County United Way Sets Fund-Raising Goal of $5 Million

United Way of Ventura County kicked off its annual fund-raising campaign Friday by announcing a donation target of $5 million.

The goal is more modest than in recent years for several reasons, including concerns about a downturn in the national and local economies and an outpouring of giving on the national level prompted by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

“The next few months this organization probably faces the biggest challenge it has ever faced,” said David M. Smith, who takes over as the charity’s president on Oct. 8. “People are going to be out of work. Times are going to be tough, and no one knows for how long.”

Last year, the campaign’s fund-raising goal was $5.7 million, but officials revised the figure to $5.3 million when donations did not meet expectations. The charity ultimately collected $4.9 million through June 30, said Letitia Austin-Grant, director of marketing and communications.

The $5-million mark for the 2001-2002 campaign was based on the economy, employment figures and community needs, board member Dave Fowble said during a kickoff luncheon Friday. The event was attended by more than 100 representatives from local government, business and charitable groups, as well as gymnast and Olympic gold medalist Mitch Gaylord and former San Francisco 49er Barry Taylor.

That the fund-raising target remains at $5 million reflects hope that donors will overcome their fears about the near future, Smith said.

“There was a lot of discussion of the uncertainty that does exist right now,” he said. “There is a good deal of optimism that the people are going to understand that the local needs still exist.”

Although the terrorist attacks have prompted a dramatic amount of charitable donations nationwide, people should remember that area groups still need help, said Jason Smith, executive director of the Red Cross of Ventura County.

“It creates a tremendous opportunity,” he told the crowd. “Please spread the word that there is no more important time to give.”

This year, United Way plans to target more small businesses and individuals, while waging a more aggressive campaign to seek donations in east Ventura County, said David Smith, who will head the charity after a 35-year career in the newspaper business. He replaces Sheryl Wiley Solomon, who resigned this summer after three years to return to corporate public affairs and communications.

United Way of Ventura County provides money to 52 organizations, which in turn operate more than 100 programs and services. Some of the groups that rely on United Way include AIDS Project Ventura County, the Free Clinic of Simi Valley and several Boys & Girls clubs.

The 90-day campaign begins Monday, though the final tally will not be known until after June 30, 2002, the end of the agency’s fiscal year.

“The only way the needs and challenges are going to be met is with togetherness,” David Smith said.

FYI

* Fund-raising goals and totals for United Way Ventura County.

1996-1997 goal: $5.35 million, raised $5.356 million

1997-1998 goal: $5.7 million, raised $5.2 million

1998-1999 goal: $5.3 million, raised $5.385 million

1999-2000 goal: $5.4 million, raised $5.5 million

2000-2001 goal: $5.7 million, raised $4.9 million

2001-2002 goal: $5 million

Source: United Way of Ventura County