My father, Thomas G. Kennedy, who from 1966-1973 was the Executive Director of the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County. In that period, all seven fund raising campaigns met or exceeded their goals. My father, my mother and their four sons came to Chautauqua County because my father knew that he could make a difference in the community, and in turn, the community would continue his life’s work, helping others.
Chautauqua Striders is so thankful for the financial support we receive from United Way of Southern Chautauqua County, that allows us to implement our Mentoring and Life Skills Education Programs. We often hear from students and their families how much their Mentors and Life Skills Educators mean to them and make a difference in their lives.
Years ago, I was asked to serve on a United Way allocation panel. It’s the other side of the coin for me. I usually am asking for funding. I have been a nonprofit fundraiser for decades. The allocation panels determine who receives grants from the community’s donations.
