CAMPAIGN EXCEEDS $9.2 MILLION
Asks for additional support to reach goals

United Way of Greater Chattanooga is asking the community to help it meet its 2008 campaign goals and to continue supporting our area’s the vital human service needs. The campaign ends December 31, 2008.

More than $9.2 million, or 78 percent of the $11.9 million goal, has been raised to date during the 2008 Community Campaign.

Several campaigns are still in progress and companies are adding special events to boost their employees’ contributions higher.

“Right now we’re cautiously optimistic. United Way is currently running slightly ahead of last year’s pace,” said Linda McReynolds, Senior Vice President of Organizational Development. “However, we still have 22 percent left to raise by the end of December, and that final amount is always the hardest to raise, especially during the holidays. The opportunity to raise almost the same amount of funds as in 2007 is there, but we really need everyone pulling together to help us make sure services are available to our neighbors in need.”

Ms. McReynolds noted that donations from the Manufacturing and Technology sectors are down considerably due to layoffs and plant closings. However, other area campaigns have gone above and beyond.

Long of Chattanooga posted more than a 1,000 percent increase in their campaign, and Hamilton County Government ended their annual campaign with a 112 percent increase. The nonprofit sector was also commended for posting significant increases.

“These increases are even more meaningful when you consider that nonprofit and local government salaries tend to be much lower than most,” Ms. McReynolds added.  

United Way urges anyone who hasn’t been given an opportunity to contribute to the 2008 campaign to please consider making a donation now. Financial contributions can be made by contacting United Way at 423-752-0300 or www.LiveUnitedChattanooga.org.

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. 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 the greater Chattanooga area, north Georgia and northeast Alabama.

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

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