LETTERS: TEAM EFFORT PUTS UNITED WAY OVER BIG GOAL

To the editor:

Many thanks go out to the wonderful people who helped make the 2000 Area Wide United Way campaign such a huge success.

As the campaign chairman, it was my duty and pleasure to put together what I felt was one of the best campaign cabinets to date: John Thompson, Doug Watson, Melvin Gateley, Dan Muser, Larry Dunger, Janet Esicar, Laurel Adkisson, Dr. Jean Chapman and Jackie Griffith. This team of dedicated people along with the United Way staff -- Nancy Jernigan, Kathy Denton and Shannon Howard -- set out to do what looked to be an unreachable task: a goal of $925,000 to be used locally for many needy and deserving residents who do now have the blessings we share.

In the fading days of the campaign, this team of people dug in their heels and refused to give in. Our efforts were rewarded with a total of $901,065.34. A last-minute grant of $30,000 brought funding for our community to over $931,000.

In the 29 years I have lived in Cape Girardeau, it is clear to me the people of Southeast Missouri are the best there are. Thank you again.

KEVIN A GOVERO

2000 Campaign Chairman

Area Wide United Way

Cape Girardeau