United Way sets $3.5 million 2009 campaign goal

United Way of the Ozarks will work to raise $3.515 million in its 2009 campaign, but agency officials understand that economic conditions may affect the process.

United Way announced its goal Wednesday, and the campaign will run through Oct. 31.

Campaign Chairman Maurice Henry said even with economic pressures, organizers believe the goal can be reached.

"We've done a great deal of advance work with our current donor base, as well as cultivating some companies that will run an employee campaign for the first time," he said in a news release. "This is a community that comes together and makes things happen, and this campaign will be no exception."

Community Foundation of the Ozarks has given United Way a $25,000 leadership challenge grant, in which any new leadership-level gifts of $500 or more will be matched.

"The United Way of the Ozarks campaign is always important to our community, and this year, it is more important than ever," said Community Foundation of the Ozarks President Gary Funk in the release. "Leadership gifts of $500 or more are key to the success of the United Way campaign, and we hope that a record number of people become leadership-level donors."

The organization is also holding a report breakfast Oct. 20, to update the community on the campaign's progress.

United Way of the Ozarks provides funding to more than 60 partner agencies, programs and initiatives in a 14-county area.