United Way campaign at nearly 20 percent of goal

By Shavonne Potts

spotts@salisburypost.com

The United Way of Rowan County has raised nearly 20 percent of the $1.776 million goal for its 2009 campaign.

The excitement was in the air Wednesday as volunteers reported how much their individual division has come along. The report meeting was held at the Hanford Dole Chapter of the American Red Cross.

The campaign as a whole has raised $342,199 or 19.3 percent of its goal.

Campaign Chair Dr. Alan King said there is still time for others join in raising funds.

There is no greater feeling than when a company makes or surpasses its goal, he said.

"We are off to a great start," King said. "There's a lot of energy and enthusiasm."

Pacesetter Chair Larry Farmer of Catawba College said some companies began early and are in the midst of their campaigns.

The goal of the Pacesetter Campaign is to raise 20 percent of the total.

Eight companies are involved in the Pacesetter Campaign, along with Special Gifts, which consists of retirees, and all the United Way agencies.

The following are the amount of money raised thus far:

- President's — $7,690 or 2.7 percent of goal.

- Special Gifts — $50,325 or 36.7 percent of goal.

- Professional — $34,509 or 33.2 percent of goal.

- Chairman's — $45,430 or 10.2 percent of goal.

- Public Employees — $65,585 or 50.5 percent of goal.

- Community Business — $2,349 or 47.0 percent of goal.

- Industrial I — $4,448 or 5.4 percent of goal.

- Industrial II — $25,904 or 30.5 percent of goal.

- Commercial I — $9,960 or 15.3 percent.

- Commercial II — $18,392 or 21.6 percent of goal.

- Commercial III — $20,443 or 26.6 percent of goal.

- Education — $32,050 or 14.6 percent.

- Miscellaneous — $25,112 or 43.3 percent of goal.

Organizers were so excited they almost forgot to draw names for the new car giveaway. Each week two names are drawn and those people are eligible to receive a car at the end of the campaign from one of four participating local dealerships.

Youth Services Bureau intern Darrius Campbell drew two names — Tammy Myers and Glenn McDonald.

Myers is with the Rowan County Register of Deeds and McDonald, who was at the meeting, works for Rowan Vocational Opportunities.

Each Wednesday for the next five weeks volunteers will meet at noon to see how much closer they are to the goal.