United Way Raises More Funds This Year
Exceptional Effort by Volunteers Applauded
United Way of the Ozarks announced today that it is projecting $3,443,698 raised during its annual campaign, which is $2,627 more than last year. United Way's Campaign Cabinet and other volunteers gather tonight to celebrate and applaud outstanding efforts. The cabinet will also discuss overall campaign progress and great company and organization campaigns that helped United Way reach this point.
United Way campaign chair, John Wilson said, "This amount represents 98% of the campaign goal, but we still have work to do. This total is incumbent on people returning their pledges to United Way. There are many companies running late campaigns and several campaigns not in yet. We owe it to our partner agencies to help these companies run the very best campaigns they can." Wilson goes on to say, "We have had many gratifying moments during this campaign:
- Associated Wholesale Grocers organized an inaugural golf tournament that netted $21,000
- We increased our United Way presentations to companies by 44% this year
- Employees of our partner agencies increased their overall giving by 2%.
- Megavolt increased its employee and corporate giving by 70%.
- City Utilities employees increased their giving from $151,000 to $161,000
- The Bank of Missouri increased its giving by 89%
- The 9th Annual ANPAC Car Show for Kids raised over $19,000
"There are more incredible campaign success stories that have gotten us where we are today, but we have also experienced some challenges that had tremendous impact on the campaign. We feel, however, that in this economic environment that to raise more than we did last year is phenomenal. My special thanks to all the incredible volunteers who helped us get here."
Jennifer Kennally, President & CEO for United Way said, "These are hard economic times for everyone, but more so for people who are already one paycheck away from disaster. When the economy turns downward, the need for services increases at a time when most agencies see a decrease in contributions. We are very grateful to our volunteers and this community for helping us surpass last year's fundraising efforts. But we still have work to do, and every dollar counts."
If you would like to help or learn more about United Way, please contact:
United Way of the Ozarks
320 N. Jefferson
Springfield, MO 65806
863-7700
www.uwozarks.com