United Way River Cities

Laura Gilliam and Cassey Bowden were invited to Professor Morris’ journalism class. The presentation about the United Way River Cities  included information about the organization, raising money, and the work that goes into keeping United Way alive.

“No money, no mission,” Laura Gilliam said. Gilliam is the executive director for the United Way of River Cities explained the issue of raising money for the Huntington-Tri-State area. “You have to be committed for the long haul, we don’t want a band-aid solution,” she added. The long-term fix requires raising large amount of money in the community.

Last year the fundraising goal was not met. This year Gilliam along with Cassey Bowden, the Director of Resource and Marketing for the United Way of River Cities, have set a goal of 15 percent increase of donors.

“Live United” is the United Way’s slogan referring on the community involvement it takes to better the community. The United Way of River Cities has been fundraising in Huntington, WV, since 1922.

United Way raised over 1 million for the Huntington area. “It’s not about the money, it’s about what we are doing,” Bowden said. The United Way is funding over 30 nonprofit agencies.

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.

“In the last four to five years we have really looked at effectiveness,” Bowden said. “Money is in no way a means to the end, but it’s a start,” Gilliam added. 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.”

 Bowden, who has been active in community service, encourages Marshall students to get involved with United Way on campus. “We want to engage students,” she said. “Volunteering is just as important as donating money,” Gilliam adds.

“People know we are, they recognize the logo, they know they can trust us, but they can’t explain what we do,” Gilliam said.  The United Way offers special events in and around Huntington to increase community involvement and raise awareness.

“Every dollar adds up. It all adds up-a dollar, 10 dollars, 100 dollars-it all helps!” Bowden said.