Amy Rohler, United Way of Southern Chautauqua County executive director, briefed attendees Tuesday about the organization’s impact on the community during its 2023 campaign celebration. More than $1.4 million was raised and will be used to support 29 community partners and 42 programs locally. P-J photo by Christopher Blakeslee

The United Way of Southern Chautauqua County hit its 2023 campaign target of $1.4 million.

The announcement came at the organization’s 2023 campaign celebration, which was held Tuesday at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts.

“We can invest in more community programs,” said Amy Rohler, United Way of Southern Chautauqua County executive director. “We can look toward solving some of those larger issues. The more money we can raise and the more donors we can get to contribute to the United Way, it just means we have the flexibility to invest in the programs that really need those funds. The economy has impacted all of us in Western, New York. Our nonprofits need even more help as the cost of doing business keeps going up. We have more work to do.”

Rohler pointed out some interesting trends and facts she’s noticed during this year’s campaign drive.

“Fourteen percent of the people who donated to the 2023 campaign were new donors,” she said. “Less than 5% of people donated to the United Way in Chautauqua County. And, so, we have got to find a way to get more people to just give a little bit.

“Also, every dollar donated to the United Way stays right here in Chautauqua County. We support 29 community partners and 42 programs, locally, and we couldn’t do it without your help.”

Community Impact Awards were also issued to two individuals. The award is for recipients who make a demonstrated effort to support those locally, to better themselves, others and their chosen organization or organizations. They tend to give of themselves and go above and beyond the scope of what their position calls for or is required of them, Rohler said.

Community Impact Award winners for 2023 were Rebekah LaMountain, an office manager with the Jamestown YWCA; and Jordan Thomas, team coordinator and athletic coordinator with the Winifred Crawford Dibert Boys & Girls Club of Jamestown.

“I’m deeply honored to receive this award,” Thomas said. “I love my job; I love the Boys and Girls Club; and I love working with our youth.”

Team fundraising results for 2023 were:

— business team, 114 donors that gave $147,497;

— education team, 313 contributors gave $41,082;

— finances team, 161 donors gave $77,317;

— foundations/granting, $507,436l;

— individual donation team, 255 people raised $160,109;

— industrial team, 211 donors gave $274,501;

— professional team, 59 donors gifted $47,396;

— public services, 572 donors, $105,094;

— tourism and hospitality team, 46 donors gave $19,123; and

— leadership circle members, 163 donors gifted a total of $296,034.

In total the campaign raised $1 more than its target.