United Way's supporters get heartfelt thanks

To the editor:

On behalf of the entire board of directors, 2003 campaign cabinet members, family of funded programs and thousands of program clients, the Area Wide United Way extends its heartfelt thanks to all those who contributed to our 2003 campaign.

There is a great deal of behind-the-scenes work that goes on through United Way to identify critical and important issues in our community, convene organizations and individuals around these issues and develop a plan to address them. The system of over 1,000 United Ways nationwide collectively work in their individual communities to create sustained changes in community conditions toward the common denominator of changing lives. Our United Way works specifically in the Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Scott City and Perryville communities to do this very thing.

We must continue to challenge everyone in our area to reach out through United Way and other not-for-profits to help others. But for now, we just want to say thank you. We have raised nearly $1 million this year, which will provide hot meals, warm beds, safe havens, positive role models and mentors for children, support mechanisms for families and many, many other valued services in the Southeast Missouri area. United Way continues to change lives with your help.

Again, thanks, and we wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season.

DON K. FISHER

Director of Business Development

Southeast Missouri Hospital

2003 Area Wide United Way Campaign Chairman

Cape Girardeau