United Way allocating money from record fund-raising effort

After breaking its first-ever million-dollar goal last year, the United Way of Southeast Missouri is doling out the dough.

United Way raised $1.069 million in 2004, and the organization is distributing more than $663,000 this year to among 32 charitable organizations in Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Scott City and Perryville. Of these organizations, the American Red Cross received the most money allocated to a single agency, $80,000, for emergency services.

Another major recipient was the Salvation Army, which was allocated $60,500 for general assistance and $4,500 for a day camp program. Boy Scouts were given $40,000, and Girl Scouts received $47,000.

Other major recipients were: Gibson Recovery Center, $37,000; Boys and Girls Club, $33,000; Cancer Patient Care, $30,401; and Association for Retarded Citizens, $30,000.

Natika Rowles, executive director of Boys and Girls Clubs of Cape Girardeau, said United Way funding makes up 25 percent to 30 percent of the organization's total budget. However, she said the United Way of Southeast Missouri does more than just write a check.

"They connect the community and businesses, because sometimes there is a gap there," Rowles said. "Businesses may not always be aware of what the community needs, and United Way really just connects that gap."

For 2005, the United Way also has allotted $59,025 for other programs, which Nancy Jernigan, executive director for United Way of Southeast Missouri, said include initiatives and meetings for a number of programs, such as the Youth Substance Abuse Coalition.

"A lot of different initiatives like that we spend a lot of time working on and developing and growing," she said.

In addition, United Way has about $100,000 still to be allocated, but Jernigan said this should be done within the next month. United Way also has $23,488 in reserve for emergencies.

The remaining funds make up functional expenses such as management, fund raising, etc.

About 73 percent of the money raised last year was given by the United Way's top 20 donors, which make up an advisory council that helps United Way set campaign goals from year to year. The top United Way of Southeast Missouri donor for 2004 was Procter & Gamble, which gave $214,360. Other top donors include Saint Francis Medical Center, Southeast Missouri Hospital, Southeast Missouri State University, Nordenia, U.S.A. Inc. and the Southeast Missourian.

Jernigan said donations have increased annually over the past 10 years. Total giving for 2004 was up from 2003 by more than $53,000. United Way will announce its donation goal for 2005 in August.

wmcferron@semissourian.com