By Kathy Chaffin
kchaffin@salisburypost.comWith less than a week to go before the grand finale, the Rowan County United Way has just over 10 percent to go to meet this year’s $1,971,200 goal.
As of Wednesday, the United Way had raised $1,760,089 or 89.3 percent of the goal. United Way staff and volunteers decided to extend the grand finale by two weeks because so many campaigns were still ongoing into last Thursday’s original grand finale.
The car drawing was held as scheduled with Larry Johnson of Norandal USA selected as the winner from 12 finalists drawn at the kickoff and weekly report meetings.
The finale was rescheduled for noon on Nov. 19, at the Hanford-Dole Chapter of the American Red Cross at 1930 West Jake Alexander Blvd., where the United Way offices are located.
Jackie Harris, campaign/marketing director for the United Way, said the campaign is closer to meeting its goal than it was at this time last week. “I’m grateful to everyone who has given and for anyone who hasn’t, there’s still time,” she said. “We still have a week to go.”
Harris said the services provided by the United Way’s 16 agencies provide much needed services to Rowan County citizens, particularly in these challenging economic times. “I believe their programs may make the community a better place to live and work,” she said.
Three divisions have already exceeded their goals. The Miscellaneous division, which includes people who work outside the county and designate their pledges to the Rowan United Way, raised $81,009 or 135 percent of its $60,003 goal. Special Gifts raised $129,123 or 102.9 percent of its $125,426 goal; and Commercial 3 raised $76,928 or 106.3 percent of its $72,377 goal.
Other totals by division are as follows: Chairmans ó $453,470 or 90.6 percent of its goal; Commercial 1 ó $66,766 or 83.5 percent; Commercial 2 ó $80,077 or 94.4 percent; Community Business ó $6,307 or 74.2 percent;
Education ó $216,120 or 98.8 percent; Industrial 1 ó $75,556 or 75.3 percent; Industrial 2 ó $61,330 or 67.9 percent; Presidents ó $311,353 or 83 percent; Professionals ó $87,213 or 79.3 percent; and Public Employees ó $114,838 or 79.3 percent.
Anyone who would like to contribute to this year’s campaign may send checks written to the Rowan County United Way to P.O. Box 5065, Salisbury, N.C. 28144-0088.