September Campaign Update
United Way works toward campaign goal

 UNITED WAY REACHES MORE
THAN $2 MILLION OF GOAL
AS CAMPAIGN PROGRESSES

       
      United Way of Greater Chattanooga representatives announced, at the first 2008 campaign reporting session held today, that 21.68 percent of United Way’s employee and corporate giving goal has been met, with a total of more than $2 million donated to the community campaign fund so far.

“Companies have been cautiously optimistic as they approach their campaigns,” said Dan Nausley, Campaign Chair. “If we continue to get the generous support from our community that we’ve seen so far, we should hit our target.”

Most company campaigns that have been turned in so far are showing slight increases in employee giving. Many companies and individuals have elected to increase their United Way gifts or to participate for the first time this year.  Twenty-four area non-profits have already completed their campaigns with an increase in pledges.

“United Way is seeing some good and interesting trends in this year’s campaign,” said Linda McReynolds, Vice President of Organizational Development. “One is that company CEO’s are taking a more active role in encouraging their employees to support the United Way campaign by more fun special events in their companies.  It’s an opportunity to have fun and get more people involved with United Way.”

Some examples of new events at companies this year include Unum’s black-tie chef gala, SunTrust Bank’s regional Billiard tournament at the Chattanooga Billiards Club, and Hamilton County Government’s Motorcycle Run for United Way.

Fourteen new companies are running first-time campaigns this year that will generate new money for the 2008 campaign, and another four have committed to giving corporate gifts.

“While we would like to wrap our campaigns up by October 31, we want to emphasize to businesses and individuals in our community that there still is and will be plenty of time to contribute to United Way’s work,” said Mr. Nausley.

Companies wishing to run an employee campaign or make a corporate gift during the 2008 campaign can still do so. Additionally, individuals who have not had the opportunity to give during a workplace campaign, but would like to make a donation, may call United Way at (423) 752-0300 for more information or go to our web site at www.LiveUnitedChattanooga.org. Those who would like to mail in a donation may send it to United Way, P.O. Box 4027, Chattanooga, TN 37405.

United Way will announce the 2008 campaign total in February 2009 at the organization’s annual meeting.

United Way of Greater Chattanooga funds local programs that create opportunities for people to care for themselves and each other, making our community the best at helping people achieve their potential.

It is working to advance the common good by educating children to be ready for school, promoting economic stability so people can provide for themselves and their families, and by caring for the most vulnerable in our community. By creating lasting changes in social conditions and preventing problems from happening, we create a stronger and healthier community for everyone. Thanks to an endowment fund that covers all overhead and administrative expenses, all contributions (100 percent) go directly to services that help individuals and families in greater Chattanooga, north Georgia and northeast Alabama.

Call the United Way at 423-752-0300 for more information.