Successful Capital Campaign Leads to United Helpers' First Expansion

 By Benny Fairchild

In 1925 a three-story addition was built onto the United Helpers Home on State Street. This addition was built using funds raised through what was most likely the organization's first capital campaign.

1922 Capital Campaign Brochure

The campaign kicked off in 1922 and was led by an "Enlargement Campaign Committee" chaired by Felix Hulser. That committee put together a mailing, which included a four-page document with the faces of more than 75 children and women who were under United Helpers Care at the time on the cover. The heading under the collage read, "ARE THEY WORTH WHILE?"

Apparently, the campaign worked as three years later, after raising more than $76,000 the new addition was opened.

At the time the campaign was launched the facility was already "50 per cent overcrowded."

"The present overcrowding can no longer continue. The one small kitchen, the dining rooms, play rooms and the dormitories are woefully inadequate. Every nook and corner of the buildings are utilized for spare beds for the children, and the general facilities are crowded together more than the State Board of Charities allows," the document states. "Temporary permission for the continuance of this condition has been granted the Home by the State Board of Charities only because of the Board's knowledge of the plans for enlargement."

Due to the overcrowding the brochure indicates that United Helpers had turned away "80 helpless orphans" over the two years leading up to the campaign. On the bright side, over that same period of time, 43 children had been placed in private homes. As of the brochures printing, 1,424 "needy children, regardless of creed and nationality" had been cared for at the home.

Care for elderly women did not begin until 1910, 12 years after the home originally opened, however in the home's first 12 years of elder care, 59 women had been cared for.

Under a section in the brochure titled, "Our plans," details for the work ahead are outlined. "A new building, a central heating plant and extensive alterations of the two present buildings are necessary. This will make possible a complete separation of the sensitive old ladies from the romping noise-loving children, and will considerably increase the accommodations all around."

While the document makes it clear, $75,000 is the campaign's goal, it also calls its goal "the minimum need." Adjusted for inflation, $75,000 back then is more than $1.3 million in today's dollars.

Back Cover

The brochure's closing statement really drives home the need.

"Won't you help in the present campaign for enlargement so that this Home can adequately care for more of the needy - especially orphaned children? SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND IS THE MININUM NEED. Much more can be used to excellent advantage. Some "homes" which do not care for a much larger population have "plants" and endowments running into the millions - in one case nearly $20,000,000. But $75,000 can only be raised by the wholehearted co-operation of every public-spirited and charitable man and woman in this north country. Please do your part."

The brochure was signed by "Officers of the Enlargement Campaign Committee." In addition to Mr. Husler, the committee included: Honorary Chairman John C. Howard, Vice Chairmen Webb Griffith, Thomas Spratt, and Julius Frank, as well as Treasurer Samuel W. Leonard, of the Care Ogdensburg Bank, and Secretary Edward Dillingham.

Over the years United Helpers has hosted several other capital campaigns and unique fundraising opportunities. This year is no different and in celebration of our 125th anniversary United Helpers will be holding a 125th Anniversary Gala. 

The gala will take place on Saturday, Nov. 4 at the Stables at Windy Point in Potsdam. Supporters of United Helpers will come together for an evening of entertainment, live and silent auctions, cocktails, and a catered gourmet meal. Festivities will begin at 6 p.m. and YOU'RE INVITED!

To purchase tickets or sponsor the event, please visit, www.unitedhelpers.org/125gala.

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