THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, July 11, 1996 TAG: 9607110374
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ELIZABETH THIEL, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: 44 lines
Hampton Roads' fastest-growing city has earned another dubious distinction.
Among the five area cities last year, Chesapeake had the lowest percentage of big contributions to the United Way of South Hampton Roads, which raises money for local charities.
Big contributors - those who gave $500 or more - made up 31.2 percent of all donations made by Chesapeake residents to the United Way. On average, big donors throughout the region gave 42 percent of total contributions.
United Way officials say money from more affluent donors is vital. In 1995, $3.5 million or 33 percent of the $10.5 million total collected came from large contributors.
Money the United Way raises is distributed to 69 local agencies, such as the American Red Cross, the YMCA and the Girl Scouts.
Arthur L. Collins, chairman of the United Way's leadership giving committee for Chesapeake, said he doesn't think city residents lack generosity.
``We'd prefer to believe that it's because Chesapeake is a new city, a growing city, where people have not been made aware of the needs,'' said Collins, who is the executive director of the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission.
Also, he said, the city has many new residents and business owners who might not feel strong ties to the community yet.
``I'm not blaming the community, but I am challenging the community,'' he said. ``We'd like to get to the regional average. I think Chesapeake can do that, should do that.''
Some of Chesapeake's largest employers already have big commitments to the United Way, among them Chesapeake General Hospital, Huntsman Chemical Corp., the city and the school system, said Lisa M. Dutcher, the United Way's director of fund-raising for the city.
Collins said he plans this year to target new and small businesses, professional groups, such as doctors and lawyers, and community leaders.
``This is an area where we think Chesapeake can rise to the occasion and at least be average,'' he said. ILLUSTRATION: Graphic
VP
UNITED WAY
[For complete graphic, please see microfilm] by CNB