United Way launches campaign

LIMA - Nineteen organizations will be spearheading the initial push for the 2008 United Way campaign. The Pilot Division has set an ambitious goal of raising more than $770,000, local United Way leaders said.

President Beverly Prueter said the kickoff for the Pilot program on Tuesday included a very enthusiastic group of individuals. Prueter said she's hoping that translates into topping last year's campaign, which raised more than $2.27 million.

"I think they're going to do a good job. They're a real enthusiastic group," Prueter said. "Our campaign is most important to the community. It ensures that people can give locally and it will stay locally."

The 2008 campaign for the United Way of Greater Lima is hoping to raise more than $2.35 million, Prueter said. The goal represents a 4 percent increase from the 2007 campaign, she said.

Keith Deters, the 2008 campaign chairman, said he's excited about being involved with the campaign and talking about the important programs the campaign supports.

"We understand what's going on with the economy and how that could possibly impact the United Way," Deters said. "We feel there's no better time than now to get out and talk about the importance of it. This is when we need people to be giving."

In Allen County, the United Way funds 27 agencies and more than 100 programs, Prueter said.

"We've got a good selection of the companies here today," Deters said. "We're hoping to hit $770,000, which represents 40 percent of the goal."

Deters, too, was excited about the Pilot program.

"I'm very happy to see there's a lot of enthusiasm with people that are getting involved. A lot of people understand the importance of what we're doing here. I just can't say enough about this community and how they give to the United Way and understand the importance of it. It is important. If you go visit these agencies and the people that are receiving these services you understand the needs we have in the community."