United Way increases fundraising goal

The Heart of Missouri United Way kicked off its annual fundraising campaign this month and announced a slight increase in its goal, to $3.3 million. The donated money will go to 31 partner agencies running 60 social service programs.
The economic downturn has made it more difficult for people to donate money, but it’s also caused more people to seek social services because of related job cuts and pay reductions.

Don McCubbin, the campaign leader and a Shelter Insurance executive, spoke to approximately 150 local volunteers at the kickoff celebration in the Tiger Hotel ballroom on Sept. 3. He said the goal will be difficult to reach but added, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”
United Way Executive Director Tim Rich said donors gave $3.26 million last year, about $50,000 more than the goal announced at the 2009 campaign kickoff. Rich pointed out that many agencies have had significant increases in requests for their services while also dealing with federal and state funding cutbacks.
Rich gave four examples of the increased need:
• The Voluntary Action Center reports an 8 percent increase in the number of new households that never before sought its services.
• The Community Learning Center has seen a 23 percent increase in low-income children needing services.
• Boys and Girls Club, which provides before-school and after-school programs for at-risk youth, has 200 children on its waiting list.
• The Central Missouri Food Bank’s local pantry reports that it’s assisting more than 150 families a month who have never asked for food help before.

On Sept. 10, Missouri Employers Mutual hosted the 4th Annual Keene Street Neighbors Community Barbeque to support the Heart of Missouri United Way.
MEM turned what had been a company event to a community event by establishing the Keene Street Neighbors Coalition, a group of businesses, medical facilities and community volunteers along Keene Street to expand United Way fundraising and volunteer activities.

The event featured raffles, games, a dunk tank and more than 10 United Way partner agency booths.