United Way kicks off annual fundraising campaign
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United Way of Chautauqua County kicked off its 2026 Fundraising Campaign aboard the Bemus Point-Stow Ferry on Wednesday, bringing together supporters to rally behind this year's drive to fund programs and initiatives impacting children, families and seniors here in our community.
More than a symbolic start to the fundraising campaign, each year's kickoff reflects what United Way does best throughout the year: bringing people and organizations together, and mobilizing those connections to address the needs of the community.
With volunteers and representatives from local agencies to United Way staff and the 2026 Campaign Co-Chairs, the kickoff truly exemplified the idea behind this year's campaign theme: United Is The Way.
"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.
For Campaign Co-Chair Danielle Patti, that simple act of connection provided a natural way to describe what United Way does -- and why her own connection to 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 that dollar came from a donor - and how that donor didn't know her, nor how their gift would make an impact. 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."
Last year alone, United Way programs impacted the lives of local individuals 63, 249 times.
The investments made by United Way are focused on four strategic areas of impact: Youth Opportunity, Health Equity, Community Resiliency and Self Sufficiency - meaning donations go to support a range of services from educational opportunities, to health services, to addressing basic needs, teaching financial stability and other programs uplifting our community's children, families and seniors.
Maternowski's connection to United Way also began decades ago. In 1986, in his early 20s, he was asked to represent his company as a volunteer on 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 a United Way programs and initiatves.
"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."
Maternowski and Patti's experiences reflect the larger purpose of the annual campaign: connecting people with the programs, organizations and resources that strengthen the community -- and giving more people an opportunity to become part of that work.
100% of gifts made to United Way remain local here 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.
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.