Published: August 28, 2008 10:47 pm            

United Way sets $1.1M goal for annual campaign

United Way of the Laurel Highlands announced Thursday its most aggressive annual campaign goal increase in the organization’s history.

During a kickoff breakfast at Pitt-Johnstown’s Living Learning Center, United Way said its goal for this year is $1.1 million.

The number represents a

10 percent increase from last year’s goal and is well more than the $1.024 million raised last year.

“It’s a huge jump and a

very aggressive goal,” said Bill McKinney, president of the United Way of the Laurel Highlands. “But we feel we have a lot of good momentum coming off of last year’s campaign that will carry us to this goal.”

The United Way of the Laurel Highlands provides support to 25 local nonprofit agencies that provide services in Cambria and Somerset counties.

More than 500 businesses between the two counties already participate in the fundraising in one way or another. To meet this year’s goal, McKinney said it will require even more companies taking part as well as increased giving from past participants.

Dan Holquist, regional president of First National Bank and the chairman of this year’s annual drive, said UW is well positioned to chase such a lofty goal.

He said the organization has developed more initiatives to publicize the campaign and has been successful in making it a truly regional effort.

“We have 33 loan executives this year, which is a strong increase in numbers,” Holquist said.

“What’s even more exciting is that six of those loan executives are, for the first time, from outside of the Greater Johnstown area.

“I think we’ve done a good job in regionalizing the campaign this year.”

        

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