Local News in Brief : Countywide : United Way Campaign Sets $19.2-Million Goal
The United Way of Orange County has set a fund-raising goal of $19.2 million during its annual campaign, about $2.5 million more than it collected last year, officials announced.
Charles R. Rinehart, president and chief executive officer of Avco Financial Services and chairman of the campaign, said the goal was attainable despite shortfalls in contributions the past three years. Last year’s campaign raised $16.7 million, $700,000 less than the goal.
Rinehart said Orange County has the potential to contribute more since it ranks below other United Ways around the country in per capita contributions. For example, he said, the greater Boston area, with the same population as Orange County, last year contributed more than double what was collected here.
The local United Way will emphasize the “hidden human services needs” provided by the 121 agencies that belong to the organization, Rinehart said.
United Way conducted studies indicating that 360,000 people in Orange County--16% of the population--are considered to be “health-care deprived” and do not receive basic medical care, he said.
Child abuse, homelessness and the plight of senior citizens also continue to be prime areas of concern for many United Way agencies, Rinehart said.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
