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September 9, 2004 United Way Kicks Off Campaign For ImpactUnited Way of Roanoke Valley kicked off its annual community campaign today with an encouraging $1,025,854 in early campaign pledges. A celebration staged at Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium helped to emphasize how the organization’s goal is to make more of a positive impact on the Roanoke Valley. Campaign leaders from the 450 local companies that conduct United Way campaigns competed in contests called the “Impact Olympics” before hearing a lunchtime program to outline campaign strategies. Volunteer campaign chair John Heitz explained that rather than focusing solely on a dollar goal for this campaign, United Way is rallying supporters around the cause of creating greater community impact. “We want to get more kids into quality preschool and after-school programs, help more seniors enjoy life, strengthen more families,” he said, “and most importantly, help every person be self-sufficient. Improving lives is our mission, and the community campaign is an important strategy in achieving that mission.” Heitz said that the $6.3 million raised during the 2003 community campaign was helpful, but some needs went unfulfilled. United Way partner agencies requested $880,000 more than was available, and many agency programs have waiting lists for services or must turn people away. For the first time this year, pre-kickoff campaigns were conducted in three categories: among United Way partner agencies, at selected area businesses that campaigned in June and July, and in companies which commit to increasing prior year results by at least five percent, known as Pacesetters. All participating organizations reported results to the stadium crowd as the dollars flashed onto the stadium scoreboard. Further boosting early returns was a corporate gift of $82,000 from the Roanoke Times, the largest such gift received to date. Heitz said some early campaigns are still wrapping up and other company gifts have also been received, indicating the final pre-season total will be higher. Frank Rogan, president and CEO of United Way of Roanoke Valley, said that such strong early results indicate a regional improvement in economic conditions. “Several of our participating companies are increasing employment,” he noted. “We’ve also seen healthy increases in company campaigns compared to last year.” (see attachment for examples) While campaign chair Heitz did not specify a dollar goal for the 2004 campaign, he stated, “We have to raise more than $6.3 million.” He challenged the audience to consider the campaign theme, The Power of One, in deciding what they can invest in community improvements through United Way. “If everyone who gave last year increases their gift by just one dollar a week, and those who did not give before will contribute one dollar weekly, we’d have another $4.2 million to invest in our community.” He also pointed out that if United Way received one percent of pay from the region’s workforce that could produce about $24 million. Other highlights of the kickoff program included a performance by the Shining Star singers from Boys and Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia, and remarks from representatives of the Salem Avalanche and Roanoke Dazzle. The local sports teams are partnering with United Way to demonstrate their team commitment to a stronger community. This marks the 80th anniversary of United Way of Roanoke Valley. From the 12 original partner agencies, 7 continue to offer programs for families, individuals, children and seniors. The United Way mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of people in the community.
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