The Peninsula organized its first United Way Campaign in 1985. Many of the thirteen member agencies that now provide a wide variety of services to the community didn’t even exist back then. This year’s co-chairs of the United Way Campaign Dale Dolifka and Ed Krohn were here back then and have stepped up to revitalize the spirit of giving to support the whole community, “I never thought I would be a Campaign co-chair, but I’m sure proud and honored to have been asked. I know of no one who has ever been able to say no to Sue Carter. She was on the original board and I’m honored to join her in this process,” said Dolifka at the joint Soldotna/Kenai Chamber Campaign Kickoff. “Giving back is just part of my life and my old friends like Dale and Sue asked me I could have said no, but never would have. It doesn’t pay monetarily, but in receipt of friendships and the ability to be able to give to someone in need is very fulfilling and goes into the priceless category of life. And I’m here to support the volunteers that make this happen,” said Dolifka’s co-chair Ed Krohn.

“As we face the financial challenges of this year it is very important that we be united as a community. As we know many of the larger companies have cut back or left the area and that has made it all the more important for the small business community to come forward and through United Way be able to serve thousands of Kenai Peninsula residents of all ages. There is no better bang for your buck because our agencies as you learned here today rely on each other and working together is very cost effective. We know we face some tough challenges, but as always the Peninsula steps up and I believe we will do so again,” added Dolifka. Sue Carter stepped up to bring new life to this year’s campaign whose slogan is “Every Penny works for the Peninsula.” According to Carter they will be going back to the basics, “We’re going to make this a grass roots campaign. I’ll be contacting a lot of the businesses in our Central Peninsula area as well as Homer and Seward to over and make a presentation to the local chambers of commerce or your personal business. We also have a website to make pledging easy and we also will be sending remittance envelopes out to residents by mail. We need everyone’s help this year. Our goal is $400,000 and that sounds like a lot of money and while we are well underway we really need every one to help and pitch in. Starting in January we will be part to of the Pick Click Give program that makes giving a family affair where every member can choose an amount to be given from their permanent fund dividend payment. We’re all about helping those in need in our community and making it a better place. This is the best way to do it,” said Carter. To make an appointment for a presentation or a donation you can call 907-283-9500 or log on to www.kpunitedway.com.