United Way campaign under way

PANAMA CITY — United Way of Northwest Florida’s pace-setting companies already have raised more than $700,000, officials announced during the community kickoff Thursday morning at the Holiday Inn Select.

About 30 companies and their employees collected money throughout the month of August to give the United Way a head start in its annual campaign. Many companies, including The News Herald, allowed employees to participate in payroll deductions in addition to holding fundraisers such as car washes and bake sales.

Traditionally, as much as 80 percent of funds are raised from payroll deductions.

Campaign chair Michael Menk, who is City President at Regions Bank, announced at the breakfast meeting that the success of the pace-setting companies means the goal for the 2010 community campaign will be set at $2 million, which includes the funds already generated.

“The way we are going to get there is to do the best we can to help folks that are having a tough time,” Menk said. “What we need this year is education and energy.”

Menk encouraged the attendees to help educate others in the community about the more than 78 agencies affiliated with the United Way and the work it does.

“Finding local dollars is so important because in many cases it frees up matching dollars for these organizations,” Menk said.

The United Way campaign will run 11 weeks until the middle of November. Donors have the option to designate specific 501(c)(3) charities for their funds to aid; otherwise the money goes into a community impact fund from which United Way affiliated groups and charities can request support.

The United Way of Northwest Florida serves Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson and Washington counties. To learn more or to participate in the fundraising campaign, visit the United Way’s website at unitedwaynwfl.org.