United Way Halfway to Its Goal
The United Way’s annual fund-raising campaign is on track to meet or even surpass a $5-million target in Ventura County, despite early concerns that donations to Sept. 11 relief efforts would fetter local contributions.
The agency has received about $2.5 million in pledges and donations from companies and individuals throughout the county since the campaign was launched Sept. 27, said Tina Dahlenburg, campaign chairwoman of United Way of Ventura County. The campaign ends June 30.
“We did see a bit of a downtrend in terms of the giving here,” Dahlenburg said, “but we’re optimistic about not only hitting our target but exceeding that $5-million number for this [year’s campaign].”
In the aftermath of Sept. 11, the agency collected $40,000 from local donors wanting to help relief efforts in New York. But United Way workers reminded local residents of charities closer to home.
“There was absolutely a sense of urgency to communicate to the community leaders and business owners there are needs in Ventura County that need the attention of the leaders in the community,” Dahlenburg said.
Several company campaigns are nearing completion, while others are just getting underway.
About 500 companies are participating in United Way’s local drive, according to the agency.
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