Campaign strives for ambitious goal

Walter Dukes called it a challenging but attainable goal.

The United Way of the CSRA's campaign chairman said the organization was set to raise $4.5 million this year to help the agency's 19 member organizations.

"It's an aggressive goal, but I know we can make it," Mr. Dukes said Monday at the organization's campaign kickoff.

About 600 people attended the event at the Bell Auditorium.

Jeff Spears, the United Way's board chairman, unveiled a new national United Way initiative called Live United.

"This is advocating common good to change systems to help us all," he said.

The focus of the initiative is to prevent common problems before they start. United Way supporters can do this by giving of their time, money and talent, he said.

Also important is advocating for issues such as quality education and health care, and volunteering is important to Live United.

"Give an hour; give a Saturday; give your best," he said.

The organization honored a woman who at 100 continues to give her best. Lucy Moore turned 100 on Aug. 21, and the longtime volunteer still helps out in the United Way office.

Many organizations and businesses have already begun their fundraising efforts. A $35,000 check from Procter & Gamble was presented at the kickoff; 17 companies, known as Pacesetters, have already held their campaigns.

Last year, the United Way raised $4.3 million.

The campaign will last about 11 weeks; the total raised will be announced at the annual meeting in February.

The United Way of the CSRA supports organizations such as the Salvation Army, Red Cross of Augusta and the Family Y.

Reach Charmain Z. Brackett at charmain.brackett@augustachronicle.com.