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The goal has been set...$1.4 million dollars to benefit our community.
Fairbanks, AK (Sept. 9, 2008)
United Way of the Tanana Valley kicked-off its annual Campaign on Tuesday, September 9, during the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce General Membership Luncheon. This year's theme LIVE UNITED™ focuses on the importance of coming together to help those in need in our community.
Brian Newton, President and CEO of Golden Valley Electric, and Ann Ringstad, Associate Vice-Chancellor, University Relations at UAF, Co-Chairs of the 2008 campaign, are excited about the Live United™ theme and hope to reach this year's goal by everyone giving a little to increase the support to all.
Brian Newton is the new President and CEO of Golden Valley Electric, arriving in Fairbanks in November 2008. Brian moved from Mt. Gilead Ohio where he served on the United Way board for more than six years. As an active community member in Mt. Gilead, Brian has served on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Kiwanis Club, and the school advisory council. Brian has also been involved with youth by coaching girls softball and boys baseball, participating in the Ohio Reads program, as well as teaching Junior Achievement. Brian and his wife Michell have three children; the youngest is a sophomore at Ohio State University.
Ann Ringstad is lifelong Alaskan, crossing over the mountain from Anchorage to Fairbanks in 1984. Her three children were born in Fairbanks, Anchorage and Juneau respectively, so she is very familiar with the state.
"What strikes me as special about Fairbanks is the spirit of community, the spirit of volunteerism and a united front when it comes to addressing the needs of Fairbanksans. This spirit became very clear to me when I was co-chairing HIPOW. There are many unsung heroes right here in our town who quietly go about helping others, and do whatever it takes to make a difference in other peoples' lives. In these economic hard times, there is a heightened awareness of what it takes to live in this far northern part of the world. Giving to United Way is a great way to reach out to community members who are in need of services our non-profit agencies are providing."
Three children, one grandchild and a very active hockey player in the family have kept Ann busy these past 20 years. As she looks forward to an empty nest, she is pursing an MPA degree to focus on the social benefits of non-profit organizations. "The opportunity to be a part of the 2008 United Way campaign comes at a good time in my life. In a state as wealthy as Alaska, there are still many unmet needs that cannot be resolved by government alone. This is a great way to reach out and help."
Brian and Ann have great perspectives on living in Fairbanks. Whether new to the community or being here a long time, Ann and Brian are ready to lead the campaign to greater success.
To arrange for a workplace campaign at your business, or if you would like to make a personal donation, call the United Way office at 452-7211, x23.
United Way of the Tanana Valley is a nonprofit agency that provides funding to 24 health and human care member agencies through community donations. By influencing reaching out a hand to one, we can influence the condition of all.
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