The United Fund of Talbot County kicked off its 2012-13 campaign at a breakfast meeting on September 11th at The Milestone. To recognize and honor the solemn day, the event began with presentation of the flag and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, conducted by Talbot County Boy Scouts Venture Scouts Hannah and Hunter Olson and Sean O’Connor. This was followed by God Bless America sung by Becca Newell, with the invocation delivered by Sister Patricia Gamgort of St. Martin’s Ministries.

Setting the tone for the campaign year, keynote speaker, The Honorable William S. Horne addressed the audience of over 60 community advocates, citing the voluntary spirit of Americans to help each other. He began by noting that while 9-11 would always call forth feelings of sadness and anger and never be forgotten, it also invokes something more – a coming together of all Americans and a call to action for everyone. A call to look out for each other and to see that our country continues to be safe and to prosper.

Presenting the case for giving to the United Fund of Talbot County, he said “If we are active in our communities – in our case Talbot County – we will be making our part of America a safer and better place for all of us to live.” He noted that despite these difficult economic times, all in the audience should reach out in the community and ask fellow citizens to contribute generously to the United Fund. The fundamental purpose of the United Fund is to improve the health and welfare of Talbot County that inspires and enables people to help people. It’s the safety net and the place of first resort and last resort for over 23,000 Talbot County residents helped annually by the Fund’s partner agencies. Horne concluded by counseling, “Forget the bad economy and write a larger than usual check to the United Fund. Then keep your eyes on those thermometers and watch the red go over the top.”

In photo:  The Honorable William S. Horne.