Friday, October 29, 1999
United Way nets record $58.1 million
BY BETTY KIM
The Cincinnati Enquirer
About 400 people gathered late Thursday afternoon at Music Hall to celebrate a record $58.1 million raised this year for United Way.
“We knew we were going to reach our goal,” said campaign chairman George Schaefer. “But it took the dedication of 20,000 volunteers and the contributions of the community to accomplish it.”
The 1999 total is up from last year's $54.1 million — the previous record — which will allow United Way to start new programs and broaden existing ones in Hamilton, Clermont, Brown and part of Butler counties in Ohio; and Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties in Northern Kentucky.
The local United Way funds more than 160 programs that reach one in three Greater Cincinnatians.
One such organization is Children Inc. in Covington, which provides financial assistance for preschool education and offers after-school programs to low-income families.
“We can't make a difference without United Way,” said Executive Director Rick Hulefeld. “It's that simple.”
The organization, which serves about 2,600 children, received $623,000 from United Way last year.
Dozens of area companies contributed to the United Way campaign, including Kroger, Fifth Third Bank and Procter & Gamble.
Ethicon-Endo Surgery/Indigo Medical in Blue Ash, a division of Johnson & Johnson, raised about $650,000 for United Way.
“We have a strong commitment to help those who are less fortunate,” said company Chairman Mike Griffith.
“It's a lot of work, but it's also really rewarding.”
Company workers held in-office fund-raisers and made personal contributions to raise money. In addition, Johnson & Johnson matched the company's donation for a combined total of $1.3 million.
Mr. Schaefer cited donations from new companies and the strong economy as reasons for the additional $4 million raised this year.
“We try to stretch the goal each year because there is a tremendous need in the agencies,” he said. For every dollar that was raised, 91 cents will go directly to United Way agencies.
“This is a wonderful achievement for our community,” said Mr. Schaefer, chairman and chief executive of Fifth Third. “It demonstrates once again the depth of commitment people have to the well-being of families, children and individuals who sometimes need a bit of assistance.”
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