[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 47 (Wednesday, April 24, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S3298]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  UNITED WAY OF CHITTENDEN COUNTY CELEBRATES ITS SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY

  Mr. LEAHY. Madam President, I rise today to recognize a group 
of Vermonters who have long served our state. It is with much pride and 
admiration that I congratulate the United Way of Chittenden County for 
60 years of service in the greater Burlington area.
  For the past 60 years, the United Way of Chittenden County has been 
providing relief and assistance to its community. In October of 1942, 
founders Henry Way, C.P. Hasbrook, and I. Munn Boardman started the 
Burlington Community Chest. The chest's first campaign raised over 
$100,000 to help organizations like the Burlington Boys Club, the YMCA 
and the Salvation Army. Over the years, the chest evolved into the 
United Way of Chittenden County, one of Chittenden County's foremost 
benefactors, a community-based, problem-solving organization. This past 
year, the United Way of Chittenden County raised a record $3.75 million 
to help its neighbors, both local and afar. This is a remarkable sum, 
and one that reflects the strong commitment of the United Way to 
support the welfare and growth of Vermont and her people.
  The United Way of Chittenden County has become much more than a 
fundraising organization. They now train volunteers and coordinate a 
vast number of mentoring opportunities in Chittenden County, working 
with both national programs, like America Reads and the Retired and 
Senior Volunteer Program, and local groups, including Vermont's many 
museums, schools, and conservation societies. The United Way works to 
make Chittenden County a stronger community, tending to those in need. 
The many people who work and volunteer for the United Way become 
community supporters and community leaders. After graduating from law 
school, I was recruited to do my part and volunteer for the United Way 
of Chittenden County. It was a meaningful experience and one that has 
remained in the front of my memory during my 27 years in the U.S. 
Senate. Just as impressive as the volunteers of the United Way are 
those who benefit from the United Way's programs. They too become 
active and contributing members and leaders of their communities.
  The organization's actions following the unspeakable events of 
September 11, 2001, demonstrated the strength and commitment of the 
United Way of Chittenden County. The United Ways of Vermont contributed 
$400,000 to the September 11th Fund, including over $200,000 from the 
United Way of Chittenden County. At the same time, the United Way of 
Chittenden County still managed to raise more funds for Vermont's 
programs than any previous year. This accomplishment is due in no small 
part to Campaign Chair Lisa Ventriss, whose devotion ensured that the 
United Way will continue helping Vermonters, even while it contributes 
to a national cause of such gravity and importance. This feat is a 
testament to the generosity and dedication of the United Way of 
Chittenden County, and of all Vermonters.
  I would like to thank Gretchen Morse, the executive director of the 
United Way of Chittenden County, for her commitment to this 
organization's success and Vermont's well-being. Her leadership has 
helped keep the United Way of Chittenden County one of the most cost-
effective charities of its kind. Indeed, 85 cents of every dollar 
collected by the United Way of Chittenden County goes directly back to 
the community, a number well above the national average. Given this 
organization's unyielding support, it is no surprise that the United 
Way State of Caring Index now ranks Vermont as the fifth most caring 
State in the Union.
  Sixty years after its founding, the United Way of Chittenden County 
remains a model for charitable organizations across the State and 
across the country. I join the people of Chittenden County, VT, and the 
entire Nation in thanking the United Way for six decades of community 
service.

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