United Way stresses volunteerism at kickoff luncheon

While the United Way of Southeast Missouri has set a $1.2 million fundraising goal for the 2009 campaign,the organization is emphasizing another kind of giving in the coming 12 months.

"We know that money is not the answer to everything," executive director Nancy Jernigan told the audience at Thursday's luncheon to kick off the 2009 campaign, stressing the need for more volunteers to help address community needs.

The luncheon, held at Cape West 14 Cine in Cape Girardeau, was attended by about 120 representatives of United Way corporate sponsors, employee groups and agencies receiving United Way support.

Campaign chairman Dale Rauh emphasized the need for involvement, not just giving.

"Active participants create a stronger community," Rauh said. He introduced members of his campaign cabinet to the gathering

United Way director of development Holly Lintner said the organization's theme for this year would again be "Live United."

John McGowan, United Way director of community impact, was master of ceremonies for a fashion show featuring representatives of funded agencies wearing their "Live United" T-shirts and accessories that drew attention to the services provided by those agencies.

After the fashion show, an announcement was made of prizes donated by local businesses.

New donors contributing at least one dollar a week for 52 weeks or current supporters who increase their contributions by $52 will be entered into a drawing for one of the 10 prizes.

Lintner announced that the Caring Club Card program will continue. Those who donate at least $500 during the campaign receive a special card entitling them to discounts at area businesses.

The culmination of the program was a presentation of the 2009 campaign video, produced by KFVS12. The video featured KFVS's Lauren Keith describing common community problems and how programs funded by the United Way are helping to deal with those problems.

Jernigan said this year the United Way will emphasize funding programs that provide basic needs such as food and shelter.

"There are a lot of folks in need for the first time," Jernigan told the group, referring to those affected by the economic downturn.

Jernigan said in an interview that the Salvation Army, one of the United Way's funded agencies, has seen the number of people requesting help for the first time double in the last 12 months.

The just-completed 2008 campaign raised $1,184,000, short of the goal of $1,275,000.

About 99 percent of United Way donations are from employee group fundraisers and payroll deductions, according to Jernigan. She said that a coordinated media campaign will begin soon that focuses on the need to "Live United."