It is a lofty goal for the United Way Hastings & Prince Edward.
At a pancake breakfast at West Zwick’s Park on Thursday, members of the 2023 Campaign Cabinet revealed that this year’s fundraising goal is $2.2 million.
Last year, the United Way was able to exceed its goal of $2 million, raising over $2.1 million for the 2022 campaign.
Executive Director of United Way Hastings & Prince Edward, Brandi Hodge, spoke of the many challenges that are faced in the community including rising rent and increased use of food banks.
The newly appointed CAO of Hastings County, Conner Dorey, also spoke at the breakfast discussing the impact and his support of the United Way Hastings & Prince Edward.
Pancakes being served at the United Way Hastings & Prince Edward 2023 campaign launch breakfast at West Zwick’s Park. September 14, 2023. (Photo: Zach McGibbon/Quinte News)
The campaign chair this year will be Dan McCullough of Magna Autosystems.
He joked that he didn’t know why he was selected for the role.
“Well, first step was, I don’t know why they chose me and I had to get over that,” McCullough joked.
“Brandi (Hodge) and Jen (Smith) convinced me that I was the right guy for the job. Certainly with Hillary (Murphy) before me and Sheri (Meeks) before her, big shoes to fill but look forward to the challenge.”
McCullough says there is a great team around the United Way to help them reach the $2.2 million goal.
“So my job I feel is more of a cheerleader and a coach,” McCullough explained about his role.
“But I certainly will get involved in all the activities that I can and spread the message. I think that’s really what it’s all about – getting the message out there, the need in the community and where we need to step up and support the community.”
Dan McCullough of Magna Autosystems named the 2023 Campaign Chair for United Way Hastings & Prince Edward. September 14, 2023. (Photo: Zach McGibbon/Quinte News)
The full list of 2023 Campaign Cabinet members are as follows:
- Dan McCullough – MAGNA Autosystems
- Kristen Sokolowski – Procter & Gamble
- Sarah Rozema-Seaton – Big Red Bow Digital Marketing
- Steve Petrick – Moose FM Bancroft
- Breanne Matthews – Belleville Senators
- Janeen Halliwell – People Minded Business
- Dug Stevenson – Bay of Quinte Tourism
- Brock Tufts – Lange & Fetter Motors
- Insp. Sheri Meeks – Belleville Police Service
- Cindi Nicholls – Canada Revenue Agency
- Mike Cooney – Enbridge Gas
- Hilary Murphy – Taskforce Engineering
- Hunter Fargey – CIBC
- Taylor Russett – The Grind & Vine
- Caley Weese – McDougall Insurance & Financial
- Patricia Guernsey – Team Guernsey Royal LePage ProAlliance
- Maj. Jonathan Campos – CFB 8 Wing Trenton (Chair)
- WO Jeanine Pearson – CFB 8 Wing Trenton (Co-Chair)
Fundraising efforts already underway include the 2023 Cars for Community. Twenty-five dealerships across the Quinte region are registered and committed to donating $10 per vehicle sold until the end of November.
More on how to contribute can be found at the United Way Hastings & Prince Edward’s website.
Crowd at West Zwick’s Park on hand for United Way Hastings & Prince Edward 2023 fundraising campaign goal. September 14, 2023. (Photo: Zach McGibbon/Quinte News)
