Support of 40,000+ Givers and 700+ Companies Leads United Way Campaign Past $14.4 Million

At a final campaign celebration held today in front of more than 500 volunteers and campaign leaders, 2008 Campaign Chairman Judy Alexander, a partner at Dixon Hughes PLLC, praised the work of thousands of volunteers and contributors.

"The citizens of Greenville County, through their support of United Way, continue to prove their commitment to helping their neighbors in need," said Alexander. "Our community remains unsurpassed in its caring and compassion."

United Way of Greenville County volunteers announced that $14,418,275 has been raised to serve the community in the coming year. These results signify 96% of the $15 million goal and a slight .6% decrease over last year's campaign.

"We came up short of our stretch goal, but given the economic climate in which we've been operating throughout this campaign, the amount that has been raised is a testament to the generosity and caring spirit that is alive and well in this great community," Alexander said. "To illustrate, this year's campaign generated more than $900,000 in new dollars. Unfortunately, due to cutbacks, downsizing and other economic factors, we had a number of campaigns with decreases. These decreases offset the new dollars raised."

"Rather than focusing on the amount we didn't raise, I think it's important that we focus on the significant amount we did raise and the difference it will make in our community," Alexander continued. "Our community's accomplishment is truly a reason to celebrate!"

Campaign Highlights:

More than 1,500 volunteers played leadership roles in this year's campaign.
More than 700 companies participated in this year's campaign with employee campaigns and/or corporate gifts.
More than 40,000 people donated to this year's campaign.
The number of individuals making leadership gifts (contributions of $1,000 or more to United Way) reached nearly 4,000 in this year's campaign.
16 companies ran workplace campaigns for the first time, generating $29,616 in new dollars.

"The success of this year's campaign is a reflection of our community's belief that focusing on measurable outcomes to maximize impact is the right path to follow to build a better community," Alexander said. "Through United Way, we can address the bigger, deeper issues facing our community."

United Way's community priorities cover four areas that can most significantly change our community for the long term:

Our community must have a network of services to meet basic needs and provide crisis intervention
Young children must start school safe, healthy and ready to learn
Youth must graduate from high school prepared for success
Our citizens must be financially stable, with the ability to provide and care for themselves and their families

"The generosity shown by our community during this year's campaign will make it possible for us to continue the hard work of addressing these issues," continued Alexander. "By Living United, we will accomplish more than any single group can on its own."

Alexander closed by thanking the community for their ongoing support. "On behalf of United Way volunteers, the community partner agencies whose programs receive United Way funding, and the thousands of individuals and families who benefit from our community's caring and generosity, we thank you for your support of the issues that are most important to our community. Thank you for continuing to support your United Way."