UNITED WAY DRIVE: LOCAL AGENCY SETS GOAL OF $925,000

Cape Girardeau Area Wide United Way officials have set a 2000 campaign goal of $925,000 -- up 23 percent from last year's goal.

The 2000 goal was announced Thursday during the organization's annual CEO kick-off luncheon at Drury Lodge.

Last year the local United Way collected $68,000 more than its $750,000 goal, prompting officials this year to increase the goal with its eyes on $1 million.

Officials also attributed the larger goal to a good economy.

"We are a million-dollar community, and we need to think like a million-dollar community," campaign chairman Kevin Govero told the crowd prior to unveiling the goal.

"We raised the bar again this year based not only on the needs of the community but also on the ability of the community to meet those needs."

The United Way is known for coordinating people and securing resources to care for people in communities. Although there is a national United Way organization, each area United Way is independent from others, sets its own goals and determines on its own which groups or needs it will support.

The campaign will be known as the "Make Someone Happy" campaign, and Govero said that more than 85 percent of the donations are from businesses and employees.

The Cape Girardeau Eddie Bauer store already has completed its campaign, having raised more than $4,500 through employee pledges, donations, a raffle and a yard sale.

Officials said this year's campaign will support 48 programs in 30 agencies locally. Services provided through United Way funding include addressing emergency needs, providing services to seniors, meeting special needs and nurturing area youths and families.

The local United Way provides funding to, among others, the American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America, Cape County 4-H Council, the Cape Senior Center, Court Appointed Special Advocates, Girl Scouts of Otahki Council, Habitat for Humanity, Lutheran Family and Children's Services and the Salvation Army.

Based on a recent community assessment process, the United Way will focus on four areas of need in Cape Girardeau: public transportation, low-income family housing, youth substance abuse and teaching low-income families how to manage their finances and day-to-day skills.

William Carr, regional vice president of customer service at AmerenUE, told the audience that he encourages employees of AmerenUE to support the United Way.

"I do not apologize about being gung-ho about the United Way because I have seen its effects," Carr said.

"The United Way needs our help, and I am confident that you will keep up the good work and the United Way will do well in this campaign."

For information

For more information about the Cape Girardeau Area Wide United Way call 334-9634 or check its Web site at http://rosecity.net/unitedway. Contributions can be sent to the local office at 1858 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701.