Campaign goal set at $750,000 For Immediate Release August 18, 2004

$750,000. That's three quarters of a million dollars. And that's the challenging goal established for the United Way of Union County's current fund-raising campaign. The volunteer Board of Trustees voted to set that milestone at this morning's meeting. If it's made, it would eclipse the record $702,000 raised during the 2002 campaign. The goal was based on an assessment of the community's need and a realistic expectation about the amount of money that can be raised. Last year's campaign fell short of a similar goal, but did raise more than $687,000 allowing United Way to maintain funding levels to 24 Member Agencies. "Last year's campaign was not a failure by any means," said Michele Mercer, 2004 volunteer Campaign Chair. "But we really want to hit that $750,000 mark before we move on to a new number." United Way programs and services touched the lives of more than 16,000 Union County residents last year, showing how much of an impact the campaign has on our local community. The ambitious campaign goal also shows how much the United Way has grown with the community over the last 10 years. Since 1994 when the goal was $330,000, support for United Way has more than doubled in the last decade. "Our community's continuing to grow too," Mercer said. "That's just another thing to consider because a lot of our community does not necessarily work in our community, they just live here. So as those who work elsewhere are going into work and starting to hear about the United Way and their workplace campaigns, remember to designate your pledge to the United Way of Union County so that your pledge will help your neighbors here at home." More than 60 local companies have already committed to running a United Way campaign in their workplace in the next three months. In addition, all households in the county will soon be receiving a United Way resource brochure in the mail highlighting the programs and services available with an opportunity to financially support these organizations. Mercer stresses that United Way is not likely to receive one check worth $750,000. Therefore, the Campaign Committee will be nickel and diming its way toward the goal over the next three months and every contribution, no matter how big or small, helps. She says that's why it's important for everyone to do what they can to help United Way of Union County in its mission to bring neighbors together to improve lives.