“When we come together as a community, every dollar, every pledge, and every act of generosity is multiplied and mobilized into real impact and change locally,” said Amy Rohler, United Way of Chautauqua County director. “That’s the heart of our work at United Way.”

The kickoff event is more than just a symbolic start to United Way’s annual fundraising cycle. It’s a coming together of community partner agencies, volunteers, donors, supporters and local stakeholders. In her remarks during the kickoff at Tulip’s Brunch House in Mayville, Rohler emphasized how the campaign is not about raising money – it’s about helping the maximum number of people locally.

“Every year we hold our fundraising campaign so that we have the resources, both people and financial, ready to deploy when a crisis or issue arises,” Rohler said. “Through this campaign, we find the partners who help us power and mobilize community change so that everybody can thrive. That is why we are here. It is not about raising money. It’s about deeper and broader and maximum impact.”

In 2024, United Way programs impacted the lives of local individuals 52,213 times through meals served, children tutored, shelter provided, taxes prepared and calls answered.

The United Way of Chautauqua County kicked off its 2025 Fundraising Campaign recently at Tulip’s Brunch House in Mayville. During the event, Amy Rohler, United Way of Chautauqua County executive director, spoke about the need in the community and how the generosity of those who give to the United Way helps meet those needs.

“Sometimes when things are going well, we forget the stress and the challenge that faces people when things aren’t going well,” said Andrew Goodell, who, along with his wife Lisa, is co-chair of the 2025 Campaign. “It’s easy to forget that. But a true compassionate person remembers and responds to the needs of others. That is part of the core mission here — to help people and to change people’s lives.”

Throughout their comments Tuesday, the Goodells shared their excitement about leading this year’s effort, with a focus on the necessity of community support for the campaign.

“All of you in this room today know how incredibly important United Way is to Chautauqua County and you,” Goodell said. “And all of us in this room know we can’t do it alone – nor can we do it without the resources. That’s what the United Way Campaign is about – and that’s why Lisa and I are so excited to a part of it, because we want to play a small role with you in changing people’s lives.”

For more than 100 years, United Way has been the trusted nonprofit in Chautauqua County to mobilize the community and drive impact for lasting change.

“As someone who has worked in the nonprofit sector for more than 30 years in Chautauqua County, I understand how important United Way is for creating impact locally,” said Mrs. Goodell. “By providing resources to local agencies, they are helping students, seniors and families who are struggling locally.”

United Way is poised to connect all sectors of the community (individuals, businesses, nonprofits and government), and leverage those connections to mobilize people to action. The mission of United Way is to mobilize the community to help every person and family improve their lives. To achieve that goal requires the help of individuals from all areas of the community. United Way invests more than $1.48 million in 46 programs at 38 community partner agencies, as well as its own initiatives and programs.

All money raised stays in Chautauqua County and goes to support local programs creating measurable change in the areas of youth opportunity, health equity, community resiliency, and self-sufficiency.

Tuesday’s kickoff event also featured the first public screening of United Way’s 2025 Campaign Vide: A Day in the Life of Your United Way Donation. Learn more the Campaign or view the 2025 campaign video by texting “UWCHQ” to 91999.

For campaign materials or to schedule a workplace presentation, contact Nick Dean, communications and marketing manager, by calling 716-483-1561 ext. 202 or by emailing ndean@uwayscc.org.