The United Way of Skagit County announced the results of its 2009 Campaign at a luncheon held at McIntyre Hall on Thursday, January 21st . The 2009 United Way Campaign Chair Ken Dahlstedt told more than 160 supporters that $ 972,651 was raised during the 2009 United Way Campaign. This is a new record for the local United Way. Dahlstedt reminded the group that United Way funds provide a Safety Net that helps community members in need of food, shelter and other essential services as well as local youth. He complimented all the individuals and organizations that helped make the 2009 campaign a huge success.
Dan Berentson, Director of Natural Resources at Skagit County government who served as president of the United Way Board during 2009, told the group that United Way funds are needed more than ever during these difficult economic times. He emphasized that the Safety Net provided by the United Way makes a huge positive impact on local people in need and local youth.
Special recognition was given to organizations that had helped kick off the 2009 Campaign in September. More than $ 537,000 was raised by this “Pacesetter” group. Receiving commendation were Shell Puget Sound Refinery, PACCAR Technical Center, Mount Vernon School District, Sedro-Woolley School District, Skagit County Government, Skagit Valley Hospital, Skagit State Bank, Peoples Bank and Cascade Natural Gas.
Also recognized for their outstanding support were the Boeing Company, Costco and United Steel Workers Local 12-591.
Sue Krienen, general manager at the Shell Puget Refinery in Anacortes was elected president of the United Way Board of Directors for 2010. Don Sorensen, general manager at the Tesoro Refinery was named Campaign Chair. New board members elected are Ann B. Caldwell, Erin Charles M.D., Darlene Mindrum and Don J. Sorensen.
Jennifer Larson, Finance Director for the Mount Vernon School District, was named Volunteer of the Year. Milton Snyder, a retired educator, was honored with the Ted Reep trophy. Ted Reep was a Mount Vernon businessman who helped start the Skagit County United Way Chapter in 1963. He remained dedicated to helping local people in need until the day he passed away in 1991. The Ted Reep award is the most prestigious award made by the United Way of Skagit County each year.
