Published: November 14, 2008 11:54 pm      

United Way helps Easter Seals keep doors open

Annette Shearman is proud of the creativity that has gone into the fundraisers to which the Easter Seals Cambria/Somerset Division is most closely tied.

Two of the region’s most popular charitable events – the Office Olympics, held each March, and the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl – benefit Easter Seals. Even more than the funds they raise, Shearman said that the most valuable asset the events provide is raising awareness of the agency – especially at a time when Easter Seals is seeking to raise its public profile. But when it comes to financial contributions to Easter Seals, the United Way leads the way.

“We have the Turkey Bowl and we have the Office Olympics, and they’re both very popular and capture the attention of a lot of people,” Shearman said. “But the lump sum of the contributions we receive comes from United Way.”

Easter Seals is among the 25 member agencies under the umbrella of the United Way of the Laurel Highlands.

While the agency’s own events are important to the development and exposure of Easter Seals, Shearman said the local office would strain to keep its doors open without the United Way’s support. At the very least, the organization would have to cut back on the more than 900 people it helps annually with speech therapy and audiology exams as well as low-cost hearing aids.

“It means that we can keep going, providing a much-needed service in our community,” Shearman said.

“Many children just can’t get all of the services they need, especially when it comes to speech therapy. We provide a place where they can get the help they require.”

Beyond supplying needed revenue, Shearman said the United Way plays an integral role in creating a united community of charitable organizations. The association between the member agencies leads to them helping one another in times of need.

“We are part of a team – all of the agencies under United Way,” Shearman said. “We know if we need support from the other agencies, we can go to them. That’s an important aspect of the United Way – they bring us all together, and we realize we’re all here to help the people in our community.”