United Way campaign off to fast start
For Immediate Release
June 7, 2004
 |
Jennifer Copley, Banking Office Manager of National City Bank Marysville Branch, presents a check to John Waite, President of the United Way of Union County. Waite is flanked by Evan Smith, Area President of National City Bank. The $1,100 corporate gift represents the largest non-matching corporate gift to date in the 2004 United Way campaign. National City Bank had 100% participation in the United Way campaign this fall and their total of $1,605 in pledges represents the bank's all-time high investment. Also pictured left to right behind counter: Randy Hoagland, Leah Lookabaugh, Kathy Dale, Jamie Clark, Linda Fischer, and Amy Landacre. |
Early results from the United Way of Union County’s 2004 fundraising campaign are giving the organization’s volunteers reasons to believe it can raise a record-setting $750,000 this fall. United Way has already raised $52,371 through the first seven weeks of the campaign, a dramatic improvement over last year at this same time when $13,891 had been pledged.
While this year’s pledges amount to only 7% of the United Way’s goal, just two of the top 20 campaigns have completed their efforts and reported results. 11 of the 12 campaigns that have wrapped up report higher results from last year, and those who have participated thus far show a 26% increase in giving from last year. In addition, nine new small businesses have pledged corporate gifts. The campaign runs through November 30.
Dave Bezusko, Campaign and Public Relations Director, says there is reason for optimism at this early stage in the campaign.
“Not only are pledges up, but they’re up at record-setting levels,” he said. “Employees at Memorial Hospital, the Gables at Green Pastures, Fairbanks Schools, North Union Schools, Industrial Ceramic Products, National City Bank, and Sky Bank have all invested at their all-time highs. And we’re just getting started.”
A big reason for the early success has been the effort put forth by United Way’s volunteers who have been out canvassing the county to raise money.
“Our Campaign Committee has been a very dedicated group and has been working very well together in trying to get the word out about United Way,” said Michele Mercer, 2004 volunteer Campaign Chair. “This is a growing community, the third fastest growing in the state. And there’s a lot of people who aren’t aware of the United Way of Union County and we’re working hard to ensure that they do know we exist and who we help in the community. And I think we’ve been really successful so far this year.”