
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, December 7, 1994                   TAG: 9412070134
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: LESLIE TAYLOR
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

UNITED WAY'S FUND-RAISING GOAL NEARLY ACCOMPLISHED

Three months after beginning its 1994 campaign, United Way of Roanoke Valley has raised $4.5 million, 93 percent of its campaign goal.

The campaign progress tally was announced Tuesday at a Jefferson Center reception to honor campaign volunteers.

"While the goal remains a way off, we stand a good chance of meeting it," said Robert Lawson, president of Crestar Bank and chairman of this year's campaign. "This is by no means our final total. There are still a number of campaigns yet to be completed."

Eleven "Pacesetter" organizations and companies jump-started the 1994 campaign this summer, raising $355,000 toward the $4.85 million goal. The campaign officially began in September.

Nearly 500 Roanoke Valley employers are conducting United Way campaigns; 15 are first-time efforts.

Lawson recognized three companies for outstanding campaign achievements. Advance Stores Co. Inc., First Union National Bank of Virginia and Transkrit were presented Chairman's Awards.

Lawson recognized Advance Stores for increasing employee giving by 51 percent and First Union for renewing its commitment to United Way and increasing employee giving by 16 percent.

Transkrit, conducting its first employee campaign this year, achieved 50 percent employee participation. The company also made a corporate gift of $5,000.

The United Way campaign will continue through the end of the year. Campaign results are expected to be announced in January.

by CNB