United Way Campaign Celebration

The United Way of Southern Chautauqua County held a virtual celebration Tuesday for reaching its 2021 campaign goal of $1.3 million.

2021 Campaign Chairs Christine and Mark Tarbrake announced the campaign slightly exceeded its goal by raising $1,314,703. Mark Tarbrake gave credit to cabinet members and volunteers, “It can’t be said enough how much work they do and I don’t think people realize that these people have volunteered their time for multiple years. It’s not just a one year deal where they say ‘Okay, I’ll do this for a year,’ and then, boom, they’re out. These people have been committed for a long time and we really appreciate that. I know Amy and her staff appreciates that.”

Christine Tarbrake also recognized United Way Executive Director Amy Rohler and her staff for their tireless efforts over the last few months.

Rohler said she’s humbled and proud to be part of the community, “We say this all the time – united we fight, united we win. It’s a united effort in order for us to win so thank you to those volunteers in a difficult year where I think all of us felt, and I don’t mean just volunteers I mean by all of you on Zoom and on Facebook, we felt a level of emotional and mental exhaustion that was very real coming into two years of a Pandemic.”

Rohler said 100% of every donation to the campaign stays in Chautauqua County and will impact 43 programs run by 28 local agencies.

Christine has been employed with M&T Bank for 40 years and is currently a Regional Sales Manager for the Southern Tier Region. She is currently Vice President of the Board of Directors for United Way of Southern Chautauqua County. Mark has been employed with SKF Industries for 42 years.

The United Way officially kicks off the 2021 campaign on September 9th. The goal for this year’s campaign is $1.3 million dollars. Funds raised will be invested in 43 local programs that align with four priorities: ensuring that families are self-sufficient, everyone is ready to work, young people succeed in school, and those in need can find help. One hundred percent of all donations remain in Chautauqua County.