CAMPAIGN IS ON: UNITED WAY KICKS OFF ANNUAL DRIVE

Donna Burk usually spends afternoons on her computer at work or handling problems out in the field. But Thursday found her cutting strings on balloons for release at the United Way campaign kickoff.

The Southwestern Bell executive and United Way board member believed it was important to do her part to make the kickoff a success in hopes it will lead to a successful fund-raising campaign.

And with a goal of $750,000, $60,000 more than was raised during last year's campaign, it is important to prepare people to give.

Approximately 250 people turned out for the kickoff held along the Mississippi River. The event featured Jim Waddell impersonating Mark Twain, music and words meant to inspire giving.

"The United Way is all about community," said United Way executive director Nancy L. Jernigan. "This is my fourth campaign, and it's clear to me how United Way enhances the quality of life in our area."

At the kickoff were some of those who had been helped through agencies that receive United Way funding. There were clients from the Association for Retarded Citizens, children from the Easter Seal Child Development Center and those from the SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence.

"I've never felt more confident about United Way's role in the community and the difference it is making in people's lives," Jernigan said.

Contributions to the campaign goal, which was announced with a banner hanging from the American Queen riverboat docked near the Broadway floodgate, are already coming in.

Craig Wells, chairman for the 1999 campaign, told of a special campaign by employees at the Cape Girardeau Schnuck's. The 190 employees at that store raised $26,000 this year.

At the kickoff, Melvin Gately, chairman of the campaign's public service committee, accepted a check for $1,000 that Luke Landgraf presented from the Noon Lions Club and $500 presented by Mary Miller from the Cape Girardeau Rotary Club.

Throughout the kickoff crowd were people wearing red aprons. They were board members like Burk, who took time out of their day to park cars, set up tables and food for a barbecue lunch, move in fans and set up television sets for the premiere of the 1999 United Way video.

The video is used by those promoting the campaign at companies and organizations to let employees and members know how donations to United Way are used.

Produced by KFVS-TV at no cost to United Way, the five-minute video features meteorologist Charlie Neese profiling some of the services funded by United Way and some of the clients they serve. Agencies profiled are Hoover Eldercare, Court Appointed Special Advocates and Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.

Other agencies with programs funded by United Way are American Red Cross, APPLE (Applications, Personal Papers, Legal and Environmental), Association for Retarded Citizens, Cancer Care at St. Francis Medical Center and Southeast Missouri Hospital, Cape Girardeau Civic Center, Cape County 4-H Council, Cape Public School Children's Fund, Cape Senior Center, Easter Seal Child Development Center, First Call for Help, Gibson Recovery Center, Habitat for Humanity, Jackson Ministerial Alliance, Jackson R-2 Children's Fund, Jackson Senior Center, Lutheran Family and Children's Services, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Safe House for Women, Salvation Army, Scott City Nutrition Center and SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence.

Board member Bill Miller said he was happy to put on his red apron and help with the kickoff.

"The rally really gives a kick start to the campaign," Miller, a retired executive and United Way treasurer, said after several hours spent parking cars, moving fans and setting up tables. "It generates a lot of enthusiasm and excitement."