SALISBURY — The Rowan County United Way has announced a goal of $1,514,980 for this year’s fundraising campaign, with Penny Greer-Link serving as campaign chair for the second year.

Greer-Link said that several factors were considered when setting this year’s goal, which is nearly $500,000 less than last year’s.

“We are going into this campaign with some layoffs and other losses which affected our decision,” she said.

Lowering the goal amount was difficult, she added.

“While we are hopeful that companies and the community will step up, we have to allow for the unknown and plan for things out of our control,” she said. “Our agencies depend on this funding to provide services to those in our community who are in the most need. We will be excited to see the results of this year’s efforts.”

The funds are distributed to 16 local human services agencies approved by the United Way.

The campaign will begin with a kick-off on Wednesday, Sept. 7, from noon to 1 p.m. at the J.F. Hurley YMCA at 828 Jake Alexander Blvd. W. This follows the Sunset Run in downtown Salisbury on Friday, Sept. 2, from 6-9 p.m. with proceeds going to the United Way.

Register for the race at www.sportoften.com or print a form at www.rowanunitedway.org.

The United Way public relations committee selected the campaign slogan “It’s The Right Thing” for this year. The slogan reflects the positive feelings of Rowan County citizens toward their neighbors in need, as well as promoting working together, according to the United Way public relations committee.

Greer-Link, Women’s Veteran Program manager at the Hefner VA Medical Center, said that the United Way board of directors, cabinet leaders and staff are eager to begin and confident of raising the funds.

“The needs are great. We have an involved board, a hard-working staff and wonderful agencies,” she said.

Denise Hallett, president of the United Way board of directors, said, “Rowan County United Way has been doing the right thing for 58 years by serving the needs of our community through our partner agencies and programs. Through our many community volunteers, we ensure that your dollar is invested wisely to achieve the best results for your neighbors in need.

“Our unified and collaborative approach to problem solving is the best way to ensure that Rowan County citizens get the help they need. When one family has a setback in our county, we all suffer, but the opposite is true as well — when we can help one family succeed, we all benefit.

“Our workplace campaign model of raising funds for our partner agencies and programs is the most efficient and effective way to allow employees and corporations to support the health and human service needs in our county,” she said.  “I encourage and challenge companies who have not participated in the past to join us in surpassing our campaign goal so we can continue to help our citizens improve their lives.”

Other campaign events include:

• Sept. 8, Day of Caring;
• Sept. 28, First Report Meeting, noon – 1 p.m., Ben Mynatt;
• Oct. 12, Second Report Meeting, noon – 1 p.m., Gerry Wood;
• Oct. 26, Third Report Meeting, noon – 1 p.m., Team Chevrolet;
• Nov. 2, Fourth Report Meeting, noon – 1 p.m., Cloninger Ford;
• Nov. 16, Finale, noon – 1 p.m.

The Rowan County United Way was chartered in 1956. The 16-member agencies include the Rowan County Literacy Council, The Arc/Rowan, Rowan Vocational Opportunities, Boy Scouts, Central NC Council, Communities in Schools of Rowan County, Rowan County YMCA, Rowan County Youth Services Bureau, American Red Cross, Rowan County Rescue Squad, The Salvation Army, Trinity Living Center, Rufty-Holmes Senior Center, Meals on Wheels, Families First, Inc., Family Crisis Council and Smart Start Rowan.

For more information, visit the website, www.rowanunitedway.org, or follow the United Way on Facebook.