$5.5-Million United Way Drive Begins

The United Way of Ventura County kicked off its fund-raising season Wednesday with a goal of $5.5 million, hoping to build on last year’s successful campaign that was the first in five years to meet its goal.

Priscilla Partridge de Garcia, who heads the charity’s fund-raising effort, said she was optimistic this year’s goal would be met too.

“I have every confidence that our $5.5-million goal will be reached this year,” she said. “Our volunteers and staff are an enthusiastic and dedicated group of people.”

Contributions to the United Way are funneled to 62 local agencies that serve Ventura County residents with dozens of social welfare offerings--including psychological counseling, provisions for food and shelter, and rehabilitation programs.

This year, programs addressing child abuse and neglect, juvenile delinquency and gang activity have been identified as priority issues.

The 1995-96 fund-raising target was set after evaluating the current state of Ventura County’s needs and past levels of giving, Partridge de Garcia said.

Although United Way of Ventura County has had difficulty reaching its monetary goals in the past, last year the goal of $5.35 million was met easily.

Part of the credit rests with a fund-raising strategy that split the county into several fund-raising districts.

“Each area of the county has its own personality and ambience,” said John Katch, who headed last year’s fund drive.

“By dividing the county up, we can draw in high-profile local people to head each area. People are more willing to offer their time and money when the know who they’re working with.”

Partridge de Garcia said she would stick with the strategy.

“It worked so well last time that we might as well use it again,” she said. “It really helps encourage participation.”

Another strategy recently developed is fostering friendly competition among community groups, Partridge de Garcia said.

“We’re trying to have hospitals and community colleges compete with each other in their fund-raising efforts,” she said.

Once again, the highlight of the fund drive is the Day of Caring--now in its seventh year--set for Sept. 30.

On that day volunteers are recruited to help local nonprofit agencies serve the needs of residents. Tasks include gardening, painting, bagging food, removing graffiti and many other odd jobs.

“Every year United Way pulls together this wonderful opportunity for volunteers and nonprofit agencies to come together,” said Tom Buford, who heads Day of Caring.

“Nonprofit organizations have a chance to save on overhead by having volunteers perform labor-intensive tasks.”

Oxnard Police Chief Harold Hurtt, who serves on the United Way’s board of directors, said the importance of giving should not be underestimated.

“Future generations will judge us by how well we take care of those in need,” Hurtt said. “It’s our responsibility to help others.”