United Way 2004: ‘Your Gift Matters’

The United Way of Douglas County will kick off its 2004-05 fund-raising campaign this month with the theme “Your Gift Matters.”

The campaign will begin Sept. 15 at the Dole Institute of Politics with an event to celebrate the organizations and businesses that have already raised money for this year’s campaign.

“Giving to the United Way is an efficient means of having a positive impact on our entire community,” said Todd Thompson, who is co-chair of this year’s campaign with his wife, Caprice.

“United Way funds help to meet a broad spectrum of needs in Douglas County. Whether it is providing day care and educational programs for at-risk children or providing food, clothing and shelter for victims of a tornado or fire, funds raised through the United Way make it possible for our social service agencies to meet those needs.”

An official announcement of what has been raised so far this year will be made at the Dole Institute, including contributions from the Rock Chalk Revue; KU’s on-campus United Way effort; and the Missouri Challenge, a student-run project to collect change at various events.

Diana Carlin, dean of the Graduate School and International Programs and chair of KU’s United Way drive, said the goal for the 2004-05 campaign was to surpass the amount raised last year and to increase the number of participants. Last year’s campaign raised $229,230 from 679 donors.

The United Way fund-raising campaign will continue through Nov. 19. Jo Bryant, director of Douglas County United Way, said money raised during this time would benefit 27 agencies in the area.