United Way Raises Record $88.3 Million

United Way of Los Angeles raised $88.3 million in this year’s campaign, the largest amount ever raised by the umbrella charity, it was announced Thursday.

The campaign, which began in October, fell just short of its ambitious $89-million goal. But the total raised was almost $5 million above last year’s figure, and $2.8 million above the previous record year, 1986. “This is great news . . . which will benefit from the vital human care services these funds support,” said George F. Moody, campaign chairman of the organization, which supports more than 350 local social service and health charities.

Traditionally, United Way looked to the largest local employers to provide most of the donations, but mergers, consolidations and labor problems have eroded that base in recent years. This year, officials sought new funding sources, including smaller companies and professional groups. Volunteers signed up 3,000 such groups and attracted 100,000 new individual contributors.

About $3 million was received from the Alexis de Tocqueville Society, a group of individual donors who give more than $10,000 annually. Corporate gifts accounted for $26 million, a 7.5% increase over last year, and employee donations were $58 million, up 6 %.

It was announced that James P. Miscoll, Bank of America executive vice president, will head next year’s campaign.