United Way of Southeastern Idaho hosts annual awards luncheon

The United Way of Southeastern Idaho awarded regional organizations for their contributions in workplace campaigns during the annual luncheon at Juniper Hills Country Club in Pocatello, Thursday.

More than 2,700 individuals donated over the past year, across 100 different campaigns.

Focusing on education, financial stability and health, United Way plans to donate approximately $431,000 to 33 different programs over the next year.

New United Way CEO, Kevin Bailey, said that Thursday is special because it allows them to recognize those who have made significant contributions of support.

“It’s a region-wide impact and the folks that are coming today, we’re really here to celebrate them,” Bailey explained.

Although the group is giving away more than $400,000, Bailey has his sights set on more.

“Because the more we have the more we’re able to give out and create larger impacts,” he explained.

Among the local groups recognized were ISU, INL, ON Semiconductor and Portneuf.

Dani Jones and Donna Bergman, both of Portneuf, were honored to be recognized.

“This was a surprise,” Jones said.

The two explained that the campaign had gone “dormant” at Portneuf before they decided to revitalize it.

“Reigniting that campaign allowed us to get focused, not just on United Way and our employees’ opportunities to give but focus on all the different organizations United Way supports,” Bergman said.

One of the topics that United Way has spent a great deal of time addressing over the past year is the region’s A.L.I.C.E. (asset limited, income constrained, employed), or “working poor,” population.

During a presentation today, Bailey said that the A.L.I.C.E. number in the region is somewhere in the range of 25,000 people. One of the reasons that Portneuf felt it was so important to give the campaign a kickstart again.

“Recognizing that we had employees at Portneuf Medical Center who may be in that category and might not have a lot of money to give, so it’s important that we emphasize that it’s also important to give your time and be generous in that way as well,” Jones said.

But the contributions come from a wide variety of people and groups and money isn’t the only thing you can give.

“Go volunteer,” Bergman said. “Go volunteer and see where your money goes and be part of the solution.”

“It’s really exciting to see how dedicated people are in this community to making a difference,” Bailey said. “Makes my job easy when people are willing to jump in and really support their community.”

With collaborative efforts of the sort, Bailey hopes that the group will be able to donate close to $500,000 next year.