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Wissler and Culbertson lead United Way to $265,000 goal Difficult economic times touch all of us but for families who live on the edge of making ends meet, a layoff or an illness can be devastating. In these times, our neighbors often turn to one of the Livingston County United Way service providers for help. Two dedicated humanitarians are heading the 2009 LCUW campaign, Chair James Wissler and Vice-Chair James Culbertson. The two men have worked together on several other committees including Rotary and the Dansville Chamber of Commerce. Culbertson is also a past member of the board of directors for Noyes Hospital. This year Wissler and Culbertson will once again combine efforts to encourage Livingston County residents to give their dollars locally to provide services to those in need in their own communities and throughout the county. The 2009 campaign kicks off on March 20 with a goal to raise $265,000 to help more than 20 United Way agencies serve the community needs this year. Wissler is president and chief executive officer at Nicholas H. Noyes Memorial Hospital. He became involved with fundraising for United Way back in 1989 while working at a Boston Hospital. Since moving to Dansville in 1997, Wissler has played an active role in the community through involvement with the Dansville Rotary Club, Livingston County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Genesee Valley Health Partnership Committee and Livingston County United Way. Wissler says the difficult economy has already resulted in an increase in calls to service providers by families needing assistance. "This is going to be a difficult year in these tough economic times. Those of us who have jobs need to dig a little bit deeper and give what we can," Wissler commented. Culbertson, a Geneseo resident, has served as Livingston County Clerk for 14 years. He’s been actively involved with United Way since 1969 when he was an employee of Eastman Kodak Company. Culbertson coordinated the LC employees’ United Way contribution campaign for three years and also served as a department representative. Eighty-nine percent of the contributions UW receives go directly to fund the service organizations that help people in need throughout Livingston County. LCUW is already experiencing a rise in requests for assistance as the recession deepens, says Karen Rumfola, regional director of Livingston and Wyoming Counties United Way. "I’m hearing from people who have never needed assistance before because they are working. Now, they are beside themselves because they don’t know where to turn. I try to look at all of the resources available to try and help as many people as possible," Rumfola said. The community is asked to respond to those needs in any way that they can, large or small, all gifts will help LCUW reach its goal. "I’ve always told people, those who can give should give and be thankful that they aren’t one of the people who need help. If each one gave a little bit, we’d have plenty to go around," Culbertson remarked.
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