Categories: News
      Date: January 28, 2009
     Title: United Way reaches 88% of campaign goal

The United Way of Marion County announced that it has reached 88 percent or $2.2 million dollars of the goal set in August.

The United Way of Marion County announced that it has reached 88 percent or $2.2 million dollars of the goal set in August. The goal set by the United Way board of directors was $2.5 million dollars, a milestone set in 2006 and raised again in 2007.

"This has been a tough year, and we feel that we have put forth a great effort," volunteer campaign co-chair Dr. Manal Fakhoury said. "But I have to also thank the many companies and individuals in this community that knew the challenges going in and still made outstanding contributions. We are very grateful to all donors."

Fakhoury said that this year's campaign although close to its goal has also been "challenged" by other factors, including the impact of local and national elections, workplace downsizing and a decrease in the number of major gift-givers because of concerns about the economy.

More than 50 agency programs have applied for funding this year with requests totaling more than $2.5 million dollars. Currently, allocation volunteers are reviewing the applications and will be making recommendations on funding to the United Way board of directors in April.

In December, a one-time estate gift was given to the United Way and funds from that gift will also be used to assist with funding agency program requests. Without the use of that gift, there would be a 32 percent decrease in available funding.

Currently, 60,000 people, or nearly one in five Marion County residents, utilize the services provided by United Way funded programs, but only 9,000 people, or three percent of the county contribute to the United Way. Those programs provide food and shelter for the homeless, a safe haven and counseling for battered and abused women and children, job training for the blind and those with disabilities, and emergency relief services for those facing economic hardship or family tragedy, among many other services.

{cms_selflink page="campaigns" text="

Click here for a list of Campaign Awards

"}