Meet the Campaign Chairs

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Photo and Story By Vicki Bashor, Bryan Times

During times like these, it’s crucial for the county’s communities to come together as a team.

With that in mind — and with a theme this year of “Live United” —the board of directors of the Williams County United Way have chosen Tom and Dee Balser of Montpelier to lead the 2009 fundraising campaign.

The campaign officially kicks off tonight with a balloon launch in Edgerton prior to the Edon-Edgerton football game, a classic county rivalry. The balloons will be launched at approximately 7 p.m. at the Edgerton football field.

Chris Malanga, United Way executive director, says it is the first time in many years that a chairperson does not hail from Bryan.

“I’m really excited to have them,” Malanga said. “They’re energetic, and it will be very nice to have someone new to United Way take charge.”

The Balsers are believers in the power of the United Way, and said they hope to stress to the county’s residents the all-encompassing nature of what the umbrella group can offer.

“It’s important for everyone to understand that this is countywide, not just for one community,” said Tom Balser, who retired five years ago as principal in the North Central Local District, a position he held for 30 years.  Dee Balser, who retired three years ago, was a music teacher in the Montpelier School District for 23 years.

“At first, we were apprehensive,” Dee said. “We felt we didn’t know enough. But then we found out all the United Way really does. We were amazed and impressed at how many programs it helps.”

The Balsers have a personal connection as well.

Their daughter, Christy, lost her husband, Josh Spieth, this past year after a brave battle with cancer. He was 33.

The Spieths utilized the Cancer Assistance program, most specifically for the expenses involved in taking Josh to appointments in Cleveland and Detroit.

Cancer Assistance is one of the 32 programs the United Way will support this year.  All the groups chosen for this year’s fundraising campaign specifically help just Williams County residents.

The Balsers say they were deeply heartened by the support their daughter and son-in-law received.

“Knowing that, we felt we had to give back seeing the help they received,” Dee said.

Tom added, “As retired educators, we felt we needed to do what we can to help others.”

This year’s goal is $330,000 — a decrease from the 2008 goal, in response to the area’s depressed economy and high unemployment rate.

“Last year, we had a goal of $375,000 and we raised $343,000,” said Malanga. “We took a hit because of the economy, and I don’t want those working hard on the campaign to get down. Things are so uncertain right now.”

This year’s campaign will feature “Doughnuts on the Way,” an event that has volunteers delivering fresh doughnuts to a different community all five mornings during the week of Oct. 4-10.

That week has been set aside for more feature activities every day, all planned with hope and confidence that the county’s residents will band together.

“We encourage everyone, just $5 or $10 could help someone out,” Tom said. “I’m amazed how many people need our assistance.”

Dee adds, “The economic times are very difficult and rough for everyone. There’s a desperate need to help others.”

Malanga said the United Way is stressing this year the gift of time.

“We’re promoting to people if they can’t give money, we ask that they give their time,” he said.

The United Way is teaming up with Volunteer Connection of Northwest Ohio to provide a volunteer matching service in Williams County, Malanga explained.

“It’s called the Live United Volunteer Corps,” and will have a Web site integrated with the Volunteer Connection in a few weeks, he added.

“We want to focus on our volunteers,” he said.

The Balsers said they believe the reach of the economic downturn has been fairly complete.

“Who hasn’t been touched?” Dee said. “We really love the slogan of ‘Live United’ because we all know the economy is bad. This committee is aware of it and the need is even greater than it’s ever been.”

The United Way campaign traditionally lasts through the month of October.

This year, a finish date has yet to be determined.