By LISA NICELY

nicely@crescent-news.com

With a foundation of service to the community, there's always room to expand.

That's just what the new United Way campaign chairman, Jon Gathman, hopes to do this year.

"He brings a different perspective to the campaign this year," said Carrie Wetstein, executive director of the United Way. "He has been involved in the campaign for many years. It's going to be fun. I am excited about working with him."

Gathman is also looking forward to the campaign, which will officially kick off in August.

"I'm very optimistic about the campaign," he said. "I believe strongly in the United Way."

Gathman has been part of the United Way board since April 2004. Before becoming part of the board, he was involved with the campaign with his employer, the State Bank & Trust Co.

He said he's always felt strongly about the United Way and its message of creating positive changes in people's lives and the community.

"What I like about the United Way, is unlike other agencies, it impacts all of us whether we know it or not," he said. "It touches local agencies that help people we all know or us personally, in one way or another. It helps make the community a better place. It benefits a variety of services that fill various needs."

All the money raised during the United Way campaign stays in the county. Funds raised support partner agencies. Some of the United Way's partner agencies in 2007 were: Boy Scouts, American Red Cross and First Call for Help. This year's partner agencies will be announced at the United Way board meeting on May 21.

Last year's campaign raised $365,098.

Gathman said he hopes to build on the foundation other campaign chairmen have left.

"We have the ability to grow in geographic areas and with more industries," he said. "We've only begun to scratch the potential of some of these areas."

He credited Judy McDonald with helping get information out to residents in Hicksville. McDonald, the co-chair of the 2007 campaign, is from Hicksville. She is currently serving as the United Way board president. Gathman said he also hopes to talk to more people from around the county about what United Way does and its benefits.

"The United Way message has continuously resonated with people," he said, adding the organization's agencies tackle issues based on local need.

Wetstein said it's important to let everyone know about the United Way.

"We're looking at targeting different people to let them know what the United Way is and what it does as well as expanding our volunteer base," she said.

While the goal for this year's campaign has not yet been set, Gathman said he knows fund-raising may be difficult now.

"It will be more challenging in that the economy and economic pressure people face tend to make people reconsider giving," he said, adding he's still optimistic the goal will be reached.

During the campaign, the United Way will be hosting its annual events including the countywide pizza party, day of caring and Valentine's Day dance and taking part in the Defiance County Fair.

"We've got some other ideas for campaign events," said Wetstein, adding the new events have not yet been confirmed.

Gathman said he hopes to work with individuals companies to help them with their specific campaign events, such as the chicken run at the State Bank, to ensure they are a success.

"We will help provide support and enhance events if we can," he said.

Gathman lives in Defiance with his wife, Angie. They have a two-year-old daughter, Brooke.

For more information on the United Way, call 419-782-3510.