she said. Gilliam, who has been working with United Way since 2005, explains the organization is a way for the community to come together to help each other. In other words “live united.”

      Gilliam encouraged the students and faculty that with United Way there is much more than money to give. She said, “volunteering is just as important as donating money.”