Senate Resolution No. 4038

BY: Senator AKSHAR

COMMENDING United Way of Broome County upon the
occasion of celebrating its 100th Anniversary

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to recognize
that the quality and character of life in the communities across New
York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of
those organizations which devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend United Way of Broome County upon the occasion of celebrating its
100th Anniversary; and

WHEREAS, A myriad of events will be held throughout the year to
recognize this auspicious milestone, kicking off with the organization's
Annual Meeting on Wednesday, March, 21, 2018; and

WHEREAS, For 100 years, United Way of Broome County has worked to
bring people, organizations and resources together to improve community
well-being; this vital organization strives to give every person in its
community an opportunity to enjoy the highest possible quality of life;
and

WHEREAS, In 1918, the Binghamton United Relief Organization was
formed to coordinate fundraising activities among local health and
service organizations; in 1933, the Organization became the Character
Chest, with members including the Boys Club, Boy Scouts of America, YMCA
and YWCA; five years later, Catholic Charities joined the group; and

WHEREAS, In 1941, Frank E. Gugelman was hired as the first Executive
Secretary; later, Character Chest was renamed Community Chest, with
locations in Binghamton, Endicott and Johnson City; in 1954, the
locations were combined to form the Broome County United Fund; and

WHEREAS, The Broome County United Fund merged with the Social
Planning Council to form the United Way of Broome County in 1973; and

WHEREAS, Over the years, the United Way of Broome County has been
led by seven executive directors: Frank E. Gugleman (1941-1947), William
W. Blodgett (1947-1949), Donald M. Chase (1949-1970), F. Arthur
Grambling (1971-1986), John G. Spencer (1986-2008), Alan G. Hertel
(2008-2016) and Robin Alpaugh (2016-2017); and

WHEREAS, The success of United Way of Broome County is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its Interim Executive Director LoriAnne
Welch, and her staff, whose involvement is, and always has been,
characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and
an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of
the institution and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our

attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend United Way of Broome County upon the occasion of celebrating its
100th Anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to LoriAnne Welch, Interim Executive Director, United Way of
Broome Erie County.