Kris and Mark O’Meara are the United Way’s 2013 Campaign Co-Chairs. Mark, an orthopedic surgeon with Froedtert’s West Bend Clinic, and Kris, who recently exited a 25-year career in real estate development, are long-time United Way supporters. When approached about leading the charge for this year’s campaign, they were happy to step up, for they are firm believers that everyone plays a role in supporting our community.
This year’s campaign theme comes to us courtesy of Benjamin Franklin, by way of a chance siting on Pinterest. Apparently Ben, before rolling up his sleeves each day and making important discoveries about electricity in the 1750s asked himself “What good shall I do this day?” It occurred to Kris that Ben’s words could serve as this year’s call to action for the United Way volunteers.
“Just think of the money we could raise, if every citizen asked themself that very question?”, Kris stated. “We all have an opportunity to be agents of change- for the better. It feels good to help others and, it is exciting for all of us to be part of the solution. We hope everyone will get plugged in with the United Way,” continued O’Meara.
“Last year the United Way surpassed its campaign goal of $1,200,000 because of the generous support of Washington County residents and businesses,” stated Mark O’Meara. “This year the needs have grown greatly in our county and it is only with the support of our donors and new donors that we can continue to address vital needs within our community. “
“We are extremely grateful and excited that Kris and Mark O’Meara are serving as our campaign co-chairs this year,” said Kristin Brandner, Executive Director of the United Way of Washington County. “They have a long-standing commitment to the community as residents and have been loyal contributors to United Way for over 25 years. They are great advocates of why supporting our local critical needs in Washington County are important.”
On September 17, 2013, this year’s campaign kicks off at 5:00pm with a volunteer-engaging activity that focuses on helping with a key issue in our community…Hunger. “We’d like to start off the Campaign with a different approach this year, by getting people involved in an activity, as opposed to talking about helping” stated Kris O’Meara. “And we are happy to announce that Channel 12’s Joyce Garbaciak has graciously agreed to serve as our emcee for this event.”
“More than 200+ volunteers will mobilize to package 50,000 nutritious meals. The meals are provided through the nonprofit Outreach Inc., are nutritionally balanced to meet dietary guidelines, and taste great! The packets will be distributed to all six food pantries and homeless shelters throughout Washington County,” explained Brandner. “Hunger is an issue affecting every size community today (locally and nationally.) Last year during a peak month in November, 1,098 families received food from the 6 food pantries in Washington County. There has been a growing demand and we are here to help.”
The United Way campaign runs September 17 – December 31, 2013. To learn more about the 2013 United Way campaign visit us at www.unitedwayofwashingtcounty.org.
About United Way of Washington County:
Mission is to mobilize the caring power of Washington County to improve lives and community conditions in measurable and lasting ways. United Way is a volunteer-driven organization that serves all communities in Washington County. It is governed by a board of community volunteers, dedicated to providing funding and community resources for health and human services needs in the areas of Education, Income and Health.
