Agencies inspire United Way workers in fund-raising effort
Published 12:00 am Sunday, September 19, 1999
LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / September 19, 1999
LAPLACE – A quarter-million dollars is the goal for the 1999 St. JohnUnited Way campaign, and campaign workers gathered Thursday for inspiration in the fund-raising effort.
Dean Torres, president of St. John United Way, said last year’sachievement of $236,000 can be surpassed with the effort of the volunteers.
Providing some of the inspiration were representatives of YMCA’s Education Services, the St. John Therapeutic Riding Center, St. JohnClinical Counseling and the St. John Ministry of Care.Anita Hartzell screened a videotape of a TV feature on the riding center, where disabled children learn self-confidence and rediscover the joy of living.
Hartzell related most children do make improvements and said their current goals include recruiting more volunteers and to get a covered arena, where children can ride in inclement weather.
Lou Johnson of the YMCA introduced Desiree Lee, who learned how to read and write following a 1979 hit-and-run accident which damaged her memory. Johnson also stressed that as many as one-third of adults arelacking in the basic literacy skills others take for granted.
Andrea Kent of St. John Clinical Counseling related the story of a localteen-age girl rescued from depression and suicidal talk. Don Hays of theSt. John Ministry of Care told of the many people in need in the community.Marlena Kelley provided information on the first St. John United Way golftournament, set Oct. 25 at 8 a.m. at Riverlands Country Club. For moreinformation on the tournament, call Lenie Laiche at 535-7189.
The panel of organizers for the 1999 drive includes Joe Internicola, major industry; Rose Ann Brady, commerce; Chris Donaldson, education; Julia Remondet, government; Mike Tregre, sheriff’s office; Angel Aycock, state agencies; Sean Roussel, hospital; William O’Regan, lawyers; Dr. ChristyMontegut, physicians; and Floyd Guillot, retirees. The St. John BusinessAssociation is also raising funds among its membership.
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