Campaign extended; still time to donateBy Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
The Rowan County United Way campaign has been extended, and there is still time to contribute, officials say.
“We would have liked to have it finished tonight, but we still have some money out,” Campaign Chair Dr. Alan King said Tuesday.
In what was to be the final report meeting, King announced the campaign has reached $1,295,221.08, or 72.9 percent of its $1,776,000 goal.
After the meeting, which was held at the Hurley Family YMCA, King said that he was inspired by the energy and enthusiasm of this year’s campaign.
“The real winners are those who benefit from the services that our 17 agencies provide,” he said.
King encouraged people to continue giving.
The amount of money raised so far in the campaign (and percentage of category goals):
– President’s ó $140,648.72, or 50.2 percent.
– Special Gifts ó $146,367.60, or 106.8 percent.
– Professionals ó $85,930, or 82.6 percent.
– Chairman’s ó $196,073.64, or 43.9 percent.
– Public Employees ó $130,776.20, or 100.6 percent.
– Community Business ó $3,165, or 63.3 percent.
– Industrial I ó $51,343.88, or 61.9 percent.
– Industrial II ó $57,645.26, or 67.8 percent.
– Commercial I ó $62,791.20, or 96.6 percent.
– Commercial II ó $84,329.04, or 99.2 percent.
– Commercial III ó $75,832.89, or 98.5 percent.
– Education ó $209,473.13, or 95.2 percent.
– Miscellaneous ó $50,844.49, or 87.6 percent.
King said there were a number of very strong campaigns that have not yet reported.
“There are some corporations who have made some corporate gifts,” he said.
King said he believes they can reach the goal.
The date of the final campaign report meeting has yet to be set and will be announced at a later time.
Along with the fundraising update, the meeting generated much anticipation among those wondering who would win a new car donated by local dealerships to help encourage participation in the fund drive.
At each previous meeting, two names were chosen from those who’d made contributions and were in the running for the car.
Four local car delearships ó Ben Mynatt Nissan, Cloninger Ford-Toyota, Gerry Wood Automotive and Team Chevrolet, provided the car.
Just like any pageant, the excitement was building as the time ticked away.
“If you watch these shows like Dancing With the Stars, it takes them forever to show who wins. We are going to be like that tonight,” King joked.
True to his word it took some time for the final winner to be drawn.
That winner was Jim Knutson of Maxson Furniture. (Details on car giveaway, 3A).