THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, December 1, 1994 TAG: 9412010502
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PATRICIA HUANG, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 71 lines
The scoreboard at Harbor Park on Wednesday night told of a different kind of victory.
Emblazoned above the field was the total for United Way of South Hampton Roads' annual campaign. The organization raised $15.3 million, exceeding its goal for the second year in a row, officials announced in a ceremony at the baseball stadium's restaurant.
As in 1993, expectations were lowered compared with previous years when campaign goals were set at $16 million and $17 million.
The United Way lowered its goal last year after the 1992 campaign fell about $1 million short of its $16.5 million goal. Officials blamed military downsizing, a slumping local economy and a scandal involving United Way of America's former president, William Aramony.
Aramony stepped down as president of the national organization in 1992 amid allegations of lavish spending and mismanagement.
``I think people know the difference now between United Way of America and United Way of South Hampton Roads,'' Michael Hughes, president of the local organization, said during the campaign-closing party. ``Now we're on an upswing. We're rebounding as the economy is rebounding.''
And volunteers this year came out in droves, he said. A record-breaking 1,500 South Hampton Roads workers participated in United Way's third annual Day of Caring, which kicked off the fund-raising campaign in September. The volunteers, from local companies and military communities, donated their day at several local United Way agencies.
Thirty-nine corporate executives, a higher number than usual, also participated as ``loaned executives,'' taking time off from their jobs to help implement United Way campaigns in business and government offices during the campaign.
To support 70 agencies and 180 local charities, United Way of South Hampton Roads raises money in three separate campaigns:
The United Way Campaign seeks local contributions largely through residents and employee payroll donations.
The Combined Federal Campaign targets civilian federal employees and active-duty military members.
The Combined Virginia Campaign solicits contributions from state employees.
About 88 percent of United Way's local funds come from employee payroll deductions. Most of the donations are designated for United Way agencies such as the YMCA, the Red Cross and the Salvation Army.
Undesignated funds, which make up about 40 percent of the $15.3 million total, are allocated where needed. Some agencies receive both designated and undesignated funds, but newer agencies such as CANDII House, a hospice and child-care facility for children with AIDS, receive money only when donors specifically allocate money to them.
Agencies will receive their share of money in July when the fiscal year begins. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by D. KEVIN ELLIOTT
United Way campaign chairman Dave Bernd, left, celebrates the close
of the 1994-95 campaign Wednesday with Beth Hughes and Max
Bartholomew at Harbor Park.
Staff graphic
Source: United Way
United Way Funds
Money raised throughout South Hampton Roads
For copy of graphic, see microfilm.
KEYWORDS: UNITED WAY DONATIONS CONTRIBUTIONS HAMPTON ROADS by CNB