United Way sets lofty campaign target of $14.4M
9/7/2002The goal set for the United Way of Greater Toledo's fall fund-raising drive - $14.4 million - is “a high standard,” said Joseph M. Magliochetti, chairman of the 2002 campaign.
United Way has raised nearly $1.42 million through its summer Pacesetter Campaign at more than 40 businesses, union offices, and United Way member agencies.
“This is a generous offering and gave us further encouragement to set a high standard,” said Mr. Magliochetti, chairman and chief executive officer of Dana Corp.
The campaign took flight, officially, during a rally yesterday at National Flight Services at Toledo Express Airport, before a preview of this weekend's Toledo Air Show featuring the Blue Angels.
United Way funds 150 health and human service programs at 68 agencies in Lucas, Ottawa, and Wood counties.
This year's goal is about $100,000 more than the amount raised last year.
Aside from the summer campaign, volunteers called 300 business leaders and asked their assessment of the economy and employment levels.
“It was their feedback that gave us the confidence to set the standard,” Mr. Magliochetti said.
Many service agencies have received less money from government and smaller grants from foundations than in past years, which “elevates the importance” of the 2002 campaign, Robert W. Lucas, United Way president, said.
“Given what's happened with the economy the last year or so, the needs have gone up rather than down,” he said.
To catch the interest of businesses that don't take part, the United Way will deliver pizza boxes Monday, containing material needed to start a campaign, to 1,000 organizations.
The campaign continues through Nov. 15.
This year's goal may appear to be less than what the United Way announced in February as the total from the 2001 campaign - more than $14.7 million - United Way officials said.
But the local United Way has restated its results to match United Way of America guidelines, said Jane Moore, vice president of resource development for the United Way of Greater Toledo.
For instance, the local United Way formerly included the contributions of state employees who work here. But the Columbus United Way is the fund-raising body for state government, even when the money is solicited by a local United Way, she said.
To avoid double reporting, state employees' contributions won't be counted locally, although “to a large part [they] will go to our agencies,” Ms. Moore said.
Under the guidelines, the local United Way's new official total for last year's campaign is $14.3 million, she said.