United Way of Champaign County has met their campaign goal for six years in a row. “Exceeding goal enables United Way to expand their community impact work to help more people than ever before. It allows them to invest in innovative initiatives that look to solve pressing community needs, such as the Emergency Shelter for Families pilot program.” said Vallowe. Previously, the community had no shelter for families who wished to stay together when homeless.
United Way President & CEO Sue Grey said, “For the past three years, we have received very generous one-time corporate gifts in support of our initiative work. These gifts have allowed our campaign to reach new heights while investing in successful initiatives in the community such as: the Frances Nelson Dental Clinic, Emergency Shelter for Families pilot program, Ready. Set. GROW! Young Children’s Expo, and many others that are currently in the works.”The support does not stop with corporations.
Corporate demonstrations of support have inspired community members to give as well. Pillars (donors who give $500 or more yearly) continue to be the cornerstone of the campaign. This year Pillars contributed 57%, or just under $2 million, of the campaign total. “We are grateful for over 500 Pillar Plus donors who increased their giving by 10% or more this year,” said Greene.
During the last funding cycle, local programs requested over $4 million in funding. “We know the community’s needs are still not fully met,” said Grey. “At United Way we work tirelessly to raise more funds for our community each year so eventually, we can fund all requests that align with our community goals.”
United Way hopes that giving will continue to reach new heights in the coming years. Grey said, “As we see signs of economic improvement locally, we are optimistic that campaigns will grow and we will continue to be at the forefront of wonderful initiatives. The yearly support of thousands of caring people helps make our community a better and brighter place.”
“It has been an honor to serve our community as campaign co-chairs and fundraise for programs and initiatives that are working towards solutions – not band-aids - to the pressing issues in our community. We would like to thank all individuals who gave for investing in this place we all call home.” Vallowe said.
The 2013 Campaign Co-Chairs will be announced around August 1. United Way plans to kick off the 2013 campaign on August 29.
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