United Way hits $2 million goal for '09 campaign

PANAMA CITY — United Way of Northwest Florida officials announced surpassing its $2 million fundraising goal for 2009 during their annual business meeting Thursday morning at the Holiday Inn Select.

As much as 80 percent of the funds raised were from those payroll deductions, said Shannon Cromer, the marketing and communications specialist for United Way.

Employees had the option to take money out of their paychecks throughout the entire year, which many individuals in Bay County decided to do.

The United Way fundraising campaign was held from Sept. 3, 2009, to Nov. 12, 2009.

“We want to give a big thank you to the community and everyone that contributed,” Cromer said.

United Way officials were worried about reaching its goal because of the tough economic times. Many businesses stepped forward and held their own fundraisers, including golf tournaments, Cromer said.

Donors had the option to designate specific 501(c)(3) charities for their funds to be directed to for aid; otherwise the funds went into a community impact fund.

The next United Way campaign for 2010 will begin in mid-July.