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The Junction City-Geary County United Way raised 90 percent of its $175,000 goal during the 2007 campaign that ended Sunday, said Marcia Smith, director of the Junction City-Geary County United Way.
The United Way completed its goal last year four months after the campaign ended. "The money was raised down to the wire," Smith said. Although the needed $18,000 was not raised by the month's end, she is confident they will reach that goal soon.
"I'm absolutely confident we will make our goal," she said. "We may well exceed our goal."
Half a dozen major employers and three foundations who showed interest haven't made their pledges. Large employers who haven't participated in the past are interested in donating, she said.
Also, United Way received $4,000 from Fort Riley's combined federal campaign last year and once their campaign ends in October, United Way should receive a donation.
"This is a community who decided to make United Way a priority," she said.
The campaign has raised about $157,000. About $100,000 of that is from payroll deductions from community members. Giving through payroll deductions is an easy way to give to the United Way, she said. Money given by the community stays in the community, she added.
Meeting the monetary goal closer to the campaign's end gives Smith more time to complete next year's budget before dispersing the money. Also, thank you notes are sent to those who donate.
Monies that agencies raise during the campaign go to the United Way. At the campaign's end, money agencies raise stay in-house. "The agencies have been incredibly supportive," she said.
It's a lot to ask to set aside internal fundraising, she said. Agencies also spoke at meetings and events two to three times in support of United Way. The biggest motivator is hearing the great work agencies do, Smith said.
The United Way's campaign kickoff was July 27 at a Junction City Generals baseball game. This is the first year the campaign has been kicked-off at the Generals game and Smith hopes it is an annual event. The campaign began a month earlier and she believes it has been beneficial. It's hard to find time when your organization can be center stage since many fundraisers happen throughout the year, she said.
This year Smith hopes that United Way is successful enough to bring at least two more agencies under its umbrella. They added two last year: CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for children) and Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
Agencies include Armed Services YMCA, Family YMCA, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Geary County Court Appointed Special Advocates, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Crisis Center, Boys and Girls Club, Special Olympics, The Open Door, Geary County Food Pantry, the American Red Cross, Kansas Legal Services and Konza Prairie Community Health Center.
To give to the United Way, individuals can mail a check to United Way, P.O. Box 567, Junction City, KS 66441 or e-mail a pledge to director@unitedwayjcgc.org.