Pacesetter companies set the tone United Way fundraising

By Charles Christian

The “Better Days Made by You” giving campaign by United Way was able to start strong, thanks to Pacesetter companies.

The Pacesetter program for United Way consists of local companies who engage in fundraising efforts prior to the annual campaign kickoff. According to this year’s campaign co-chair Doug Walter, these 17 local Pacesetter companies give United Way’s fundraising efforts a big head start.

“Pacesetters are a group of companies that run their giving campaign early,” Walter said. “Then, the day we run our campaign, we can announce a number.”

In this case, the number was around $870,000 to kick off what United Way hopes to become well over $2.5 million once all is said and done.

“Our local United Way centers our fundraising during this season — between September and the first week of November,” Walter said. “The Pacesetter number announced is exactly what it says: It sets the pace and allows people say, ‘This is going well.’”

Partner agencies in St. Joseph, including those who receive funding from United Way, agree that during the fundraising period, they will not individually raise funds, so as not to “double dip.” That means that United Way can focus on raising funds, while benefitting partner agencies with allotted resources.

Beyond that, partner agencies can engage in their own fundraising efforts, as well. Walter said that Pacesetter companies usually approach United Way and agree to be part of early fundraising efforts to prepare for the launch of the annual giving campaign.

Brendon Clark of Commerce Bank, a Pacesetter company, said that its longtime participation in the Pacesetter program is motivated by the company’s desire to be a meaningful presence in St. Joseph, as well as by employees who value the opportunity to encourage participating in the funding of United Way programs.

“We conduct rallies throughout the different branches here in town,” Clark said. “This gives United Way the opportunity to give our employees an early update on what they’re doing and what they plan to do. Then our employees have the option to give at various levels, based upon their situation.”

United Way leaders said this basic pattern happens among all of the Pacesetter companies leading up to the campaign launch.

“We view the rallies as a time to educate folks,” Clark said. “The rallies show them what their investment in United Way is doing in the community.”

To participate in the annual giving campaign for United Way entitled, “Better Days Made by You,” go to www.stjosephunitedway.org.