Honor United Way Centennial

Senate Resolution No. 4038 BY: Senator AKSHAR COMMENDING United Way of Broome County upon the occasion of celebrating its 100th Anniversary WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality and character of life in the communities across New York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organizations which devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend United Way of Broome County upon the occasion of celebrating its 100th Anniversary; and WHEREAS, A myriad of events will be held throughout the year to recognize this auspicious milestone, kicking off with the organization's Annual Meeting on Wednesday, March, 21, 2018; and WHEREAS, For 100 years, United Way of Broome County has worked to bring people, organizations and resources together to improve community well-being; this vital organization strives to give every person in its community an opportunity to enjoy the highest possible quality of life; and WHEREAS, In 1918, the Binghamton United Relief Organization was formed to coordinate fundraising activities among local health and service organizations; in 1933, the Organization became the Character Chest, with members including the Boys Club, Boy Scouts of America, YMCA and YWCA; five years later, Catholic Charities joined the group; and WHEREAS, In 1941, Frank E. Gugelman was hired as the first Executive Secretary; later, Character Chest was renamed Community Chest, with locations in Binghamton, Endicott and Johnson City; in 1954, the locations were combined to form the Broome County United Fund; and WHEREAS, The Broome County United Fund merged with the Social Planning Council to form the United Way of Broome County in 1973; and WHEREAS, Over the years, the United Way of Broome County has been led by seven executive directors: Frank E. Gugleman (1941-1947), William W. Blodgett (1947-1949), Donald M. Chase (1949-1970), F. Arthur Grambling (1971-1986), John G. Spencer (1986-2008), Alan G. Hertel (2008-2016) and Robin Alpaugh (2016-2017); and WHEREAS, The success of United Way of Broome County is in direct correlation to the efforts of its Interim Executive Director LoriAnne Welch, and her staff, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the institution and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend United Way of Broome County upon the occasion of celebrating its 100th Anniversary; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to LoriAnne Welch, Interim Executive Director, United Way of Broome Erie County.