IBEW Local 124 (Kansas City MO) President and KC United Way Campaign Co-Chair Rudy Chavez Speaks Out on Gulf States Disaster

Posted on Fri, Sep. 02, 2005


United Way: Don’t forget local needs

By DEBRA SKODACK
The Kansas City Star

United Way officials said Wednesday that they were hopeful that the devastation from Hurricane Katrina and skyrocketing gasoline prices would not deter people from giving to their community.

In fact, a disaster such as Hurricane Katrina gives donors an excellent example of why it is important to “focus on people who need help,” said Bill Zollars, who is co-chairman of the 2005 Kansas City area United Way campaign.

Zollars was among the United Way leaders who met with The Kansas City Star editorial board to discuss the nonprofit organization’s upcoming campaign, which begins Thursday.

Zollars, chief executive of Yellow Roadway Corp., said this year’s United Way campaign will include some innovations, such as an Oct. 8 race at Kansas Speedway. Yellow Transportation and Sprint Corp. are sponsoring the track’s annual NASCAR Busch Series race on behalf of the Alliance of Greater Kansas City United Ways.

The race, the United Way 300, will be nationally televised and is expected to draw a sold-out crowd of 100,000 people. United Way officials hope the race will generate more excitement and visibility for the campaign, stimulating giving.

Rudy Chavez, also a campaign co-chairman, said it was important to understand that United Way programs reach almost everyone.

“It is closer to home than we think,” said Chavez, president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 124.

Trudie Hall, past chairwoman of the regional board of trustees of the alliance, said she thinks most people understand the importance of supporting the charity. She said United Way provides services for the entire community, “not just for poor people.”

“Would you shut down Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts because gas is $3.09?” Hall asked.
To reach Debra Skodack, call (816) 234-4738 or send e-mail to dskodack@kcstar.com .



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