Helping Hands: United Way kicks off 2026 campaign aboard Bemus Point-Stow Ferry
David Maternowski, left, and Danielle Patti, right, United Way of Chautauqua County 2026 Campaign co-chairs stand with Amy Rohler, United Way of Chautauqua County executive director, center, during the 2026 Fundraising Campaign kickoff.
United Way of Chautauqua County staff, campaign co-chairs, volunteers, community members and representatives from local community partner agencies gather aboard the Bemus Point-Stow Ferry for the kickoff of the 2026 Fundraising Campaign. Submitted photos
Amy Rohler, United Way of Chautauqua County executive director, speaks during the kickoff of the organization’s 2026 fundraising campaign aboard the Bemus Point-Stow Ferry.
David Maternowski, left, and Danielle Patti, right, United Way of Chautauqua County 2026 Campaign co-chairs stand with Amy Rohler, United Way of Chautauqua County executive director, center, during the 2026 Fundraising Campaign kickoff.
United Way of Chautauqua County staff, campaign co-chairs, volunteers, community members and representatives from local community partner agencies gather aboard the Bemus Point-Stow Ferry for the kickoff of the 2026 Fundraising Campaign. Submitted photos
Amy Rohler, United Way of Chautauqua County executive director, speaks during the kickoff of the organization’s 2026 fundraising campaign aboard the Bemus Point-Stow Ferry.
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The United Way of Chautauqua County kicked off its 2026 fundraising campaign aboard the Bemus Point-Stow Ferry recently.
"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," said Amy Rohler, United Way of Chautauqua County executive director. "Our campaign brings that mission to life. Every person who gives, volunteers, opens a door or helps tell the story becomes part of a larger effort to make sure local programs have the resources they need to continue making an impact."
During their comments, United Way's 2026 Campaign Co-Chairs each spoke about their connections.
Patti said the act of connection provided a natural way to describe what United Way does -- and why her own connection to the United Way has become so meaningful. As a student, Patti accessed tutoring through a program supported by United Way. Years later, while pursuing her master's degree, Patti returned to the agency that provided the tutoring -- this time as a prospective employee. She ultimately became a program coordinator, working with children and families through the same type of program she had once accessed herself.
"When I was a kid, I just needed help and the help was there," Patti said. "I understand now what made that possible - and what made that possible was that someone connected a dollar to me."
Patti spoke of how a donor's funding helped someone the donor didn't know, nor did the donor know the impact their donation would make. From those tutoring sessions, Patti went on to work in public education and serve on nonprofit boards.
"They didn't know that would happen, but they made an investment and I think that's a pretty remarkable return on their investment," Patti said. "So, that's why this campaign means a lot to me, because when we talk about raising money for United Way, we're not really talking about just dollars. We're talking about what those dollars become. A dollar becomes tutoring ... It becomes an advocate standing beside a child. It becomes a meal, a mentor, a safe place, a resource or an opportunity. And sometimes, that connection, it starts a chain reaction that you never realize or see the end of until somebody stands in front of you and shares that with you."
In 2025, United Way programs impacted the lives of local individuals 63,249 times. United Way funding is focused on four strategic areas of impact: youth opportunity, health equity, community resiliency and self sufficiency, which means funding supports a range of services that include educational opportunities, health services, addressing basic needs, teaching financial stability and programs for children, families and seniors.
Maternowski's connection to the United Way also began decades ago. In 1986, in his early 20s, he was asked to represent his company as a volunteer on the United Way's allocations committee. That first experience led to a broader commitment to his community, eventually serving on local boards and the SUNY College Council.
"So being asked to represent United Way's campaign, that really meant a lot to me this year," Maternowski said. "It's not just about money. It's not about time. It's about working with people."
Maternowski also brings a focus on work place giving to this year's campaign. From his own personal experience, during one year's campaign at his company, he challenged employees to look beyond the act of making their own donation and consider the people in their lives who may have a connection to United Way programs and initiatives.
"If you can give $2 a pay each week, that's great," Maternowski said. "However, if you have a brother, a relative, a friend -- someone that you can show the brochure to, and then they want to donate $2 a pay -- you've literally doubled your donation without spending a penny."
The approach worked, resulting in a record workplace campaign that year. For Maternowski, the experience reinforced the idea that the reach of a United Way campaign can extend well beyond the people who make a donation themselves.
"My intention for this campaign is not money related at all," Maternowski said. "It's about getting more people to understand what United Way does, because 'United Is The Way' and it should be known the amount of agencies and programs that are supported."
All money donated during the United Way campaign remain in Chautauqua County.
Each year's kickoff also serves as the release of United Way's annual campaign video - which can be viewed online at YouTube.com/@UnitedWayCHQ. For more about the 2026 Fundraising Campaign, visit www.UnitedWayCHQ.org or text "UWCHQ" to 91999.