By Robert Anglen
The Cincinnati Enquirer

At the United Way campaign opening on Fountain Square Thursday, co-chairman Michael Fisher watches Lei Edmerson, 3, of Burlington, Ky., color a picture. (Steven M. Herppich photo) | ZOOM |

After failing to reach a $62 million goal last year, United Way of Greater Cincinnati organizers on Thursday set their sights $1.5 million lower this year.

In a Fountain Square ceremony to kick off the donation campaign, officials said they want to raise $60.5 million before Oct. 30.

"Anything worth doing takes a little bit of risk," said Michael Fisher, Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce president and this year's campaign co-chair. "More importantly, it takes commitment and dedication."

Fisher said the goal - about $300,000 more than the total amount raised in 2002 - presents a challenge, but is attainable. Last year, the economy was struggling to rebound, but there are promising signs now.

The United Way of Greater Cincinnati covers Hamilton, Clermont, Brown and Butler counties in Ohio, and Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties in Kentucky. It supports programs at more than 160 agencies. Among these are volunteer and non-profit organizations such as Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Clubs, and the Salvation Army.

Last year, United Way cut funding to roughly 65 percent of its core service programs for 2003. Most of the programs were reduced by 1 to 15 percent. Organizers fell short by $1.8 million, marking the first time since 1992 that the Greater Cincinnati campaign failed to meet or exceed its goal.

But spirits were high at the kickoff Thursday, which included appearances by dozens of corporate sponsors and benefactors of United Way programs.

"We can't afford to see one older person go without basic needs," said Felix Thomas, 54, representing United Auto Workers Local 863, who said donating to United Way was a form of "sharing love.''

An employee of Ford Motor Co. in Sharonville, Thomas helped raise $360,000 in five days for this year's campaign.

"If we don't support our friends and neighbors, who will?" he asked.

E-mail ranglen@enquirer.com