The Wiregrass United Way has made significant progress in their annual campaign since their recent report meeting. This year’s goal is $2,555,555.55. Currently, the campaign total is $1,759,265 which represents 68.84% of the goal.
There are still many area businesses who are conducting their campaign now or who plan to conduct their campaign within the next several weeks. United Way volunteers have added motivation this year to have a successful campaign. They have been issued a two part challenge pledge and are working hard to meet the challenges.
At the campaign kickoff event in early September, the Wiregrass Foundation pledged to contribute $200,000 if the United Way reaches its’ goal. In addition, the foundation wanted to motivate the United Way volunteers and all potential donors to go the extra mile. That is where the second part comes in. If the local United Way raises $2.6 million the Wiregrass Foundation will double their contribution and donate $400,000.
United Way officials are excited about the progress that is being made in the campaign. Walter Hill, Chief Executive Officer for the organization emphasized how generous individuals are each year. “Southeast Alabama is blessed with truly giving people who want to help those in need,” he said. “Everyone involved with the campaign is dedicated to seeing it through and doing whatever we can to reach the $2.6 million and receive the extra $400,000,” Hill added.
The annual fund raising effort runs each fall. Wiregrass United Way presently funds 37 health and human service agencies in Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Henry, and Houston Counties. Many of the agencies depend heavily on United Way dollars to provide programs and services throughout the year.
A team of forty-four local volunteers will meet with each of the 37 agencies during the funds distribution process. Upon completing the meetings they will then recommend to the Wiregrass United Way Board of Trustees how much money each agency will receive in 20008. Ninety-nine percent of the funds raised by Wiregrass United Way stay in the five counties. United Way has served the Wiregrass area since 1938. For more information contact Wiregrass United Way at 792-9661.