UW PROFESSIONAL DIVISION KICKS OFF COLLECTIONS

Area Wide United Way volunteers have begun soliciting contributions from area professionals, said Jeff Krantz and Peter Kinder, chairmen of the United Way's professional division.

Professionals, including doctors, dentists, attorneys, architects, accountants and chiropractors, are being asked to donated toward this year's United Way goal of $470,000. The annual fundraising campaign officially kicks off Sept. 4.

But Krantz said the professional division kicked off early.

"We launched the professional campaign three months back with a letter campaign," Krantz said. The fundraising effort will continue through the regular campaign.

Krantz, who is director of planning at Southeast Missouri Hospital, has been active in United Way for several years.

He is a member of the United Way Board of Directors. "Up until this year, I've also made visits on organizations soliciting funds," he said.

"I've been interested in United way and believe in the process and the approach," Krantz said. "I do encourage other people to participate."

This campaign marks Kinder's first involvement with the United Way.

"I've pleased to help out in any way I can," Kinder said. "I hope to better the performance of the professional division. The potential is certainly there."

Kinder, who is associate publisher of the Southeast Missourian, said the United Way is "super."

"All good citizens need to support the United Way."