OGDEN -- The enthusiastic exuberance of the Ogden High School marching band gave emphasis to the message United Way of Northern Utah campaign organizers had for supporters at the annual kickoff luncheon Wednesday.
As the band marched in and played several numbers while surrounding the audience in the Browning Theater at Ogden Union Station, they were asked to "march in the same direction -- forward."
The Northern Utah campaign's goal this year is to raise $1.8 million, about $200,000 more than last year.
"It's not a matter of wanting, it's a matter of needing it for our community," said Yvonne Coiner, chairwoman-elect of the United Way of Northern Utah campaign, "It's going to take people who have given before to give just a little bit more."
Speaker Mac McCullough, of the Boys and Girls Club, discussed the United Way slogan of Live United as well as the raw energy of motion.
"Motion towards dropout rates, healthier lifestyle choices and a thriving local economy," was his definition of kinetic energy. "The potential is there, and United Way is the key to the movement."
He then challenged all present to take part.
"Underneath everything, we are all connected and interdependent," he said. "We each have our own part to play."
Coiner invited audience members to unlock their potential, as members of the United Way Board of Directors handed out key chains and keys to everyone.
"Do not underestimate your own power to make a difference in someone else's life," she said. "You just need to unlock your own potential."
Attached to the key chains were cards asking those present to make a pledge.
Among the choices for pledges was giving to United Way, spearheading a United Way campaign at a company and various acts of service.
These acts of service included organizing a community service project, volunteering once a month, speaking up for a good cause, buying a Live United T-shirt for a friend, inviting Facebook friends to "like" United Way of Northern Utah, joining the organization's Facebook page and putting up a Live United sign in their yards.
"We invited you to empower the whole community" was printed on an invitation that went along with the pledge cards. "Join us in honoring the past and touching the future."
Sister Stephanie Mongeon, of Mount Benedict Monastery, challenged those present to Live United by bringing good energy into the community and the world.
"The only ones who will be happy among you are those who have sought and found how to serve," she said, quoting Albert Einstein.
Bob Hunter, United Way of Northern Utah chief executive officer, said area residents should come to understand the trust the federal government has in United Way of Northern Utah when they realize that his office was just invited to take over the Combined Federal Campaign for Southwestern Idaho.
He said his office now manages the largest geographic Combined Federal Campaign and one of the top 20 in terms of dollars raised.
His office manages the campaign for the Top of Utah and now almost all of Idaho, almost all of Wyoming and Western Colorado.
But while making a collective difference in large ways was an emphasis of the program, so was making small efforts to affect individuals.
"When you reach out to one, you influence the condition of all," said McCullough. "That's what it means to Live United."
The fundraising effort will take place in area businesses and agencies over the next few months.
To learn about sponsoring a United Way campaign at your workplace, call 801-781-2216.
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