The resources were available to enable United Way of Butler County to meet — even significantly exceed — its annual fundraising campaign goal of $1.5 million.

Unfortunately, the will of potential donors didn't match the hopes and hard work of campaign volunteers and the needs of the United Way member agencies that the campaign helps fund.

In the end, United Way fell $275,000 short of the goal announced last fall.

United Way always finds a way to bring about much good, regardless of the financial support it receives, and that is happening again, now that the latest campaign money has been distributed.

Still, the question of what might have been lingers.

Campaign chair-couple Dale and Millie Pinkerton, longtime active in the volunteer community, appropriately expressed appreciation for the support the latest campaign was accorded. It indeed represents a generous outpouring by many.

"You are a fantastic, caring community," the Pinkertons said.

Meanwhile, Leslie Osche, United Way executive director, pointed out that man-made and natural disasters have taken a toll on fundraising in the county over the past few years, especially the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists attacks and hurricane losses.

But even those setbacks probably didn't impact United Way campaigns of the past several years as much as a lack of desire to contribute — even a little — by so many people in the county.

Many businesses of significant size that have the ability to strengthen the backbone of giving by making available a United Way payroll-deduction option remain steadfast in their refusal to do so.

Meanwhile, professionals, such as the medical and legal communities, were again anemic in terms of United Way giving. And, United Way participation in Butler County school districts was, to be blunt, embarrassing, considering pay scales in the school districts at this time.

During the just-completed United Way effort, employees of the Butler School District — the most active county district in terms of United Way participation — had a paltry 11.5 percent participation rate; South Butler, a dismal 1.4 percent rate; and Moniteau, an even more dismal 1.1 percent rate.

Percentages weren't available for the Karns City, Mars and Seneca Valley school districts, and the Slippery Rock and Freeport districts aren't United Way participants at all.

Yet, some of the families served by no doubt all of those districts benefit directly or indirectly from services provided by United Way member agencies.

About the disasters factor, Osche said, "It is frustrating that we can't move forward and that we are having to continually face these disasters, but we roll with it and adapt."

The executive director said United Way knows it can do better and would continue to reach out to new businesses and individuals.

However, those new to the county most likely don't have the financial power to carry the weight of the entire shortfall on their shoulders.

Longtime residents and businesses that have distanced themselves from United Way giving are the ones most responsible for the campaign shortfall.

The mystery is, why is there an aversion regarding United Way giving by so many?

Granted, some people are experiencing economic hardship due to job losses and other factors. Nevertheless, Butler County is experiencing economic prosperity on many fronts that should make a $1.5 million fundraising goal easily attainable.

Those who worked hard on behalf of the campaign deserve the community's appreciation for what they tried to accomplish. People who declined to give during the latest campaign should rethink their refusal to participate.

There's a good feeling tied to United Way giving. Unfortunately, not enough people in Butler County are allowing themselves to experience it.