Keona Thurman knows how hard it is for some Mesa residents to pay their bills during these tough economic times. As a resource counselor for Salt River Project, she’s helped put customers struggling to pay their electric bills in touch with agencies that provide temporary utility assistance.
So when Mesa United Way was looking for people interested in participating in its Loaned Executives program to assist with the 2012-13 Pledge Campaign, Thurman stepped forward.
“I love helping people through my work at SRP,” Thurman said. “When you’re passionate about the community, it just flows. I’m familiar with the agencies that are funded by Mesa United Way that help our customers who can’t pay their bills because of a job loss or some other challenge. I know the good work they do, so I’m glad to help the campaign meet its funding goal.”
As a Mesa United Way Loaned Executive, Thurman visits businesses that have workplace campaigns that encourage employees to contribute through payroll deductions or one-time or periodic gifts. She explains to prospective participants the variety of programs funded by Mesa United Way that benefit families in need, as well as youth and the elderly.
Ken Harper, who retired from the Air Force in January 2001 and worked as a program support analyst for the Air Force Research Lab in Mesa for 11 years, also jumped at the chance to help with the campaign as a volunteer executive. The volunteer spirit runs in his family, Harper said, so after researching several options he settled on Mesa United Way.
“Every time I visit one of our partner agencies, I come away saying, ‘Wow!’” Harper said. “Sunshine Acres (Children’s Home) is just amazing, all the good work they do with those kids.
“The East Valley Men’s Center reminds me of the military. Those guys don’t just sit around; it’s structured. They learn skills so they can get jobs. I enjoy spreading the word about these great organizations, which really need our support in order to continue doing the good work that they do.”
Thurman and Harper are among one part-time and three full-time loaned executives who work with Mesa United Way Resource Development Director Linda Haskell in setting up workplace campaigns throughout the community.
“We love our loaned executives,” Haskell said. “They bring such enthusiasm and passion, plus lots of experience. They really know how to inspire the employee campaign leaders when they make their presentations. They truly are the heart and soul of a successful workplace pledge campaign.”
The goal of the 2012-13 Mesa United Way Pledge Campaign, which began July 1, is $2,825,000.
For information on organizing a workplace campaign, contact Haskell at Linda.Haskell@mesaunitedway.org or 480-834-2108.
• Bob Schuster is a retired journalist and volunteer public information specialist for Mesa United Way.
Leon Ceniceros posted at 7:20 pm on Tue, Sep 18, 2012.
This guy just doesn't quit.....kinda like the Energizer Bunny banging away at his drum....lol.
ONCE AGAIN.....JUST SHOW US WHERE LAST YEAR'S ...$2,600,000.00 = WENT.
WHAT DID EACH OF THE RECIPIENTS GET IN ..........."DOLLARS AND CENTS".
HOW MUCH WERE THE OFFICE COSTS, THE UTILITY COSTS, THE MAILING COSTS, THE PRINTING COSTS AND MOST IMPORTANTLY = THE SALARIES.
THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE CHARITABLE DONATION PLUS THE "ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS" SHOULD ADD UP TO = $2,600,000.00
"FEEL GOOD" STORIES ARE GREAT....BUT WE WANT TO SEE....WHERE DID THE MONEY GO..........THAT'S ALL............WHERE DID ALL LAST YEAR'S MONEY GO ???????
Accuracy posted at 9:28 pm on Tue, Sep 18, 2012.
Leon Ceniceros posted a lot of questions concerning Mesa United Way
137 East University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85201
---------------------------------------------------------------
Leon… CLICK ON: www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=10780
And read “Charity Navigator Rating - Mesa United Way” – Income Statements (FYE 06/2011) details of revenue and expenses of $3,251,258 total.
The Compensation of Leaders (FYE 06/2011) does list Dan Wollam, President, CEO of Mesa United Way who receives $93,000 base salary.
United Way of America and United Way International were integrated as one global entity, United Way Worldwide. United Way is a worldwide network in 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S.
And the Compensation of Leaders does not compare Wollam’s compensation to Brian Gallagher who acts as President and CEO of United Way Worldwide. Gallagher received an annual base salary of $475,328 in 2010.
Engaged Voter posted at 11:43 am on Wed, Sep 19, 2012.
"businesses that have workplace campaigns that encourage employees to contribute through payroll deductions or one-time or periodic gifts"
Ah, there's that word again..."encourage".
Have you ever bothered to actually request a written policy from these businesses...and if so, have you ended relationships with businesses that use coersion and intimidation on their employees to participate?
And thank you, Accuracy, for posting some accurate information! So the president/CEO of Mesa United Way, a CHARITY, makes over 3 times the median income of Mesa residents. That alone speaks volumes.
Leon Ceniceros posted at 7:14 pm on Wed, Sep 19, 2012.
The "Charity Navigator" website did not list..........."WHO GOT WHAT AND HOW MUCH ???".
I looked at the Mesa, Arizona, United Way website and none of this information from the Charity Navigator webite was listed.
Again, I ask why isn't it. Where is all this "transparency" that eveyone is talking about ? No wonder the American People are so distrustful. Something that should be so "out front" for any Charity such as the list of groups or organizations who received the money (not goods or services....we have seen lately how many Charities manipulate those two accounts) that was donated.
Just tell us the facts. That's all we want to see before we donate our hard-earned money............THE FACTS !!!
wangly posted at 12:31 am on Tue, Nov 6, 2012.
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