CHAD lost several past contributors and had reorganized with the creation of a community council, so confidence that the group could meet its goal wasn't high initially, said Tom Pirnie, campaign co-chairman. However, several new businesses contributed to the campaign. He and his wife, Sue, are co-chairs of this year's campaign. The way CHAD presents itself is one of the selling points for the campaign, said Diane Stratman-Kelly, director of the Grand Island branch. I think the general atmosphere about CHAD is very, very good.
Good health is an easy sell.
Those donating to CHAD can choose what organization their money goes to, Stratman-Kelly said. However, the undesignated money goes first to pay CHAD's overhead and then is distributed evenly based on the percentage of the designated money. Van Hoosen said she and other members of the board are optimistic about future campaigns because of this success. And we think we'll be in pretty good shape as we add more and more businesses. CHAD members agencies include Alzheimer's Associations Nebraska, American Diabetes Association, American Lung Association of Nebraska, Arthritis Foundation Nebraska Chapter, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Nebraska Chapter, Easter Seals Nebraska, Epilepsy Foundation of Nebraska, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Nebraska Chapter, Muscular Dystrophy Association of Nebraska, National Kidney Foundation of Nebraska, National Multiple Sclerosis Society Nebraska Chapter, Nebraska AIDS Project, Nebraska Council to Prevent Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Prevent Blindness Nebraska and United Cerebral Palsy of Nebraska.