UNITED WAY: CAMPAIGN KICKOFF SET FOR AUG. 26

The Area Wide United Way has fund raising on its mind, but organizers want people to know they are doing more than just raising funds these days.

The United Way kicks off its annual fund-raising drive Aug. 26. A luncheon featuring Mark Twain impersonator Bill Waddell of Hannibal will be held downtown at the riverfront.

At the event, United Way volunteers, agencies, clients and donors will be recognized for their contributions to the community.

"It seemed appropriate to combine our river heritage with a kickoff," said executive director Nancy Jernigan. "I'm thinking that the values Mark Twain wrote about and talked about have a lot to do with the values that the United Way tries to represent and uphold."

Last year the United Way surpassed its goal of $625,000 and raised over $700,000. This year's goal will be announced at the kickoff luncheon and is expected to be higher than the 1998 goal.

Money raised will go to 24 community agencies.

"There's already been some indication that the campaign is going to be exciting this year," Jernigan said. "Several businesses have already completed or are near to finishing their campaigns, and their doing better with more participation than they ever have before."

The United Way started as a way for community service agencies to participate in a large, communitywide fund-raising campaign. However, the local organization added a component last year to include working with service agencies to avoid duplication and stop people from falling between gaps in service.

That move will be complete when the United Way's First Call for Help information network is launched next week.

"It's been really neat raising a lot of money and giving it to our agencies, but it's even better to do something for yourself," Jernigan said. "With our move towards coordination, I really am understanding what the United Way is capable of doing."

There will be a soft launch for the network Monday for agencies to test its effectiveness, Jernigan said. In early September the network will be opened for public use.

The network will be a starting point for Cape Girardeau County residents trying to determine what social-service agencies they should use to fill their particular needs. Calls will be monitored to determine what needs aren't met in the community.

Although the network will be based in Cape Girardeau County, it will be accessible to people throughout Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois.

"We don't have to do everything, but if it's not being done, then we're in a real position to do it," said Jernigan. "This coordination piece is really exciting."

For information about the United Way kickoff event or how to participate, call (573) 334-9634.