United Way Celebrates Campaign Progress, Reaches 96% of Goal

UNITED WAY?AT 96 PERCENT OF?$11.6 MILLION GOAL

Campaign Chairman asks for increased community support to reach goal.

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United Way of Greater Chattanooga is in the final stretch of its 85^th annual community campaign now with 96 percent of the organization's $11.6 million goal satisfied. A total of $11,120,114 has been donated to the community campaign so far to help fund needed services in Greater Chattanooga.

Of that amount, $478,073 has been contributed from the North Georgia area?and $14,534 has been contributed from Marion County. All undesignated dollars contributed from North Georgia and Marion County will stay in their respective areas and will be used to provide services for their residents.

??????????? Campaign Chairman Nick Decosimo shared the organization's campaign progress with?more than 400'supporters and volunteers during its annual Campaign Celebration luncheon at the Chattanooga Trade and Convention Center.

?We will need strong support from the community to raise the remaining $479,886 necessary to reach our ambitious goal,? said Nick Decosimo, 2006 United Way campaign chair.

With the campaign continuing until the end of the year, the possibility of reaching the goal is still there as long as all donors who contributed last year renew or increase their commitment again this year, according to officials.

??????????? ?It is important that companies that have not completed their campaigns yet do so as soon as possible,? said Mr. Decosimo. ?Thousands of people in our community who use United Way-funded services are counting on your contributions.

Individuals and companies that have not had the opportunity to give but would like to make a donation, may call United Way at (423) 752-0300 for more information. Donations by check may be sent to United Way, P.O. Box 4027, Chattanooga, TN 37405. Secure online giving is also available at www.YourUnitedWay.net .

United Way of Greater Chattanooga funds nearly 80 local programs impacting early learning, encouraging self-sufficiency and giving dignity and hope to the most vulnerable in our society. Thanks to an endowment that covers all overhead and administrative expenses, one-hundred percent of contributions goes directly to fund services in greater Chattanooga, northwest Georgia and northeast Alabama.

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