County United Way campaign kicks off

Friday, September 16, 2011
Local educator and coach Pechone Stepps addresses the audience during Wednesday morning's United Way of Bourbon County fundraising campaign kick-off breakfast at the FSCC cafeteria. Stepps is serving as this year's campaign chairman. (Michael Pommier/Tribune)

With an early breakfast and motivational words from this year's campaign chairman, the United Way of Bourbon County kicked off its annual fundraising campaign Thursday at the Fort Scott Community College cafeteria.

This year's campaign chairman is local educator and coach Pechone Stepps, who knows a little bit about this year's theme, "Adding More to Life Every Day."

Stepps, who was paralyzed from the waist down as a result of an automobile accident in May 2002, has worked tirelessly to regain as much motion as possible. Five years after his accident, he took his first unassisted steps with the use of a walker.

The message delivered by Stepps was that the United Way's goal of $105,000 can be achieved if everyone puts in the needed effort.

One of the ways he suggested to gain support was to teach people that the United Way is not just for the less fortunate.

"Look at the (Joplin, Mo.) tornado," he said. "The tornado didn't discriminate."

Stepps talked about obstacles that he had when he was a kid that taught him to plan and build success.

He said three keys to success are commitment, attitude and never giving up.

If everyone commits to the goal, keeps their attitude positive and strong and refuses to give up, their objective can be reached, he said.

"The United Way's goal this year can be reached," he said. Last year's goal was $104,000 and 16 local agencies were helped.

Those wishing to donate to the campaign can contact Whendi Martin at (620) 223-0980.