FUND-RAISING CAMPAIGN IS TEAM EFFORT

The 1991-92 Area Wide United Way fund-raising campaign is under way with volunteers working toward a goal of $470,000.

The money raised by United Way will be distributed to 25 community agencies.

"This is a team effort," campaign chairman Harry Rediger said when key players in this year's campaign were announced at the annual kickoff luncheon Sept. 4. "As you can see there are many people involved in the United Way campaign."

Among those involved in this year's campaign kickoff was 4-year-old Isaac, who has Williams syndrome, which causes mental retardation and growth delays.

Isaac's mother, Uni Muniz, spoke at the luncheon about the service provided to her son at the Easter Seal Society's Early Learning Center, one of the United Way agencies.

"When he came to Easter Seal, he didn't know how to talk and his motor skills were delayed," Muniz said. "At Easter Seal, he has learned to communicate better and he is able to eat. The teachers have been wonderful.

"This is Isaac's last year at Easter Seal. I'm sure he will miss everyone. I wanted to say thank-you to Easter Seal for what they have done."

Rediger said: "There are a lot of Isaacs in our agencies with a lot of special needs, different needs being met by United Way agencies. All these are real needs and right-away needs.

"Some of us in this room working on this campaign, and many of those who contribute to this campaign, may find a need for a United Way agency in the coming year," Rediger said.

Just over $20,000 already has been collected toward this year's goal.

"That leaves considerable monies to go," said Rediger.

While the official goal is $470,000, Rediger said his personal goal is $500,000.

"As we review our 25 agencies after the campaign and try to fulfill their needs, the total we raise is not going to match the need," Rediger said. "It's a very difficult thing to do. How do you allocate the funds when there is not enough to go around?"

At the kickoff luncheon, Rediger recognized Hugh Logan, 91, a founder of the United Way in 1955. "He has taken his United Way cards this year," Rediger said.

Pat Allen, chairman-elect, introduced the three loaned executives who will be working on the United Way campaign in September and October.

Working for the campaign this year are Mark LeNeave of the Gibson Recovery Center, Paul Harper of Schnucks, and Traci Jones of Easter Seal.

"Last year was the first year we tried loaned executives," Allen said. The three volunteers last year collected 70 percent of the total money raised.

In the past, the United Way campaign has been considered a three- or four-month campaign, Rediger said.

"We have become a year-round organization," he said. "We are here for the agencies year-round. The office is available year-round."

Fund-raising efforts continue throughout the year. For example, this spring the United Way and West Park Mall sponsored the Cracker Jack promotion, which netted over $20,000 for United Way.

"The agencies helped that effort greatly by volunteering their time and selling Cracker Jacks," Rediger said. Don Strohmeyer served as chairman of the campaign.

In August the United Way held its fourth annual golf tournament headed by Neal Edwards. This year's event netted $9,400 for United Way.

Rediger also talked about the YELL for Newspaper event scheduled for Wednesday. Community leaders and volunteers will be on street corners selling special editions of the Southeast Missourian in Cape Girardeau and the Cash-Book Journal in Jackson.

Money raised will be split between the Missourian's Newspaper In Education program and special youth and literacy programs funded through the United Way. YELL stands for Youth, Education, Learning and Literacy.

"The newspaper you buy for $1 will include a comic book and a chance for several prizes," Rediger said. In addition, the comic book character Spiderman will be in Cape Girardeau Wednesday for a personal appearance.

"We will sell 10,000 newspapers that day from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.," Rediger said. "I think this is a great new effort for the United Way."