Introduction: Some History of Kaua’i United Way
Kaua’i United Way has been active in Kauai’i since its founding in 1943, It thrived during the island’s plantation era, and received the bulk of the community’s gererous donations through the payroll deduction programs set up witht hte cooperation of the island’s largest employers.
With the closing of Lihu’e Plantation in 2000 and other changes in the community, the organization faced a few years of relativley flat donations from 2000-2004. Donations did not even keep pace with the rate of inflation.
In 2004, KUW Board and staff responded by creating a three-year stratgic plan that would invirgorate the board and the community alike. The new plan emphasized new marketing approaches, employed new giving strategies, and introduced a new fundraising event.
The majority of the activities of that strategic plan have been acheived. Recognizing the need to renew and re-focus efforts to assure that funds are available to support the organization and distributeto nonporfit agencies, the Board and staff have committed to a new three year strategic plan, looking ahead to 2011. The purpose of the plan is to increase the ability of Kaua’i United Way to respond to community needs through targeted, innovative, well managed approaches.
A hallmark of Kaua’i United Way is the longevity of many of its board members and its staff. A few members have been on the board more then thirty years! Yesterday we celebrated the retirement of one employee named Loretta who had been working at Kaua’i United Way for twenty five years. Some of the other empoyees have been there for upto thirteen years.
There is a true desire to help the Kaua’i people that is felt at the United Way of Kaua’i. This is our new blog to keep you updated on the events and the programs that are important to the Kaua’i United Way.
