Area Wide United Way campaign cabinet announced

Planning for the Area Wide United Way 2003 campaign began in March with the announcement of Don Fisher, business development director at Southeast Hospital, as the 2003 campaign chairman.

Joining Fisher in his efforts on behalf of the Area Wide United Way is vice chair Mike Smythe of KFVS/UPN the Beat. Jon Rust of Rust Communications chairs the Marketing Committee, and Leadership Giving is chaired by Dr. Ken Dobbins of Southeast Missouri University. Steven Bjelich of St. Francis Medical Center is chairing the Top 20 CEO Advisory Committee, which assists the cabinet in setting its goal for the campaign.

The goal for the 2003 campaign will be publicly announced at the campaign kick-off event Aug. 28 at Cape West 14 Cine.

The cabinet is separated into four divisions also headed by volunteers. Karen Schenkelberg of Fru-Con and Barry Randolph of Wood and Huston Bank will be co-chairing the Corporate/Employee Division, including the banking, retail, manufacturing and service industries. This division is the largest of the four, raising 83 percent of the total campaign dollars.

Doug Watson of Union Planters Bank will chair the Professional Division, made up of professional individuals and businesses of doctors, lawyers, attorneys, real estate agents and faith groups.

The Patron Division, chaired by Jeff Brune of Cape County Transit, represents individual givers, retirees and small businesses. The Public Service Division includes education, government, human services agencies and service clubs. Dan Muser of the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department and Melvin Gateley will co-chair this division.

A special emphasis on giving this year is necessary due to the severe reduction in state funding that many health and human service agencies rely on.

Over $929,000 was raised in their 2002 annual campaign, funding 45 programs within 32 local agencies. For more information about the local United Way, visit www.areawideunitedway.org or call 334-9634.