United Way of the River Cities

For 88 years, the United Way has been dedicated to providing communities assistance in learning, family, wellness and basic needs.

The organization has many various events year round like the West Virginia 5K Walk and “Out on the Town” fundraiser that local businesses donated a portion of their proceeds from the busy Friends of Coal Bowl weekend.

Laura Gilliam, executive director, and Cassey Bowden, director of resource development and marketing for the United Way of the River Cities, were contacted by Professor Burnis Morris to educate his News Writing 201 class about the organization and their mission to “live united.”

“People know the United Way name and the logo but they aren’t always sure about what exactly we do,” Gilliam said.

The United Way started in 1922 and since then the goals and approach to community success has changed.

Bowden said on Tuesday that fifteen years ago they looked at the community and fundraisers as not as effective and decided to change their approach.

“Instead of trying to help people already in a bad situation, we want to be on the preventive side,” said Gilliam.

Gilliam also said the “formula” has changed from the United Way raising money, administering it and giving it back to addressing the root of the problem and fixing it.

The UWRC serves Mason, Cabell, Lincoln and Wayne counties of West Virginia as well as Lawrence County, Ohio.

Partnered with thirty other charities and organizations, the United Way is focused on two main issues in Huntington; obesity and substance abuse.

Each year, the United Way raises around one million dollars through donations and fundraisers that is then distributed throughout the community.

Bowden said this year the fundraising goal for 2010 is 1.25 million dollars, which is five hundred thousand dollars less than it was in 2009.