UNITED WAY SURPASSES GOAL BY $66,000

The Area Wide United Way surpassed its 1998 campaign goal by nearly $66,000, raising $690,887 to support local service agencies.

"We'd have been proud to say we made goal, but look at this," said Edythe Davis, campaign chairman, as the total was unveiled at a victory party Thursday night.

The goal was $625,000. In 1997, the local United Way raised $587,872.

Davis credited United Way volunteers for the campaign's success. "Thanks to you, we did it," Davis said.

Balloons and a band helped kick off the celebration. Thirty companies received plaques honoring them for their fund-raising efforts.

The 1998 campaign brings the total amount raised by the local United Way since it started in 1954 to over $10 million.

The theme for the 1998 campaign was "The Power of U," highlighting hometown heroes. The message was carried to businesses and individuals throughout Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Scott City during the campaign, which kicked off in September.

Approximately 100 people worked on the campaign.

Employees at various businesses comprise the largest segment of donors, with $426,164 pledged last year. Corporate donations continued to increase, with $197,287 raised last year.

Contributions from small businesses and individuals make up the remainder with nearly $700,000 in contributions.

Procter & Gamble Paper Products Co. is the largest single contributor to the United Way campaign every year. P&G gave over $215,000 to the local effort through an employee campaign and a corporate contribution.

Twenty-six organizations benefit from the money raised by the United Way.