United Way kicks off effort to raise $1.12 million

The United Way of Southeast Missouri asked the community to be part of its winning team Thursday.

At a sports-themed campaign kickoff event at the Cape West 14 Cine, United Way executive director Nancy Jernigan announced the 2006 goal of $1.12 million.

Campaign chairwoman Jean Mason said the United Way has the opportunity to change even more lives with this year's fund-raising campaign.

The United Way supports 25 programs and agencies in Southeast Missouri. Those funded programs help people in crisis, provide services to seniors, promote health and self-sufficiency and build strong families and successful children.

"The United Way is needed in every stage of people's lives," Mason said. "That's why we need to do this every year."

Funding will be distributed based on the United Way's new "agenda for change" campaign. The agenda focuses on strengthening families in the community by ensuring children are successful, families are financially self-sufficient, the elderly and disabled can remain independent as long as possible and residents reach out to help each other.

Jernigan thanked the more than 200 volunteers at the campaign kickoff. "You, through the United Way, are taking care of families in the community and are letting them know we do care about them. Stick with us because good things will continue to happen," she said.

Last year, the United Way raised more than $1.14 million, exceeding the goal by $95,000.