FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Katie Gardella, Director of Resource Development and Community Engagement
Katie@muw.org/603-831-4278
Monadnock United Way Kicks Off 2024 Teaming Up for Tomorrow Campaign with Inspiring, Community-Focused Event
Keene, NH – The Monadnock United Way hosted a successful kickoff breakfast for its 2024 Teaming Up for Tomorrow campaign on Thursday, September 12, at the Monadnock Family Services Community Room. The event, sponsored by Fenton Family Dealerships, informed the community about this year’s ambitious campaign goal of $1,484,000 and why reaching this goal is so important. As General Campaign Co-Chair Sarah Kossayda said, “It’s so important to give because no matter what the challenge, Monadnock United Way’s comprehensive approach and deep roots in the community mean we can find a way forward.”
One of the highlights of the breakfast was a thought-provoking panel discussion addressing the pressing issues of the housing and childcare crises in the Monadnock region. Featured speakers included Becky Beaton, Executive Director of Hundred Nights, Chris Coates, Cheshire County Administrator, Alicia Deaver, Executive Director of Rise for baby and family, and Tom Julius, Chair of Monadnock Interfaith Project
Their insights and experiences sparked important conversations about how these two issues intersect and the collaboration and community support that is taking place to tackle these critical challenges.
In addition to the panel discussion, the event celebrated community excellence with the presentation of the 4th annual Ken Jue Award. This year’s recipient, Judy Rogers, owner of Prime Roast, was honored for exemplifying Ken Jue’s commitment to community, deep collaboration, and inclusivity. Phil Wyzik, CEO of Monadnock Family Services, said of Judy, “She's a natural collaborator, a team player. Someone easy to talk to. Someone who is a problem solver who wants life to be better for all of us. That to me embodies Ken Jue and I think this award to Judy is so richly deserved.”
A Day of Caring directly followed the event, where eight corporations and organizations partnered with seven local agencies to complete needed projects. Participating corporations included Electric Imaging Materials, Fenton Family Dealerships, Keene State College, Antioch University, M&T Bank, Main Street America Group, Monadnock United Way, and Savings Bank of Walpole. This initiative truly showed the caring power of our community and highlighted the generosity of our local corporations and their commitment to driving community change.
“We were thrilled to launch our campaign alongside this year’s Day of Caring, an energizing day of service that perfectly embodies our campaign theme, Teaming Up for Tomorrow,” said Sophie Carney-Brenner, MUW Donor Relations Manager. “Thanks to the generosity of our volunteer teams and the meaningful missions of our partner sites, we united across the Monadnock region to make a lasting impact—one project at a time.”
For more information about Monadnock United Way and the 2024 Teaming Up for Tomorrow campaign, please visit www.muw.org.