United Way reaches $1.6M on campaign trail

Last edited Oct. 22, 2010, at 2:40 p.m.

At its mid-campaign report breakfast Oct. 21, United Way of the Ozarks reported it has met almost half of its 2010 campaign goal.

Thus far, the nonprofit has reached $1.6 million, shy of its $3.5 million goal for the campaign, which encompasses September, October and November, said Cindy Howell, United Way vice president of resource development and marketing.

"We're extremely happy," she said. "We've got a lot of enthusiasm, a lot of momentum in the campaign."

At its midway point during the 2009 campaign, United Way had raised about $1.4 million of its $3.52 million goal. It ended up raising just short of $3.5 million, Howell said.

Funds raised through the United Way's annual campaign are invested directly into the 23 partner agencies of the organization, which provide health and human services programs for children, adults and families in Springfield and a 14-county region in southwest Missouri.

Final results will be tallied and announced in mid-December.

Howell said United Way expects to meet its 2010 $3.5 million goal.

"We see real positive attitude this year," she said, noting the importance of volunteer help with the campaign. "People feel that they're in a more positive place."