Tuesday, August 31, 1999
United Way hoping for record sum
$60 million goal possible
BY MARK CURNUTTE
The Cincinnati Enquirer
The United Way & Community Chest will begin its 1999 campaign Wednesday with a goal that's expected to approach a record $60 million.
Campaign Chairman George Schaefer, president and chief executive of Fifth Third Bank, said Monday he anticipates a successful drive, thanks to the strong economy.
“Generally, everything is going well,” Mr. Schaefer said. “Markets are at an all-time high. There is a high level of employment. There are no negatives this year.”
Negatives in the past have included the closing of department stores and the layoffs of hundreds of workers, he added.
The majority of United Way contributions locally come through payroll deductions. Greater Cincinnati's campaign is traditionally one of the nation's most successful.
Variety of help
The local United Way provides money for programs that reach one in three people and are operated by 170 social service agencies in seven counties — Hamilton, Clermont, Brown and part of Butler counties in Ohio, and Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties in Northern Kentucky.
Warren County and the communities of Oxford and Hamilton in Butler County conduct their own cam paigns.
Ninety cents of every dollar contributed goes to the agencies, said Mr. Schaefer and United Way spokeswoman Carol Aquino.
United Way money usually accounts for about 20 percent of an agency's budget. “We're a program funder, not an agency funder,” Ms. Aquino said.
More than $54 million was collected last year.
In the past few years, since welfare reform became law, the United Way has seen more requests for comprehensive employment programs, Ms. Aquino said. These services include resume writing, mock job interviews, computer training, and providing professional clothing and hygiene products.
A new regional home visitation program for at-risk mothers, Every Child Succeeds, in which United Way & Community Chest is a partner, received $750,000 and will be funded again this year.
Allocations will be announced after the 1999 campaign is complete Oct. 28.
IF YOU GO
• What: 1999 United Way campaign kickoff.
• When: Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday.
• Where: Fountain Square.
• On the bill: Campaign Chairman George Schaefer, Johnny Bench, the Madisonville YMCA Cincinnati Rope Twisters and the '50s rock band 4 on the Floor.
Baby found in trash had lived
Health department may recommend shellfish menu warning
Questions and answers on bacteria risks
City's OK for library sign long overdue
Faithful awaiting visit by Mary
Rape evidence scrutinized for link to other assaults
Shooting rage sends man to jail
$35M housing grant expected
Fewer students will be busing
Ky. leads special-ed test efforts
Schools can raise scores by exclusion
United Way hoping for record sum
Butler sheriff folds his jail tent
City may require registration of vicious pets
Defense attempts to raise doubts about MU fliers
Fire that killed man may be arson
Free roses continue Good Neighbor Day tradition
Mason grows by 717 pupils
Party marks highway progress
Woman in shed died of overdose
Emery fix-up in the wings
Latest men's magazines gnarly, not nice
Celebrity look-alikes fool folks
GET TO IT
18-year-old held in robbery, slaying
A tradition folds at Harvest Home Parade
Bail in stabbing stands at $250,000
Cruisers add flotation device
Fernald contractor wins praise
Louisville man heads Gore's Ky. campaign
Lucas readies plan on schools
Monroe now under one roof
Postal worker claims reverse discrimination
Prison guard faces more drug charges
Rabid bat found in pet hospital
TRISTATE DIGEST
