Author and lecturer Helen Keller once wrote, “I am only one but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. I will not refuse to do the one thing that I can do.”

Keller’s determination has set the pace for the 1998 Trident United Way campaign theme, “The Power of U.” One contribution to the Trident United Way can help many people in need throughout the Tri-county community. Just $7 a week provides one hour of speech therapy to 10 hearing impaired individuals; $10 per week provides susbstance abuse prevention education for 178 youths; and $15 per week provides one year of transportation services for 17 elderly people.

When you contribute to the Trident United Way, you can earmark your donation to fight hunger and homelessness, to care for older South Carolinians, or to support programs for families in crisis or people with disabilities.

This year, the Trident United Way aims to raise more than $5 million to support its 43 member agencies. Our goal as an MUSC family teaming with University Medical Associates, Carolina Family Care and MUSC is to raise $190,000 in contributions through the month-long campaign.

Without the Trident United Way, programs like Elderlink, Inc. might not exist. This organization, in conjunction with Project COPE, has helped to provide limited daily assistance for senior citizens suffering from Alzheimer's and other degenerative diseases, plus provide overnight care for other medically challenged individuals.

The United Way also helps keep organizations like the Florence Crittenton Programs of South Carolina afloat. Funds from the United Way contributes to improved health, educational and social services assistance for teenage mothers in a life-enhancing and productive way.

Experienced volunteers knowledgeable of local needs keep administrative costs low by monitoring agency programs and community needs to determine where donations will do the most good. As a result, more of your precious contribution goes to support health and human services in our community.

Take this chance to show your power and donate to the Trident United Way. The pledge form, on the right, can be completed and faxed to the Office of Development at 792-7980. Individuals can also send the completed pledge form to: Office of Development, 268 Calhoun St., P.O. Box 250182, Suite 101, Charleston, S.C., 29425.

Look for the pledge form in The Catalyst as well as on The Catalyst website. For more information call 792-1973.

Letter from the chairman

Do you care about the community in which we live? The Trident United Way certainly does, and thanks to the generous support of more than 2,000 MUSC, UMA and CFC employees, more than $181,000 was given back to the community last year to make it a better place to live.

Each of us has ownership in the community in which we live. When we contribute our personal financial resources to caring for children, the elderly, the hungry and the hurt, we make an investment in the world where our children grow and learn. When we donate money to agencies that are working to prevent violence, neglect and social skills, we make a choice in the kind of world in which we live and the kind of people with which we share it. Trident United Way provides an avenue for individuals like you and me to make that investment.

When contemplating your commitment through this worthy organization, I would like to leave you with the words of one spirited, determined, handicapped woman. Through the help of her community, she led an extraordinary life. “I am only one but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. I will not refuse to do the one thing that I can do.” Helen Keller.

This year's theme is “The Power of U.” You have the power to build, dream, grow and heal. I hope you will join me and your fellow employees in making a commitment to our community and future.

Sincerely,

Dr. Layton McCurdy, Vice President for Medical Affairs

Dean, MUSC College of Medicine

Chairman 1998 Trident United Way Campaign

Trident United Way Pledge Form

The Power to Make A Difference

Serving Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties

Please circle: CFC, MUSC, UMA

Mr./Mrs./Ms:________________________________________

Home Phone:_________________________

SS#:__________________________

Department_______________________

Work Phone:________________

Home Address_______________________________________________________

City:____________________________State:____________Zip:_____________

YES! I want to make a difference with my community care gift!

• Payroll Deduction: I authorize my employer to deduct the following amount per pay period: Please Check the appropriate box

• 2% of my pay
• 1% of my pay
• 1 hour's pay per month
• $40 $25 $10 $5
• Other (Please specify) $________
• My pay period is:
• Weekly
• Every two weeks
• Twice a month
• Monthly

Signature:________________________________Date:_____________

I understand that my gift will continue until modified by me

• Cash
• Check
• Stock: I wish to contribute a gift of $_______. (Make checks payable to Trident United Way)

• I would like information on including Trident United Way in my estate plans.

Thank You!