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United Way Raises the Bar in Auburn
by Ashley Hoey of Coburn Design, Inc.
It would be an absolute failure of the mission of Operation Auburn to not recognize one of the largest yearly campaigns that takes place in our great city. Year after year, the United Way Organization, takes on the task of raising thousands of dollars to benefit local organizations, charitable agencies and members of the community in need. Whether it's making a sizable donation at once, or a portion that comes out of a paycheck, the members of the Auburn community realize what an asset the United Way has become for the area and our residents. Operation Auburn had a chance to sit down with United Way Chair, Lon Fricano, and gain a little perspective into the life and times of the United Way Campaign 2006.
"This operation is just a well-oiled machine with good values," said Fricano. "Do the right thing, and do it well."
Fricano talked about how the United Way operates in our area. The campaign is based on carefully designed and articulated programs targeting specific high priority needs in the community. Fricano says the United Way now takes a different approach than charitable organizations used to. The organizations that benefit from the campaign undergo an evaluation process known as a "periodic resource needs assessment" to find out what the most pressing needs are.
"They (board members) spend a lot of time evaluating programs that meet those needs. Professional staff from the United Way trains all the directors on how to function on outcomes based performance level," said Fricano.
The United Way works in coordination with the City of Auburn to ensure that the funds raised by the campaign are allocated to agencies in "real" need, while recognizing that good, long-standing programs don't disappear. The Campaign guides agencies and organizations with vivid direction on how to offer new services and also, make better alliances with others in the community.
Fricano spoke briefly about his start with the United Way.
"I've been involved in non-profit organizations all my life really, so it's kind of something I always look to do," said Fricano.
"I started to manage the EMS Operation in Auburn in 1992. One of the first things I did was run up to a neighbor of mine, who at the time was the executive director of the United Way. He tricked me into joining and helping out with committees for three or four years. I've been on the Board of Directors for about 8 years. I love it, it's really wonderful."
The United Way in Auburn raises funds for 21 organizations and agencies that range from the Red Cross, to Cayuga Counseling, to the YMCA, to Neighborhood House, to Salvation Army, to the Hospice of the Finger Lakes. The Campaign encourages members of these groups to create partnerships and alliances in understanding the real needs of the community and how they are making contributions to the economic and social well being of Auburn.
"The goal this year is 1.35 million dollars, the highest goal we've ever set in this community," said Fricano. "This speaks volumes about this community, where the rest of the world is seeing decline."
"These wealthy communities in other areas with 500 thousand dollar homes, huge communities are seeing a decline in their charitable giving. Our community is at a crossroads and is increasing in its charitable giving. That says something about the quality of life here. People care, they really do, and not just when it comes to United Way. That's what sets us apart. There's a fabric, connectivity in this community. Our citizens look at the guy across the street as a neighbor even if they don't know him. They give, they're caring, and it's remarkable."
Fricano spoke about the success of Auburn's United Way Campaign in recent years.
"Last year we were one of only five United Ways in NYS to meet or exceed its goal," said Fricano. "That says a lot to me."
Many members of the Auburn community allocate a certain amount of funds out of their paycheck that go directly to the United Way Campaign. Fricano says the idea of payroll deduction is one that has kept the Campaign going throughout the years.
"We have a lot of people that understand the concept of payroll deduction. It makes it easy. Whether you're in an executive position, or you work in a factory, every dollar makes a difference, every dollar counts. The United Way thrives on donations that are much less money than most people spend in a week on coffee. It's not really that much money when it's incremental, but it adds up and is compounded with larger corporate donations. It gives back 100% to this community which is great," said Fricano.
"We're putting, on average, 1.3 million dollars back into this local economy every year. And it's not just the financial gain for this community; it's the social and healing benefit. These are organizations that you might need. We're not only here to ask for money, we want to inform you that these agencies exist. In the next second, the whole world can change, and it happens to people everyday. We're building a safety net for not only the community, but for our own families."
Fricano is grateful for his opportunity to participate in this yearly Campaign. The friendships he's made, the professional connections he's acquired and the rewarding satisfaction of helping others will be most memorable for him.
"I've made some good friendships, and met so many neat people. It is amazing, on a personal level, on how many people are in need. And that sense of recognition and belonging and having those connections is so rewarding and comforting. I get a chance to do some things to help the community accomplish goals when there is so much negative energy in the world."
Fricano credits his employer, TLC Ambulance Services with understanding his passion and desire for community service. He also encourages members of the Auburn area to include the younger generation in on the mission of the United Way.
"TLC is highly supportive of me. I have a great employer who says, 'just go do it.' I think people like to get involved. Without good people, you don't have business, you don't have services. When it comes to the United Way, there is a strong imperative to get young people, high school/junior college students, involved in those organizations. They are going to find out more about their home town that they never knew. They are going to find out about things right under their nose, and be amazed that they never discovered it was right here in Auburn."
Operation Auburn offers our best wishes for a successful 2006 United Way Campaign! We wish much success for Lon Fricano and would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the members of our community that lend a helping hand when it really matters.
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