President John F. Kennedy once said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” That neatly sums up my thinking about our annual campaign. 

On March 18, United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region announced that the generous support of people like you raised just over $14.5 million for our 2013 campaign. These gifts will support critical programs in education, income, health and basic needs.

It’s an exciting achievement! I’m thankful for the tremendous work of everyone associated with the campaign. And it’s a privilege for me to offer thanks on behalf of the thousands of people whose lives will benefit from these gifts.

But as President Kennedy said, our gratitude can’t stop at the words “thank you.” There was a time when a campaign total represented the end of a process. For today’s United Way, it’s a starting point.

It’s where our community takes the next step toward ensuring a quality education for all children. It’s where we find new ways to ensure people have the skills and opportunity for good-paying jobs. It’s where we reaffirm our shared commitment to help individuals and families live healthy lives.

So today I offer a sincere, heartfelt “thank you” to the compassionate, generous people of our region who gave to their campaign, investing in a better life for all.

And then I and the staff of your United Way will turn to the work at hand: to identify needs, organize solutions, mobilize resources and make a real, meaningful impact that changes people’s stories for the better.

Living up to the trust you place in United Way. I can think of no deeper expression of our gratitude.