Friday, Sep. 05, 2008

United Way sets $12.2 million fundraising goal

United Way of the Midlands donors, volunteers and partner agencies began this year’s campaign with a kickoff rally Thursday afternoon in Columbia. The gathering aimed to launch support for the many human service agencies funded through the United Way.

“We’re trying to balance a faltering economy with increasing community needs,” said Mac Bennett, United Way of the Midlands president and CEO.

Here are three things to know about this year’s campaign:

• The $12.2 million fundraising goal for the coming year marks a 4 percent increase over last year’s record-setting total. More than 25 percent of that already has been raised by area businesses that have held early “pacesetter” campaigns.

• Companies interested in holding workplace campaigns in the coming weeks should contact Michael Grey at (803) 733-5422 or e-mail him at mgray@uway.org.

• The United Way’s upcoming Day of Action will be Sept. 26. On that day, hundreds of volunteers will gather in the Midlands to work on projects that benefit the community. Individuals and groups interested in taking part should call Eric Roberts at (803) 758-6987 or e-mail him at eroberts@uway.org.

— Bertram Rantin