United Way enters final push for $3.6M

United Way of the Ozarks is in the homestretch of its annual fund-raising campaign, the sole source of its operating expenses and agency allocations.

An Oct. 19 update breakfast revealed the latest tally: The campaign has raised nearly $2.7 million, or 74 percent, of its $3.6 million goal. Last year’s campaign met its $3.5 million goal.

Jim Jura, CEO and general manager of Associated Electric Cooperative Inc. and chairman of the 2006 campaign, said the charity is on track to hit its goal before the campaign ends Nov. 8.

“We’re about where we should be,” Jura said, “but we’re right in that critical period now, and I’m not allowing myself to be comfortable because so much is at stake.”

About 70 percent of funds in the campaign will come from “major gifts” – donations from companies and other organizations through individual fund-raising efforts. Another 20 percent is from corporate and foundation donations, and the remaining 10 percent comes from individuals.

United Way has received about $500,000 from its “pacesetter companies” – a group of about 20 companies that finish their campaigns early to help set the pace for everyone else.

“We’ve gotten some really good news from those that have already turned in their contributions, and we have some organizations participating for the first time,” Jura said. “Some of our pacesetters have increased their contributions at a rate beyond what we thought. So there are some positive things – but we’re not there yet.”

Though not a pacesetter company, Kraft Foods’ Springfield operation raised 6 percent more than the company’s $100,000 goal – a goal that Connie Easterly, administrative assistant for the Springfield operation, said was “a stretch.” Parent company Kraft Foods Inc. contributed $16,000 to the sum raised by the 1,100 Springfield employees.

“Kraft Foods-Springfield has partnered with the United Way for many years to support needs in our community,” Easterly said, adding that this year’s employee contributions included a video highlighting Kraft workers helping in the community and sharing testimonies for the various agencies that benefit from United Way funds.

‘Efficient way of giving’

There are 25 nonprofit United Way member agencies. United Way distributes the funds directly to agencies, such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Ozarks and The Salvation Army, but also has a say in how it is spent, allowing agencies to reduce the number of personnel needed to manage resources.

That structure is one aspect of United Way that Jura said makes it unique.

“One of the advantages we have is an orderly allocation that efficiently gets the money from the contributor to the need with very little overhead,” he said. “It’s a very efficient way of giving.”

That efficiency is one reason the employees of Interactive Hotel Solutions pushed for a payroll-deduction program to benefit United Way. Krystal Simon, IHS director of employee relations, said the employee enthusiasm came after many participated in United Way’s annual Day of Caring in August.

“Our employees were really excited about seeing their hard work pay off, and it made them want to get started in the campaign,” Simon said, adding that the company has raised about $4,200 through payroll deductions.

IHS also is participating in other activities, including penny jars and a chili cook-off, bringing the total estimated contribution to about $6,000.

“This was something that the employees felt strongly about, rather than a manager saying ‘We’re going to do this,’” she said. “It’s better that way – it gives them ownership of it, and they’re more committed to making a difference.”

Despite the progress toward its goal, Jura said United Way still struggles with getting its message to the public.

“My big concern is that we haven’t found a way to properly ask people,” he said. “If someone hasn’t been asked, all they have to do is contact the United Way. If they’re employed and their company is not involved, it would be nice if employees would even ask their employer.”

United Way of the Ozarks Pacesetter Companies

ACR Nally Communications Inc.

American Family Insurance

Associated Electric Cooperative

Associated Wholesale Grocers

Carol Jones, Realtors

City Utilities of Springfield

Commerce Bank

Empire Bank

FedEx Trade Networks

Great Southern Bank

JC Penney

Ozarks Technical Community College

Regions Bank

Southern Missouri Containers

Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce

Springfield News-Leader

The Signature Bank

United Way of the Ozarks & Member Agencies

Wal-Mart Stores Inc.